Artists in the Classroom (AIC) is our arts teaching residency program. It is the only multi-disciplinary arts residency program available to every K-8 school in the county, offering eight-week residencies in dance, music, poetry, visual and performing arts. Our professional artist educators have taught children of all ages. When a classroom teacher selects a residency, the teaching artist tailors the eight-week program to the appropriate grade level. Many instructors bring a multi-cultural and historical awareness to their lessons, helping students gain an understanding of their own and other cultures, past and present.

The fee for an eight-week residency is $575, payable to the Ventura County Arts Council. We secure additional funding to help pay for arts supplies not generally available in a school’s materials inventory and not included in the cost of the residency. VCAC is the Custodian of Records for our teaching artists. Each teacher carries personal liability insurance.

There is an open call to artist educators to apply to VCAC for an Artists in the Classroom teaching position. Arts teachers in all disciplines are encouraged to apply. For more information on the program, or to apply, please contact Artists in the Classroom coordinator Deby Tygell at education@vcartscouncil.org.

In 2014, the Ventura County Office of Education turned over administration of its Artists in the Classroom program to VCAC. A primary focus of our mission is increasing arts instruction in schools while striving for inclusivity. This is the only arts education program available to every K-8 school in the county. In year one, VCAC facilitated 112 artist residencies, a 40% increase over the previous year. In 2016, that number grew to 134, a 20% increase, serving 12 elementary schools in 8 county districts, 7 that were Title 1 schools. By 2019, over 225 residencies were serving over 3000 students.