Artist Training Program

joy for seniors

professional development residency

for artists and creatives

The Joy for Seniors Professional Development Residency is a 15-week hands-on training program for artists and creatives to gain skills and experience planning and leading arts activities for seniors and older adults with disabilities.

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Artists are selected through an open application process to participate in the program and receive the following benefits:

hands-on group training sessions from experts in the fields of arts, education, and social work,
ongoing individual guidance from mentors who specialize in working with older adults,
guided in-person teaching opportunities to plan and lead activities for seniors and older adults with disabilities,
$1500 stipend and Certificate of Completion documenting professional development hours upon successful completion of the program.

ELIGIBILITY

Artists, crafters, arts educators, and creatives ages 18+ with experience working in physical 2-D and 3-D visual arts mediums are eligible to apply. Selected participants must be able to attend program activities in person in Austin, Texas, during the residency period.

PROGRAM PERIOD

The Joy for Seniors program hosts two professional development cohorts each year.

Fall/Winter Session: October through February
Applications open September 29. Apply by October 13.

Spring/Summer Session: April through August
Applications open in March.

Apply for Fall/Winter Residency

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to the professional development residency?

Any adult artist, crafter, creative, or arts educator with experience working in physical 2-D and/or 3-D visual arts mediums is eligible to apply. Prior experience teaching or leading activities for seniors and older adults is not required.

Selected participants must be adults (age 18+) and submit to employment verification and a background check prior to the start of the program. Selected participants must be able to attend program activities in person in Austin, TX.

I've never worked with seniors. Can I still apply?

Absolutely! The program is designed to empower artists with the skills and knowledge to develop activities that are tailored and accessible to the needs of seniors.

Is this a paid opportunity? How much?

Participants will receive a $1500 stipend upon successful completion of the program.

When and where are the program activities scheduled?

Selected participants must be able to attend program activities in person in Austin, TX.

Weekly Arts Classes:
Program participants will be assigned a program location (in Austin) to lead weekly 90-minute group arts classes for seniors. Class times depend on the needs of selected partner facilities, but are typically scheduled on weekdays between 10a and 4p.

Training Sessions:
Program participants will meet with other artists and mentors for live training sessions every two weeks. Meeting times will be determined according to cohort availability.

Weekend Events:
Program participants will be assigned to participate in at least two public weekend events benefiting local seniors and assist with planning and execution of a concluding community showcase event for senior participants at their assigned facility. Weekend events are typically conducted on Saturdays between 10am and 4pm. Dates will be determined according to program needs.

Will I need to provide supplies?

No. We will work with you to plan lessons and ensure necessary supplies are provided.

Will I need to undergo a background check?

Yes, we require all program participants to undergo a background check before they can begin working with seniors.

FALL/WINTER 2025 APPLICATION