Artist Training Program

joy for seniors

professional development residency

for artists and creatives

The Joy for Seniors Professional Development Residency is a 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,
$250 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 four cohort cycles each year. Applications for the Fall/Winter sessions open in September, and applications for the Spring/Summer sessions open in March.

Fall Session: October to mid-December

Winter Session: January to mid-March

Spring Session: April through May

Summer Session: June to mid-August

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2025-26 Resident Artist Cohort

Pictured left to right: Kristine Corona (Resident Artist), Monica Sanchez (Resident Artist), Marga Garza (Resident Artist), Roshan Manjunath (Executive Director), Myranda Harris (Program Director), Sridevi Kalimishetty (Resident Artist), Kirti Sinha (Resident Artist). not pictured: Courtney Tulig (Resident Artist)

Congratulations to our 2025-26 Resident Artist Cohort!

We are excited to celebrate our 2025-26 Resident Artist Cohort as they wrap up their journey in the Joy for Seniors Professional Development Residency Program.

For the past year, these individuals have been part of an inspiring journey designed to strengthen their impact in the community using the arts as a platform for wellness and human connection. Bringing their artistic specializations into low-income nursing home locations across the city, these artists impacted the lives of more than 500 disabled older adults in the Austin area. The program culminated in the Joy at the Capitol exhibition of participant work at the Texas State Capitol in August 2026.

See some of their work in the program on our social media channels @givejoyforseniors.

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+), submit to employment verification and a background check prior to the start of the program, and 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 and older adults.

Is this a paid opportunity? How much?

Participants will receive a $250 stipend upon successful completion of the program to offset personal costs (such as transportation). This is an intensive training program on par with a graduate-level seminar. In any other context, the institution would charge instructional fees for this level of hands-on training, one-on-one mentorship, and structured in-person teaching opportunities.

When and where are the program activities scheduled?

Selected participants must be able to attend program activities in person in Austin, TX, for the duration of the program. Each cohort runs for eight weeks.

Weekly Arts Classes:
Program participants will be assigned a program location (in Austin) to lead and/or assist with 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.

Showcase Events:
At the end of the 8-week session, program participants will participate in a concluding community showcase event at their assigned facility. Dates and times will be determined according to program needs.

Annual Exhibition:
All resident artists are invited to be a part of the annual public exhibition featuring artwork that has been created throughout the year. Dates and location will be determined, but this is typically held in August of each year at a prominent public space, such as the Texas State Capitol.

What is the time commitment for this program?

The program runs for 8 weeks, with an average time commitment between 4 to 6 hours each week. Commitments include leading or assisting with one 90-min arts class each week, attending 60- to 90-minute training sessions every other week, and assisting with the onsite community showcase at the assigned facility.

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.

2025-2026 APPLICATIONs are closed