As-Needed Art Instructor(s)

The City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs has positions open for part-time (as-needed) Art Instructors. An Art Instructor collaborates with the supervising Director to research, design, coordinate, and implement arts programs that are responsive and representative of community input and staff expertise at events, art centers, galleries, and historic sites managed by the City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Art Instructors with the DCA are professionals with specializations in the visual/fine/crafts/performing arts such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, photography, video, film making, animation, mixed-media, dance, music, theater, musical theater, spoken word, poetry, puppetry, and performance art, and/or art education. Art Instructors with these specializations are essential to achieving the DCA mission of providing access to high quality, affordable arts education for Angelenos of all ages. Schedules are dependent on the needs of the program.

This position assists with researching, planning, and presenting multi-disciplinary arts education programming, including, but not limited to, program/workshop development and community activities for members of the public in both in-person and online formats. An Art Instructor applies current trends and best practices in Community Arts, Performing Arts, and Museum Education Programs to facilitate programming which fosters creative and critical thinking, cultivates an atmosphere conducive to artistic experimentation, and develops the talents and interests of artists, community members, and visitors through Department programs.

Seeking candidates with specializations in ceramics, performance, music, and multidisciplinary arts education.

Applicants with specialization in ceramics will:
● Design curriculum for ceramics-focused classes, field trips, and outreach programs ● Demonstrate various ceramic techniques with audiences of all backgrounds and experience levels ● Assist Ceramic lab technician in operation of kilns (electric and gas); assist in loading/unloading kilns ● Assist in maintaining and inventory of equipment, class materials, and ceramic studio

Applicants with specialization in multidisciplinary arts education will:
● Design curriculum for field trips and outreach using a wide range of media
● Demonstrate various visual arts techniques with audiences of all backgrounds and experience levels ● Assist in maintaining and inventory of equipment and studio materials

Applicants with specialization in performing arts will:
● Design curriculum for field trips and outreach using a wide range of performance techniques ● Demonstrate performance techniques with audiences of all backgrounds and experience levels ● Assist in maintaining and inventory of equipment and materials

Applicants with specialization in music will:
● Design curriculum for field trips and outreach using a wide range of instruments and techniques ● Demonstrate instrumentation techniques with audiences of all backgrounds and experience levels ● Assist in maintaining and inventory of equipment and materials

RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to)
● Researches, creates, organizes, and teaches age appropriate, multidisciplinary arts curricula and arts programming that engages creative experiences and practices, and which are founded in California Content Standards and current best practices in arts education;
● Teach children, youth, and/or adult classes and workshops representing the Department of Cultural Affairs at community partner facilities, including schools, medical centers, nonprofit organizations, youth service centers, senior citizen centers, and other local venues;
● Works as a team member with diverse groups, including community advisory groups. ● Assists the Director in the design of community input strategies and collaborates with organizations and individuals to develop inclusive and responsive arts programming; researches, coordinates, and cultivates partnership opportunities to foster creative and critical thinking;
● Plans, organizes, and leads approved field trips to private and public art and architecture exhibits, performances, and other culturally and artistically enriching experiences for students and families. ● Provide metrics and data collection, maintenance, assessment, and reporting on all participation; ● Reports to and maintains strong communication with Art Center Director and other administrative staff; ● Assists with ADA compliance;
● Abides by all City, Department, and Art Center protocols, policies and procedures

JOB CRITERIA
● Demonstrate experience in creating, managing, and coordinating arts and cultural programs in the public and/or private sector;
● Possess a strong commitment to DEAI (diversity, equity, access, and inclusion) practices; ● Encourage individual and group exploration of various techniques and processes ● Create a safe and enjoyable learning environment
● Have an interest in and knowledge of community arts service in Los Angeles;
● Have experience working directly with artists and other arts professionals;
● Employ exemplary time-management strategies;
● Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment with the ability to multitask;
● Maintain a professional disposition, positive attitude, and abide by City protocols; ● Have strong writing and interpersonal skills;
● Be proficient in Google Suite; Comfortable working with platforms such as Eventbrite and Asana ● Meet the requirement of having a California Driver’s License.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES: https://culture.lacity.gov/about/employment/

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
1. Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in the area of specialization, art history, architectural history, or art education; and/or
2. Two years full-time paid experience (or total of 4,160 compensated hours) instructing in the arts

Physical Requirements: Strength to perform average lifting up to 15 pounds and occasionally more than 25 pounds; arm, hand, and finger dexterity with at least one hand for manipulation of art media; good speaking and hearing ability; and good eyesight.
● Persons with medical limitations may, with reasonable accommodations, be capable of performing the duties.
● As provided in Civil Service Commission Rule 2.5 and Section 4.55 of the Administrative Code, this specification is descriptive, explanatory, and not restrictive. It is not intended to declare what the duties and responsibilities of any position shall be.

Salary: $35.28, hourly

Benefits: N/A

Education requirements: None.

Deadline to apply: January 17, 2025

Documents required to apply:

How to apply: All interested candidates should submit the following via email to lisa.s.davis@lacity.org by Friday, January 17, 2025, with the subject line: “Art Instructor (Part-time) – Community Arts Division:
● Resume with 2-3 references
● Completed City Application
● Sample Lesson Plan/Syllabus
● Art Portfolio (digital files or url links)