Muralists and Teaching Artists

About Groundswell:  

Groundswell Community Mural Project, Inc. is a NYC-based organization that brings together youth, artists, and community organizations to use art as a tool for social change, for a more just and equitable world. 

In 1996, a group of New York City artists, educators, and activists founded Groundswell with the belief that collaborative artmaking combines personal expression with the strength of community activism—and produces unique and powerful outcomes. 

Over twenty-five years later, 500 murals have been completed by Groundswell, working with youth and teaching artists in collaboration with hundreds of community-based organizations, neighborhood groups, and government agencies throughout New York City. The collaborative process behind these compelling artworks demonstrates our enduring belief that art creates community and community creates change. 

Our five hundred murals in all five boroughs are only the final product of comprehensive youth, community and artistic development initiatives. We strive to infuse these initiatives with elements of social justice and activism to amplify the individuals we interact with daily.  For more information, visit www.groundswell.nyc  

Job Brief: 

Groundswell is looking to expand our roster of Muralists -and- Teaching Artists to lead and support with a variety of arts-based projects. These include: after-school programs, in-school residencies, and community-based commissions. In general, applicants should possess the following: proficiency in art-based techniques and materials (mural arts, print-making, digital arts), dynamic facilitation skills, a commitment to an anti-oppressive approach, and (for Teaching Artists) experience working directly with youth. 

Teaching Artist Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement youth-centered curricula grounded in social justice, youth development, and artistic expression  
• Teach discrete visual art skills such as visual literacy, color theory, and painting techniques and help youth synthesize these skills towards project goals  
• Explore historical and contemporary connections between art-making and social justice 
• Support youth in their ability to use art as a tool to envision, communicate and influence change in their communities  
• Communicate with Groundswell Program Managers and Community/School Partners throughout program lifecycle 
• Execute a final showcase of student work (e.g. final mural fabrication, or youth mixed media art show) 

Muralist Responsibilities:  

• Engage in collaborative Community Partner conversations with a focus on public art, participatory input, and community building  
• Create thoughtful project work plans that reflect input from Community Partners   
• Fabricate large scale mural(s) based on the research of community topics and social justice themes gathered from Community Partner conversations  
• Support community members in seeing themselves as agents of change/central contributors to public discourse on social justice  
• Communicate with Groundswell Program Managers and Community Partners throughout program lifecycle 

 Summary of Qualifications:   

• BA or equivalent experience preferred (but not required)  
• Minimum 2 years teaching experience with young people (or related experience) for Teaching Artists  
• Strong communication, organizational and time-management skills   
• Excellent group facilitation, research, and public speaking skills   
• Mastery of Visual Arts discipline (mural arts, digital photo-video/illustration, printmaking/fine arts)   
• Experience with community organizing, community engagement and/or public art-making  

Additional notes:  

Artists must have flexible work schedules. Groundswell Teaching Artists and Muralists work on a contractual/freelance basis. These roles pay anywhere between $25-$75/hr, depending on the task and type(s) of work involved (examples include: Professional Development attendance, mural installation assistance, curriculum planning, facilitation/teaching).   

To apply go to: https://form.jotform.com/211515407250040