Trust Arts Education Residency Programs
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Arts Education K-12 Residency programs are all custom created for the school/community we are serving. Residencies are led by professional teaching artists, can be in any art form, and have no requirement either for number of days or minimum number of students served. We intentionally design our programming to be accessible to, respectful of, and inclusive for all learners, from all ages, cultures, abilities, and perspectives.
To participate, or for questions, call 412-471-6079 or email foster-shaner@trustarts.org. Or complete this brief interest form and we’ll follow up to discuss the details!
Arts Enrichment Residencies
Bring professional artists to share their craft with your students!
A unique opportunity for students to learn an art form from a professional artist in their community. Arts enrichment is especially useful for schools and after school programs that do not already have a permanent art or music teacher. In addition to learning an artistic craft, students will practice “soft” skills such as creativity, fine motor skills, social emotional learning, and collaboration.
We offer one-off workshops or residencies of 4-12(+) sessions. We can plan the workshop or residency experience around the needs and interests of your students. Timing is also flexible based on the days and times that work best for your teachers and students!
Current Offerings
Dance
A Carnival of Animals | Grades K-2
The Carnival of the Animals by Jack Prelutsky, music by Camille Saint-Saens will introduce children to the beauty of classical music. Each animal in the story moves to its own music and instruments. Children will march like a lion, swim and blow kisses like fish, use graceful arms like birds etc. By the end of the residency, children will be able to identify each piece of music that best exemplifies each animal. Finally, children will create a Carnival of the Animals on the last day, all while dancing out all the movements that were created throughout the residency.
Dance and Creative Movement | Grades K-12
This residency will provide students with a comprehensive exploration of dance and creative movement. Students will engage in activities to develop physicality, rhythm, musicality, creativity and collaboration. The students will also have an opportunity to develop their artistic skills, self-awareness and confidence.
Uniquely You: Discovering Dance Through Individuality | Grades 4-12
This residency focuses on exploring the elements of dance through a personalized and inclusive approach, allowing each learner to express their individuality. Students will engage with foundational dance concepts while creating their own movement sequences inspired by diverse styles and choreography. Through games, video clips, and guided discussions, they'll discover that dance is accessible to everyone, regardless of experience.
Multi-Disciplinary Art
Arte Latino | Grades K-4
This residency takes students on a hands-on journey through different Hispanic art forms. Students will learn an art style specific to each country as well as some of its background. Students will combine all their art into our final session exhibit to showcase.
Spoken Word Spoken Destiny | Grades 6-12
Spoken Word Spoken Destiny is an exercise and a practice. Students are guided through meditation, social emotional learning techniques, and will create a group dynamic meant to build the esteem of each participant as a spoken word artist and writer.
Music
Collaborative Music Making Toolkit | Grades K-12
In this residency, we will venture into a radically different approach that empowers Music teachers to create original ensemble repertoire on the spot. This Collaborative Music Making Toolkit will help Music, Band and Orchestra Teachers generate new music with each class that will perfectly respond to the skill level and musical taste of each individual student, with the added layer of ownership and belonging associated to any shared creative process.
Songwriting Lab | Grades K-12
This residency explores the poetry and songwriting of a few different artists as a jumping off point to having students create their own original songs that can then be performed individually or by a larger group. While infusing ELA learning into the music classroom, we are also getting in touch with each student’s self-expression through finding their individual authentic voice and using elements of melody, rhythm, and harmony to powerfully enhance their verbal expression through the composition of original songs.
Uke-Powered Original Song Writing | Grades 3-8
The Ukulele is the perfect starting point for any young wannabe singer/songwriter. It's easy to hold, easy to play, and there's lots one can do with it: chords, melodies, percussion, etc. In this workshop we will use the Ukulele as a key to unlock our musical creativity, regardless of any prior musical training, through the creation of original songs. Besides learning how to play the Ukulele, participants in this workshop will also explore different strategies and use a variety of tools for the creation of original lyrics, melodies, vocal harmonies and solid structures for their songs.
All Things Strings! | Grades 3-12
This residency places a violinist/violist with nearly 20 years of teaching experience in strings (violin, viola and cello) into existing string classrooms to support and augment the strings lessons that are already taking place. Specifically catering to instrumental teachers who need an extra hand or would like some fresh techniques or ideas on how to work individually, in small groups, and in large groups with string players from beginner to advanced. We can focus on technique, music reading, improvisational techniques, ear-training and ensemble skills.
Let's Sing Together: Intro to Vocals | Grades 3-5 or 9-12
The of this residency is to teach youth the importance of basic singing, and for them to be creative and passionate in their voices. They will learn the basics of technique such as voice and pitch, and we will go over different styles of music and genres of their liking, either individually or together as a class. The goal for the youth is to enjoy their singing and uniqueness of their own music.
Groove Through | Grades 4-6
Teaching Artist: Cam Chambers
This residency uses the history of African American music from early African drum circles to soul, jazz, blues, Motown and gospel to teach connectivity across genres. Students will find their sense of expression through different musical activities from drumming to singing and discover why certain styles and genres were so important for their time. Students will then create their own songs and perform them at the end of the residency.
Beyond Music | Grades 6-12
The sounds made by traditional musical instruments are just a tiny island in the world of sound. In this residency we will explore the musical potential of that wider world through the combination of deep listening exercises with the exploration of digital samplers and other sonic manipulation tools to create amazing original soundscapes from everyday sounds.
The AB(A)C of Music Production | Grades 6-12
Making something out of nothing is a really hard thing to do. The ABAC pattern is a centuries old trick that music composers/producers have been using to bypass that problem and make beautiful music. In this music making residency we will explore the potential of the ABAC pattern in endless ways: as the shape for a perfect melody, as the structure for an awesome beat, as the form for an entire song, etc.
Performing Arts
Act It Out | Grades 1-3
Blending a unique style of energy and fun while engaging in focused dramatic play, students will gain confidence as they are guided through the fundamentals of performing. Students will practice and exercise their memorization and creativity while working together as a team to develop and perform and original skit or play.
Once Upon a Scene | Grades 1-6
Grab your tickets because you’ve got the best seat in the house! This residency explores theatrical styles from all over the world, including the United Kingdom, Japan, India, Africa, and Spain. Students will learn about other cultures and examine and create stories, costumes, and props as if they were in these productions in different countries.
Theatre Worldwide | Grades 1-6
This residency implements the use of Improv in the world of storytelling. Using fairytales and other well-known children’s stories, students will learn how to create their own take on the stories through dramatic storytelling.
Visual Arts
Eco-Art Animals | Grades K-5
Teaching Artist: Allison Lento
Students will learn about endangered animal species while utilizing a variety of Eco-art supplies and techniques. Eco-artwork is a creative way to spread awareness about the importance of reusing and reimagining single-use items and protecting animal habitats.
Model Making with Eco Supplies | Grades K-8
Teaching Artist: Allison Lento
Make models and dioramas using a variety of Eco-art materials and techniques! This art form allows the imagination to soar and create animal habitats, robots, movie sets, or even your own community! Using cardboard attachment techniques, students will build 3D dioramas and decorate them to create amazing decor, playsets, or gifts!
Board Game Design with Eco-Art Methods | Grades K-8
Teaching Artist: Allison Lento
In this program, we will design a board game from scratch! Using the Eco-art principles of reimagining materials, we will utilize everyday items to design an original game board setting and game pieces. Work individually or collaboratively to write a rulebook including rewards and challenges for your game characters to face.
Collaborative Murals for the Community | Grades K-12
Create art that will have a lasting impact on the students in your care as well as the broader community. Working together with local artist Hannah Goforth, students will learn how to put together a mural or other art piece for display in their school or community. Not only will students be part of the planning process, but they will also take on the task of executing an artwork that is larger than life!
Introduction to Ceramics | Grades K-12
Does your school or community program lack the resources for providing ceramics for your students? With local artist Hannah Goforth, students will learn the basic techniques of hand building pottery and the process of firing pieces in a kiln.
Live Animal Drawing | Grades K-12
Teaching Artist: Allison Lento
Meet a live turtle! In this program, students will hone their drawing skills by studying a live model. Students will apply knowledge of 3D forms by studying a live model and replicating observations of shape, texture, and value into several illustrations.
Tiny Worlds, Big Dreams | Grades 1-4
This residency combines creative storytelling with art and design in order to create fanciful small worlds in two and three dimensions. Learners will explore how the concepts of scale and perspective influence how we see, think, and act by exploring books like Spot by Dave Wiesner and They All Saw Cat by Brian Wetzel as well as the wonderful world of miniature-making. While crafting small-scale secret cities, half-pint non-human hideaways, and more, learners will experience art as a portal to a tiny universe of big dreams!
Zine Scene | Grades 1-8
In this residency, students will use simple paper crafts to learn about story structures and character design. Students move from thumbnailing in mini-zines to full size booklets that can be copied and distributed. Students will design unique and effective characters and book covers. Students will be familiar with basic story structure and its application to their own ideas. Students will complete, reproduce and distribute their own six page booklet.
Nature Art | Grades 2-5
Nature Art brings an experienced Teaching Artist to your school to facilitate nature-based art experiences, regardless of where your school is located! The TA will utilize what nature there is in and around your school to inspire students’ connection to nature, to self-expression, and to encourage ethical stewardship of our home environments. Students will learn art-making techniques dating back 40,000 years and gain consequent hope and resilience in the face of changing climate realities, all the while growing as a group and having a blast making art!
Printmaking with Found Objects | Grades 2-8
Students will learn about printmaking and pattern by using found objects like leaves and Legos to create artwork.
Landscape Painting with Acrylics | Grades 3-12
Students will follow several guided painting sessions to observe and practice composition, painting technique, and color mixing skills. Then they will apply what they learned to their own paintings based on photos they choose or take themselves.
Make Your Mark | Grades 3-12
In “Make Your Mark”, students will be able to splash, spray, and scribble their way towards an exciting mural arts project! Week by week, basic visual art competencies will be developed in solo and group formats to strengthen connections to visual arts as a form of self and community expression. Looking to many inspirations - Jazz music, Pittsburgh artists like Andy Warhol and Romare Bearden, and the patterns of nature - campers will locate their own creative power and join forces to create something beautiful. In the process, SEL skills will be developed alongside technical visual art skills across 8-12 exciting weeks of programming. No permanent wall available to be painted on? No problem! Canvas can be hung to allow all students the unique opportunity of expressing themselves at scale.
CurioCity | Grades 4-6
Build a world from wonder! Students will tap into SEL skills to create community, discuss ground rules, and use materials such as LEGOs, wooden buildings, and recycled materials to build large skyscapes. Physics and maker-space, STEAM and curiosity meet at the perfect intersections.
Oh, Sew Fabulous! | Grades 4-8
Students will have fun getting their hands fuzzy as they learn the lifelong skill of hand sewing in a whimsical exploration of fibers, art, and nature. Students will individually create items for them to keep, which may include fabric hand puppets, nature inspired dyed fabric pillows, or stuffies created from their own artwork.
The Art of Self: Exploration through Portraiture | Grades 4-8
‘The Art of Self: Exploration Through Portraiture’ will foster self-expression, emotional exploration, and creative thinking in students through various introspective creations, leading up to a final self-portrait and resulting classroom gallery show. By incorporating elements of art and a variety of mediums, students will get to create their own self-portrait that represents them emotionally and develop their artistic voice and style. Students will explore their identities and develop unique artistic styles by experimenting with various mediums and techniques. There will be a balance between technical skills and personal expression, building both emotional intelligence and confidence in art skills.
Textiles Arts and Crafts | Grades 5-8
Teaching Artist: Imani Batts
This residency focuses on using fabric as a medium for visual art. Students will create art pieces by repurposing and redesigning textiles, learning about sustainability while exploring creative expression through fabric manipulation, collage, and mixed media techniques. The workshop encourages both artistic development and eco-consciousness.
The Potter's Wheel Adventure | Grades 5-12
This arts enrichment course is perfect for a school or organization with potter’s wheels on site, but no one to teach students how to utilize this magnificent tool. Local artist Hannah Goforth will guide students through the basics of creating thrown pieces of pottery and give students the opportunity to glaze their work to create fully functional artwork.
Block Printmaking | Grades 6-8
In this residency, students will learn about relief block printing by carving and printing their own designs. They will experience different block types such as clay, wood, and rubber, and print on different materials including paper and fabric.
Adapting Literature to Comics | Grades 6-12
Students will learn about sequential art (comics) and learn how to create their own short comic. This comic will be adapted from a work of literature of their choosing, allowing them to engage more closely with this work and to learn the skill of adaptation. Over the course of this class students will produce a 4-5 page comic that adapts a section of the work they choose (this can be contemporary literature or can be restricted to classic literature).
Upcycled Designs | Grades 6-12
Teaching Artist: Imani Batts
In this residency, students will learn how to transform old clothing and materials into new, creative pieces while promoting sustainability. Through hands-on projects and design challenges, participants will explore the environmental benefits of upcycling and develop practical skills in fashion design and innovation.
Fun with Fabric and Printed Images | Grades 7-12
Use a printed image from a photo or magazine to create your own stuffie ornament! In this workshop, participants will explore a process to transfer images on to fabric and embellish them with embroidery. Make a keepsake from magazine photos of pop icons, an important historical figure that has meaning to you, or a whimsical mash up animal that you create from your imagination!
Sustainable Fashion Education | Grades 9-12
Teaching Artist: Imani Batts
This sustainable fashion extensive educational residency old teaches students how to transform old clothing and materials into new, creative pieces while promoting sustainability. Through hands-on projects and design challenges, participants will explore the environmental benefits of upcycling and develop practical skills in fashion design and innovation.
Arts Integration Residencies
Collaborate with a Teaching Artist to combine a specific unit with an art form.
Arts Integration is an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form. Students engage in a creative process which connects an art form and another subject area and meets evolving objectives in both. - Kennedy Center
An Arts Integration Residency is between 4-12(+) sessions with a Trust Arts Education Teaching Artist, meeting once or twice a week and is meant for core academic content (collaborative, not competitive).
Research shows that arts integration practices foster deep learning of core academic content, encourage collaboration and creative problem solving, build social emotional learning, improve the classroom climate, and so much more!
Structure
- The classroom teacher identifies a unit, theme, or content area that will benefit from an arts integration approach.
- In planning sessions between Trust Arts staff, teaching artists, and classroom teachers, we connect the curriculum to an appropriate art form and identify the standards and objectives for both.
- Regular communication and professional development throughout.
- Final sharing optional but encouraged.
Examples of effective Arts Integration pairings
- Astronomy + Dance = Dancing with the Stars
- History/Social Studies + Photography = Bringing History to Life
- ELA + Theater = Adventures in Reader’s Theater
- Math + Visual Arts = Abstract Art Meets Linear Functions
We can work with you to identify the days and times that work best for your teachers and students.
Trust Arts Education Teaching Artists are all professional artists working in their fields and have extensive experience in and out of the classroom. We engage in regular professional development to keep up with current trends and best practices related to arts enrichment and arts integration.
OUR PROGRAMS WORK BEST WHEN:
- We collaborate with classroom teachers to plan residencies, rather than compete for precious classroom time. At the end of a residency, we hope that teachers will feel excited and empowered to incorporate the arts into their curriculum themselves.
- We engage with a school over a sustained period (2-3 years) to build buy-in and excitement with all grade levels and specialities.
- We offer arts integration professional development opportunities for teachers and administration to foster a learning community around the approach.
- We conduct regular assessments to understand the impact of our programs and how to improve them.
SOME OF OUR FOCUS AREAS:
- STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and design, and math)
- Social Emotional Learning
- Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
RATES
Our rates vary depending on the length and time of the residency, school location, and number of classes. The numbers provided give you an average to assist with planning. Funds are available to subsidize the cost of a workshop or residency, depending on school need and student demographics.
Average cost of an 8 session, in-school arts enrichment or arts integration residency:
One class: $900
Two classes: $1,400
Three classes: $1,950
Four classes: $2,500
Costs include all expenses related to the residency, including for travel and materials.