The VSAM Artist Residency Program employs a culturally diverse group of approximately 30 Massachusetts artists for individually designed residencies across the state that utilize ideas from visual and performing arts disciplines to support students of many skill levels in addressing curriculum goals and building relationships with caring adults in schools. All artist residencies foster the achievement of high standards while supporting the inclusion of students with disabilities. We have programs in over 90 classrooms serving nearly 3,000 students in 10 communities from Pittsfield to Salem, including extensive projects in Worcester and Boston. VSAM partners with schools to design residency experiencies that address the various needs of the school while promoting inclusion of students with special needs through the arts. To learn more about how our artists work in schools read below.

How do VSAM Residencies work?

WHO STARTS THE PROCESS? Generally a need is identified in the school and the principal will contact VSAM to dicuss the specifics of how we can partner to provide more inclusive learning experiences for their students. Together we design a program that best addresses the needs of the students and teachers.

WHERE? VSAM trains artists to work shoulder-to-shoulder with teachers in their classrooms, helping them to integrate the arts into their curriculum and helping students find new ways to access what they are taught. We partner with schools throughout Massachusetts and provide intensive programs in schools located in Boston and Worcester.

HOW LONG? VSAM residencies vary in duration and range from one-time short programs
(8 - 12 weeks) to yearlong programs, depending on the interest of the school, artist availability and funding.

HOW ARE RESIDENCIES FUNDED? VSAM partners with schools that wish to host residencies to combine funds from VSAM grants and school funding to pay for the program. The cost varies depending on the duration of the residency and artists' fees.

WHAT ART FORMS ARE AVAILABLE? We offer residencies in both the visual and performing arts, including theater, movement/dance, music, painting, drawing, ceramics, mural-making, weaving, storytelling, puppetry, etc.