The Artist in Residence Studio program, or AIRS, is an artist-led charity for providing equitable access to high-quality and socially relevant visual arts education for children in public elementary schools through long-term artist residencies. AIRS works in collaboration with the Vancouver School Board to create a studio space within a school and supports local, professional artists to design and facilitate dynamic, process based visual and interdisciplinary arts engagements for children across the whole school. AIRS awakens the creative and compassionate capacities of children empowering them to become transformers of their world.
AIRS Mentorship Program
The mentorship program is an incredible opportunity for artists to gain experience working in the context of a public elementary school. Successful applicants work with an experienced community-engaged teaching artist to develop and execute a 5-session project one day a week over five weeks, with 2-3 classes. The project includes a final exhibition/installation or performance on the last day. The residency includes an orientation session, multiple studio visits, and the chance to workshop their concept design with their mentor artist to fit an elementary school context. There are several mentorship opportunities available each year.
KPU Sponsored Mentorship Residency
AIRS is happy to award a mentorship residency sponsored by Kwantlen Polytechnic University to a distinguished alumni.