Position Title: Teaching Artist-Consultant

Reports to: Director, Community Participation Supports

FLSA Status: Part-Time Contracted Consultant

Summary

The Teaching Artist Consultant brings specialized professional expertise to the SpArc Cultural Arts Center. This role is designed for a practicing artist who can provide high-level instruction in a specific medium (e.g., Ceramics, Multimedia, Performance, or Music) while adapting their professional practice to be inclusive of artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

As a consultant, you are responsible for the "Artistic Vision" of your assigned sessions, ensuring that participants are not merely "doing crafts," but are engaging in a rigorous, dignified creative process that fosters a personal voice.

The SpArc "Artist-First" Philosophy is the belief that disability is not a barrier to artistic excellence. Our consultants are expected to challenge our participants, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in an inclusive studio setting.

Key Responsibilities

Consultative Scope of Work

1. Specialized Instruction & Curriculum

Curriculum Development: Design a specialized course syllabus (8-week, 12-week, or ongoing) that introduces professional techniques, history, and terminology in your specific medium.
Skill Adaptation: Consult with the program’s Clinical Team to adapt tools and methods for artists with physical or cognitive barriers (e.g., adaptive art tools or methods, simplified music notation, or sensory-friendly prompts).
Portfolio Development: Guide participants in selecting and refining their best work for exhibition, sale, or community display.

2. Collaborative Integration and Staff Mentorship:

Provide "best practice" demonstrations to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) on how to facilitate the creative process without over-assisting or compromising the participant’s artistic autonomy.

Required Qualifications

Professional Practice: A robust portfolio or resume reflecting an active professional practice in the arts.
Consulting Experience: Proven ability to work independently, manage a project timeline, and deliver curriculum-based results.
Inclusive Mindset: Deep empathy and the ability to view individuals with disabilities through the lens of their creative potential rather than their limitations.
Compliance Awareness: While a consultant, you must adhere to agency policies regarding confidentiality (HIPAA), safety, and the dignified treatment of all participants.

Contractual Terms

Schedule: This is a part-time, non-benefited consultancy. Typical schedules range from 10-15 hours per week.
Equipment: SpArc will provide basic studio space and standard materials; specialized consultant tools may be negotiated as part of the contract.
Clearances: Must pass all state-mandated background checks and child abuse clearances prior to beginning the contract.

Physical Environment/Working Conditions

Ability to work in a variety of environments, including open classrooms, office settings, and community locations. Physical capacity to support participants with mobility needs and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. (e.g., art supplies, equipment, or physical assistance). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Standards of client care are to be demonstrated in all interactions.

How to apply

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resumé to HR@sparcphilly.org, using "Teaching Artist-Consultant" as the subject line.

Please NO PHONE CALLS.

Curriculum Development: Design a specialized course syllabus (8-week, 12-week, or ongoing) that introduces professional techniques, history, and terminology in your specific medium.

Skill Adaptation: Consult with the program’s Clinical Team to adapt tools and methods for artists with physical or cognitive barriers (e.g., adaptive art tools or methods, simplified music notation, or sensory-friendly prompts).

Portfolio Development: Guide participants in selecting and refining their best work for exhibition, sale, or community display.

Professional Practice: A robust portfolio or resume reflecting an active professional practice in the arts.

Consulting Experience: Proven ability to work independently, manage a project timeline, and deliver curriculum-based results.

Inclusive Mindset: Deep empathy and the ability to view individuals with disabilities through the lens of their creative potential rather than their limitations.

Compliance Awareness: While a consultant, you must adhere to agency policies regarding confidentiality (HIPAA), safety, and the dignified treatment of all participants.

Schedule: This is a part-time, non-benefited consultancy. Typical schedules range from 10-15 hours per week.

Equipment: SpArc will provide basic studio space and standard materials; specialized consultant tools may be negotiated as part of the contract.

Clearances: Must pass all state-mandated background checks and child abuse clearances prior to beginning the contract.

Neurodiversity in the Workplace Partner Organizations