WORK WITH US
Teaching Opportunities
Call for Teaching Artists: Prison Arts Project
We are looking for professional, inspiring, and well-rounded Teaching Artists to instruct weekly classes at various sites throughout California. Artists best suited for a residency with the Prison Arts Project are ones with solid artistic and technical skills along with a unique personal vision demonstrated through original work and presentation.
Current teaching opportunities:
Visual Arts Teacher, High Desert State Prison, Susanville, CA.
Visual Arts & Mural making Teacher, San Quentin State Prison, San Quentin, CA.
HISTORY:
The William James Association began in 1973 to promote work service in the arts, environment, education, and community development. Since 1977, the William James Association’s Prison Arts Project has brought exceptional artists into prisons throughout California. Acting on the conviction that the fine arts enrich, heal and bring communities together, we seek to provide the most meaningful arts experiences possible. It is based on over four decades of engagement with thousands of men, women and youths in the justice system that we know art fosters hope & changes lives.
Under Arts in Corrections, a program of the California Arts Council with funding from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, WJA currently contracts with over 80 artists to offer programs in 14 California Prisons.
The Prison Arts Project focuses on hands-on workshops in the visual, literary, and performing arts taught inside CA State Correctional Facilities. We are seeking versatile, resourceful, reliable, and resilient artists who can work well in the unusual setting of a prison. Experience in teaching is desirable, preferably with adults. Previous work with prison populations is not required, but would be helpful. We provide paid training and support for teaching and navigating in prison.
In addition to the above, arts education and teaching experience are desirable and can be demonstrated through a history of consistent professional accomplishments and artistic standards as follows:
Visual Arts – Minimum 2 exhibitions per year over the last 3 years with reviews.
Literary – Regular publishing for the last 3 years with reviews.
Performing – Regular public performances for the last 3 years with reviews.
We consider a diverse set of educational experiences and job history to measure an applicants potential to be successful in this position.
COMPENSATION: Competitive pay rate.
Why Join William James Association
At William James Association, we offer more than just a job; we provide an opportunity to make a profound impact on individuals seeking transformation. When you join our team, you become part of a community dedicated to fostering change, healing, and artistic growth within the correctional system.
- Fulfilling Mission: Be a part of a mission-driven organization that brings hope and healing through the arts.
- Professional Growth: We support your professional development and offer opportunities for advancement.
- Inspiring Team: Join a team of dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference.
- Positive Workplace: Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion.
- Flexible Work Options: We offer flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance.
General Applications Details
Are you passionate about the power of the arts to transform lives? Do you believe in the potential for positive change, even within the walls of a correctional facility? If so, we invite you to join our dedicated team at William James Association.
We are excited to welcome individuals who share our commitment to providing hope, healing, and rehabilitation through artistic expression. To apply for a position with us, please follow these simple steps:
1. Explore Our Opportunities: Take a moment to review the available job openings listed below. Each position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our mission.
2. Prepare Your Application: Craft a compelling cover letter and resume that highlight your relevant skills, experience, and passion for our cause.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided on this Application page. Be sure to include all required information.
4. Submit Your Materials: Upload your cover letter, resume, and any additional documents requested for.
5. Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email once your application is successfully submitted. Our team will review your materials, and qualified candidates will be contacted for further steps.
Application Process:
- Complete the Artist Application form found on the Application page.
- Once your application is received with all requested materials (resume, website, work samples, class description, etc.) you’ll be notified via email of receipt of application.
- Once applications have been reviewed by a panel of professional artists in this field, you’ll be notified via email on the status of your application.
- If there are available positions and your skills and values are in alignment with the program needs you will be notified and an interview will be scheduled with program staff.