Teaching Artists Coming Together

On Friday, November 12, Youth in Arts, Art Works Downtown and Marin Arts Council will host the first-ever Teaching Artist Organized (TAO) gathering in the North Bay. Join the community for an Art Walk at 5pm starting at Art Works Downtown, 1325-1337 4th Street, and then continue on to the Marin Arts Council, 906 4th Street, 6 to 7pm for a conversation with TAO leadership and other TAO-ists.  A special invite to North Bay teaching artists, arts council folks and arts providers.
TAO is a collaborative of organizations and individuals committed to the professionalization of the unique and emerging field of artist educators. Guided by their members and advisors, TAO offers services and support to address the overarching challenges of the field: working to be recognized as equally valued peers with education and community partners; meeting the logistical challenges of working in the field; and supporting and celebrating the creative practice inherent in teaching artist’s work.
TAO was established by a group of arts and education organizations in 2004–Cal Shakes, Berkeley Rep, Creative Education Institute (formerly at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts), Theatre Bay Area, Dancers Group, Community Network for Youth Development, and a group of individual artists. With fiscal sponsorship from Community Initiatives, they began operating as a not-for-profit advisory in 2008 and now, in 2010, they have their first regular staff members and a leadership executive committee moving them forward.
We at Youth in Arts are proud to co-host this first-ever North Bay event: a wonderful opportunity for artists, educators, and community members to come together and share and inspire. We hope to see you there!