teaching artist residency 2026

Washington Square Park Conservancy (WSPC) offers a unique opportunity for artists to share their practice with the public this summer. Now in its third year, the objective of WSPC’s Teaching Artist Residency is to support teaching artists and engage the public through accessible and inclusive weekly programming under the shade of Washington Square Park’s trees.

The residency is a month-long engagement that will take place every Saturday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm in the park’s Scrabble Plaza. Each ‘class’ is two hours long with all material costs supported by WSPC. Teaching artists’ practice must be easily transferable to elements of outdoor teaching, public engagement, and need to accommodate walk-up participants. Previous artists have successfully executed plein air watercolor painting, collage, ink painting, mixed media, and drawing. The ideal residency candidate will have teaching experience and be comfortable working in a fast-paced and eclectic environment.

The teaching artist residency will be held in May, June, July, August, September and October. Each artist will teach four classes during their selected month. Months are offered on a first come, first serve basis, please note your scheduling preference in your application.