Can I choose my placement?

Due to the need to juggle the different needs of our NGO partners and different talents and interests of our artists in the best way possible, ArtCorps makes the final placement decisions. However, we invite you to share this important responsibility with us by telling us openly and honestly about your interests, strengths and weaknesses during the selection process. For additional information, see “What placements are available?” at the end of this FAQ section.

Does ArtCorps provide medical insurance?

Yes, all ArtCorps artists are covered by ArtCorps’ group medical insurance under the Atlas Group Travel plan. This insurance covers the cost of most medical services provided in Central America, including hospitalization and emergency evacuation. It does not cover pre-existing conditions, pregnancy-related services, plastic surgery, non-medical vision services, or injuries resulting from extreme sports. The Atlas Group Travel insurance is offered by the United States company HCC Medical Insurance Services. Full terms and conditions are available upon request.

May my partner travel with me?

Yes, it is usually possible for your partner to accompany you. However, ArtCorps can support only one person (artist) per placement. Your companion would be responsible for covering 100% of all travel, living and any other costs. He or she would be welcome to participate in most ArtCorps activities but would need to pay all associated costs. Also, the details of such an arrangement must be agreed upon with your host NGO in advance since ArtCorps artists are guests of the host NGO in the communities.

Does ArtCorps provide language training?

No, unfortunately ArtCorps is unable to provide or pay for language training. We do, however, encourage artists who are not native Spanish speakers to undertake immersion language study before participating in the program. We are happy to recommend affordable, high-quality immersion schools in Central America.

Does ArtCorps offer placements that are shorter than one year?

No, ArtCorps does not currently offer any opportunities that are shorter than one year. The artists and NGOs who have participated in our program recommend strongly that one year is the minimum amount of time needed for an artist to integrate into the new culture, community and NGO, to establish effective working and personal relationships, and to accomplish significant goals.

Does ArtCorps offer placements beginning in July, August or September?

Currently, all of ArtCorps’ regular placements begin in January. At times, unforeseen opportunities do arise at other moments during the year. To fill those opportunities, we consider any artists who are already in the midst of the application process and may send out special announcements to advertise the opportunities to additional artists.

What if I need to come home in the middle of the year?

Short visits
If a temporary health or family emergency arises, ArtCorps will make every effort to ensure a smooth trip home and a smooth return to your community. Non-emergency trips may be scheduled only every three months when you need to renew the stamp in your passport since constant travels away from your community disrupt your relationships and work. We generally discourage non-emergency visits home because they can cause additional culture shock, although there are times when the benefits outweigh the costs.

Permanent withdrawal
Permanent withdrawal from the program causes significant hardship for the communities that we aim to serve as well as for your host NGO and ArtCorps. It reinforces a historical pattern of broken trust and cynicism between communities and development programs.

If an emergency or undue hardship requires your permanent withdrawal from the program, we will work with utmost compassion to ensure your smooth exit. In this case, you will forfeit your deposit but will not be required to reimburse funds used during your time with the program. If you withdraw for reasons other than an emergency or undue hardship, you will be required to reimburse all funds received in addition to forfeiting your deposit, unless otherwise agreed with your host NGO and ArtCorps.

What placements are available?

For 2013, we expect to have two placements available - one in Guatemala and one in El Salvador.

Still have questions? Contact info@artcorp.org or +1 978-998-7995.

Program Requirements

Program Information

Application Instructions and Deadlines