Artist Requirements
Our work depends upon you, our artists. It is clear to us that our artists are SuperArtists.
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You lead professional-quality arts projects.
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You help NGOs educate and empower the people they serve more effectively.
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You inspire people to participate actively in the NGO's activities.
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You help communities lift their own voice--you spark dialog rather than imposing values. Never impose, always guide.
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You are a representative of both ArtCorps and the NGO in the community and keep a diary of your work.
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You are persistent and creatively overcome challenges.
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You may fall in love only if it keeps you there another year!
Past ArtCorps artists have achieved this by drawing upon existing skills, keeping an adventurous attitude towards things they have never done before, and having a fierce desire to develop new abilities. Click here for a full list of the skills we value.
Benefits
ArtCorps artists are unpaid volunteers. In appreciation, ArtCorps and your host NGO provide:
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international transportation
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food and lodging
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a stipend of approximately $1,300 to pay for art project expenses
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medical insurance
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training course in Guatemala of a few days where the artists get to know each other, form a supportive team, and have sessions with a former artist and a Peace Corps trainer
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a mid-year retreat with the other artists and ArtCorps staff, including transportation to the site and food and lodging during the retreat
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a minimum of one hour of internet per week if the host NGO has internet access in the office
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local transportation where possible, courtesy of the host NGO
The stipend for project expenses can be used to buy art materials, to pay for help from local artists, to throw a social for staff, parents of the participants, or other members of the community, etc.
Commitment
It is important (and mandatory) that you raise another $2,000 - $2,500 USD to cover various costs, which include:
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a small financial deposit to reserve your spot with ArtCorps, which we return at the end of your volunteer service
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visas or tourist cards and, if you do not obtain a year residence permit, a trip out of the country every 3 months to renew them
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food to supplement what the host NGO provides
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a few beers and meals out at restaurants
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an emergency reserve
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communication with your friends and family at home
To help you fundraise, we will send a letter confirming your participation in the program and a few ideas that have worked successfully for former artists.
