The Bascom's Education Fellowships offer disciplined artists and educators opportunities to take on significant responsibilities that further themselves as art professionals. Benefits include housing, studio access, teaching opportunities, potential for exhibition and more.
Why The Bascom?
Natural Inspiration
Since moving to our campus in 2009, artists from around the world have discovered that The Bascom grounds are a ceaselessly inspiring environment for studio and instructional practice. Artists have access to 6-acres of stone amphitheaters, a creekside pavilion, the Winkler Sculpture and Nature Trail system, a corncrib, multiple exhibition spaces, and studios with a rustic barnwood aesthetic.
A Different Type of Residency
The Bascom’s Resident Artists are critical members of our team. We entrust them with real responsibilities that uphold the mission of our organization. Residents must be disciplined, hard workers who are able to tackle a broad range of projects that will prepare them for a career in the arts.
Well-Rounded Work Experience
- Curriculum Design
- Instruction for All Ages
- Studio Management
- Equipment Training
- Public Presentations
- Community Service
- Volunteerism
- Pop-Up Exhibition Installation
- Artist Statement and Portfolio Development
- Professional Development
Support
Department heads regularly meet with Resident Artists to evaluate the residents’ performance, provide feedback, set project goals, find local and regional opportunities for the residents' benefit, and give positive reinforcement.
Current Openings
The Bascom is currently accepting inquiries and applications for the following opportunities:
Education Fellowship
Paid Teaching Opportunities for Artists:
The Bascom Education Fellowship
We are not currently seeking applications for this position.
Are you planning for a career in the arts or art education? Gain valuable teaching experiences while providing art experiences for community after-school programs in Macon and Jackson counties. Start transforming lives today.
Paid Teaching Opportunities for Artists
The Bascom’s Education Fellows are critical members of our team. They are given job responsibilities that uphold the mission of our organization and prepare them for careers in the arts. Education Fellows must be disciplined, hard workers with teaching experience who are able to tackle a broad range of assignments.
The Education Fellowship is a 2 – 3 month summer position (flexible dates upon approval) under the supervision of the Director of Education and Outreach. First and foremost, the Education Fellow is Lead Instructor for youth summer art programs at The Bascom during our busy summer season (June – August). The instructor also designs self-guided museum activities for the public, and supports other public programs with youth and adults.
Why The Bascom?
Believing that creative expression transforms our lives, The Bascom is committed to providing life enriching experiences through diverse exhibitions; comprehensive arts education and public programs; support for regional artists; and strategic partnerships facilitating cultural and economic development in the Highlands-Cashiers community.
The Bascom Art Center’s grounds are a ceaselessly inspiring environment for instructional, studio, and exhibition practices. The 6-acre campus features outdoor stone amphitheaters, a creek-side pavilion, a sculpture and nature trail, multiple galleries, and art studios with a rustic barn wood aesthetic. The Western Carolina region is rich with mountainous landscapes to which traditional and contemporary artists and craftspeople gravitate for inspiration.
Please note that Highlands, NC is a beautiful small town located in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains at 4,200 feet of elevation. Highlanders cherish the remoteness that makes this area so special. Cellular service is limited in areas, roads are steep and curvy, and the weather can be unpredictable. It is important to research or visit the area to familiarize yourself with the setting that makes The Bascom and Highlands such a unique destination.
Weekly Commitment
The Education Fellow commits to instruction, planning, and departmental support Tuesday – Saturday not to exceed 20 hours per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and instruct curricula – Ages 7 - 12, continuing adults, and senior citizens
- Design and instruct 5 STEAM based, multi-day summer programs for youth ages 7 – 12
- Teach private lessons in drawing, painting, and mixed-media
- Curate student exhibits in the Eckerd Children’s Gallery
- Design interactive art activities for the public in the Eckerd Children’s Gallery and The Bascom SmArt Space
- Manage Hughes Studio (organize, clean, keep inventory)
Teaching Methods
The Education Fellow will use a variety of teaching methods and new media to stimulate and keep the attention of students, such as: teacher demonstrations, gallery and sculpture trail tours, individual and collaborative group projects, cross-disciplinary lessons, guided discussions about famous artworks, brief videos, and slide presentations.
Benefits
- $1,200.00 per month stipend paid bi-weekly
- Marketing and promotion of your work as an Education Fellow
- Professional development opportunities
- Studio space on The Bascom campus. Fellows are responsible for all materials and equipment required for personal studio work.
- Mileage reimbursement for off-site teaching. PERSONAL VEHICLE REQUIRED
- Exhibition opportunity in the Education Gallery upon approval.
To Apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Submit ALL below materials together (for example, send only 1 email, 1 compressed file, 1 file transfer, or 1 disk).
Please submit:
- Cover letter expressing your interest in the position and teaching philosophy
- Résumé or CV
- 10 images of your personal artwork with image inventory.
- Title
- Year
- Medium
- Dimensions
- 3 sample lesson plans
- 2 professional reference letters, or contact info for 2 professional references
Submit Applications to:
Billy Love, Deputy Executive Director
The Bascom : A Center for the Visual Arts
323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741
For Questions: Email
Photography Residency
Photography Artist in Residence Spring 2025
Time Frame
- Term: Spring 2025
- Duration: February 21 -April 27, 2025 (Flexible dates upon approval)
- Exhibition Dates: April 26 - August 16, 2025
Residency Responsibilities
- Create work for exhibition
- Create photography focused interactive presentation for local middle/high school school students
- Present artist talk during the exhibition
- Present portfolio at monthly Bascom Photography Club meeting
Residency Access & Benefits
- Free housing
- $2,500 stipend
- Solo exhibition opportunity in The Joel Gallery (April 26 – August 16, 2025)
- 24 hour access to private workspace, Epson P800 Printer, studio lighting and Epson V600 Scanner. Residents are encouraged to bring their own equipment. (NOTE: The Bascom does not have a darkroom)
- Marketing and promotion of your development as a resident
- Representation in The Bascom’s shop and Atrium retail space.
Application Deadline & Requirements
Deadline: December 31, 2024
Requirements:*
- Cover letter describing your interest in the Bascom Residency Program
- Artist Statement (less than 300 words)
- Resume or CV15 numbered high-resolution images (accepting jpg, tif, pdf, email, or through DropBox, Hightail, etc.*)
- inventory (docx or pdf) with Title, Year, Medium, Dimensions
- Two professional references with contact information
- Application Deadline: December 31, 2024
Submit your application materials or any questions you might have to:
Billy Love, Deputy Executive Director
*Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Download a copy of the call by clicking here.
Winter Resident Artist Program
Winter Resident Artist Program:
Winter Break Opportunity for Students and Faculty
Time Frame
- Term: December 6, 2024 - January 19, 2025
Program Opportunities
- Solo exhibition on display from January 18 - May 10, 2025
- Public reception
- Free housing
- $1,000 in supplies
- 24-Hour studio access
- Marketing and promotion of residency experience
Application Deadline & Requirements
Deadline: October 31, 2024
Requirements:
• Cover letter with: statement of interest/project proposal
• Artist statement - less than 300 words
• Resume or CV
• 10-15 numbered highresolution images of your work
• Image inventory with: Title/year/medium/dimensions
• Contact info for 2 professional references
Submit your application materials or any questions you might have to:
Billy Love, Deputy Executive Director
*Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Download a copy of the Call for Applications
