How to Book a Program + FAQ

Assembly performances inspire students with a live, interactive, and educational arts assembly performance by an Arts for Learning teaching artist or ensemble. Assemblies are a wonderful way to introduce students to new artistic disciplines and cultures-from Classical Ballet to Indian dance, Pantomime to Slam Poetry, American Roots music to African drumming.

Assemblies are 45 minutes with a maximum audience size of 250 students unless otherwise specified.

Artist-in-Residence programs engage students in creative, hands-on experiences through a series of in-depth classroom visits from teaching artists who work alongside educators and students. Many residencies are arts-integrated, connecting skills and concepts in the arts with those in math, literacy, science, and more—like exploring math and music by writing poetry with algebra terms or handcrafting a mural depicting your local ecosystem.

All residencies are skills- and curriculum-based and can be custom-designed to meet the specific needs of your students.

Residencies are tailored to your needs but usually include:
• A kick-off assembly (performing arts only)
• A required orientation meeting and planning session
• A set of workshops for classes of up to 25 students each
• A student culminating or sharing event
• An evaluation meeting

Typically, residencies range from $2,500 and up, but we can use your available budget and ‘work backward’ to create a cost-effective residency for your school. We may be able to assist you in securing grant and funding opportunities.

Workshops build upon an assembly performance by giving students the opportunity to experience a new art form during an additional hands-on session with the artist(s). Pricing ranges by the artist.

Many of our programs come with a free Teacher's Guide that contains classroom-ready activities and handouts to help teachers prepare their students for the program and extend learning once the program is over. The guides also identify which state standards (Common Core College and Career-Ready Standards) are addressed in the program.

We are committed to providing high-quality arts experiences and arts-integrated instruction that is accessible, supportive, and welcoming to children of all backgrounds and abilities.

All reasonable accommodations will be made. Please let your Program Coordinator know what accommodations are needed at the time of booking so that artists may be prepared to implement them prior to the program. Some examples of accommodations we have provided in the past include:

• preferential seating
• visual schedules
• language-adapted materials
• use of school-provided communication devices

Rescheduling or cancellation on the part of Arts for Learning or the artist due to illness, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances will entitle the school to either reschedule the event or use a substitute ensemble (subject to the ensemble's availability).

Reschedule Policy: A confirmed program rescheduled by the school/venue within 3 business days of the scheduled start date will be charged a fee equal to 50% of the program fee (minus travel costs) on the originally scheduled program start date.

General Cancellation Policy: A confirmed program canceled by the school/venue within 2 weeks of the scheduled start date will be charged a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the program fee (minus travel costs).

Residency Cancellation Policy: Please note that the orientation meeting is the start date of a residency program. In the event that a confirmed residency program is canceled by the school/venue AFTER the orientation meeting has taken place, the school/venue will be billed the entire cost of the residency (minus any unused travel).

Vis Major Policy: If a program is postponed due to an unforeseen circumstance, such as a weather-related or COVID-19-related closure, the school/venue contact must inform the Arts for Learning Representative at least 12 hours in advance, and Arts for Learning Maryland will work to reschedule a mutually convenient time. If 12 hours' notice is not given, the school/venue will be billed in full on the originally scheduled date.

For single-day, in-person programs, schools will be charged for mileage if the artist is based in a county different from the one in which the school is located. Travel distance is calculated from county seat to county seat, and the mileage fee is based on the Federal rate. Ensembles with three or more members will require additional travel costs. For residencies and other multi-day, in-person programs, mileage is calculated using the exact distance traveled door-to-door. Contact Arts for Learning to confirm a specific mileage fee. Depending on the distance traveled, overnight costs such as hotel and per diem may also be required.

We are dedicated to making arts-in-education experiences accessible to all students, schools, and communities, regardless of their resources. This means that we work hard to raise money and partner with other organizations to provide funding opportunities, discounts, and promotions. We are here to help and will work with your budget!

Learn more at artsforlearningmd.org/grants.

We provide volume discounts for school districts by coordinating block bookings or multi-day artist tours. Bring one of our talented artists to multiple schools in your district, and enjoy a discount!