How to Make an Artist in Residence Successful in Schools: An Interview with Brooke Porter

Artist in residence programs are becoming more common in schools, yet they can all be very different at each school and depending on the artist as well. Let me introduce you to a highly experienced art teacher, Brooke Porter who has been teaching for 22 years and Head of Arts for 5 years and know's firsthand how these residencies can transform the classroom experience. Not only do students gain hands on experiences, but the entire school community is introduced to the artist and process.

I first met Brooke when I did a year-long residency at Wilderness School and we have stayed in contact ever since. I asked her to share her insights to my blog post What is an Artist in Residence? and her thoughts were so detailed I thought they really deserve a full blog post!

*Brooke Porter experimenting with aerosol during Leah Grant’s residency.*

1. Why Bring an Artist-in-Residence to Your School?

Let’s start with the basics. Why bother with an Artist-in-Residence program? For Brooke, the answer’s simple: it’s all about giving students real-life, relevant learning experiences.

"There is substantial research highlighting the benefits of real-life, relevant curriculum and learning experiences for students in schools," Brooke explains. Coming from a school that’s been running a school funded Artist in Residence program since the 1980s, she’s seen how it brings students face-to-face with working professionals, allowing them to experience the creative process and ask questions.

Brooke is also a firm believer in shifting students' perceptions of art from something they only encounter in the classroom to something that’s alive and breathing in the world around them. "I remain committed to shifting students’ perspectives and understanding of the role of art and artists in our communities," she shares. By exposing them to a variety of artists, Brooke hopes students realise that their own creative thinking can help shape the future of artistic culture.

*Students at Wilderness School install a mural on their cabin wall during Leah Grant’s residency.*

2. Choosing the Right Artist: It’s All About Fit

Choosing the right artist for a residency is key, but it’s not just about picking someone with impressive credentials. According to Brooke, experience with teaching and public speaking makes a world of difference.

"Artists who had experience running workshops or a background in education were often more successful in residency programs. This was largely because they already had skills in public speaking and in engaging others in the teaching and learning process."

When artists can engage with students beyond the artwork itself, when they can explain their process, share personal stories, and teach practical techniques, students can make more meaningful connections to both the work and the artist.

It’s also important that the artist’s work aligns with what students need or want to learn. For example, Brooke often selected artists whose styles or media weren’t already covered in the curriculum, allowing students to try something new and expand their creative horizons.

*Brooke Porter works collaboratively with students.*

3. The Magic Happens When Students Get Hands-On

One of the best things about residencies is that they offer students the chance to engage directly with the artist’s process. Brooke has noticed a clear shift in how students engage when they’re able to observe an artist at work and apply new skills in their own projects.

"Overall, student engagement improved in residencies where they were able to observe an artist at work and apply practical skills in their own making," she says. This direct, hands-on approach often gets students more excited about creating their own art, especially when they see the artist’s journey from inspiration to final piece.

Brooke found that the most successful residencies combined an artist talk with practical activities. "While the artist talk remained an important element of the process, it proved far more engaging when connected to a practical activity rather than delivered as a stand-alone presentation." It’s this mix of inspiration and action that really captivates students and keeps them engaged throughout the residency.

*Students at Wilderness School paint a mural with Leah Grant on their cabin wall.*

4. Benefits Aren’t Just for the Students

While students are clearly the stars of the show, residencies don’t just benefit them. For Brooke, one of the most rewarding parts was seeing the positive impact on the staff involved.

"The residency program has also strengthened connections between staff. Arranging a residency within an art department is a highly collaborative venture, and I have found it has significantly developed collegiality and trust within my teams.

For Brooke and her team, the residency program also enhanced their own practice as artists and educators. "It has enriched our private practices, developed our techniques and skills, and introduced us to a range of media that we might not otherwise have been exposed to or had the time to explore."

*Brooke Porter with students at Wilderness School and artist in residence; Myarn Alden.*

5. What Makes a Successful Residency? It’s All in the Planning

As you might expect, a successful residency doesn’t just happen by chance. A little preparation goes a long way. Brooke’s advice? Start with a clear plan and open communication.

"I believe it is important to begin a residency with a planned schedule and a general idea of what you would like to see happen, shaped around the artist’s practice."

This means knowing your goals, setting expectations, and making sure everyone, teachers, students, and artists, are on the same page. Another key piece of advice is to give the artist a designated space to work and teach. "Ensuring the artist has a designated workspace, and where possible consolidating classes into one area, allows them to work consistently in the same space with students."

And finally, transparency is key. Brooke encourages teachers to collaborate with the artist to make sure the residency fits seamlessly into the curriculum and adds value to what students are already learning.

6. Pro Tips: Advice for Schools Thinking About Hosting an Artist-in-Residence

Before you start reaching out to artists, here’s some advice from Brooke to ensure your residency is a hit:

Be transparent about your vision: Have a clear plan, but be flexible and willing to adjust based on the artist’s expertise.
Engage staff in the process: Involve your team in planning and make sure their ideas are heard. Collaborative planning leads to better outcomes.
Create a trusting, supportive environment: When artists feel respected and supported by the school community, it leads to stronger partnerships and more meaningful interactions with students.

*Mural Installation with Wilderness School Year 9 students. Supported by Leah Grant 2023.*

Artist-in-Residence programs are more than just a fun extracurricular. They’re an opportunity to bring real-world art practice into the classroom, enrich students’ learning experiences, and create lasting impacts on both students and staff. Brooke’s experience shows us that with the right planning and collaboration, these residencies can be a game-changer for your school’s art program.

So, whether you're an art teacher, a school leader, or just someone passionate about creativity, why not consider inviting an artist into your school?