Artist Resources

Flashdrive is MINDPOP’s professional development series for arts providers.

In order to strengthen the impact of creative learning in our classrooms and communities, MINDPOP works with artists and arts organizations to identify needs, gaps, and interests in the Teaching Artist field, then curates and organizes learning opportunities for the community.

Flashdrive focuses on six areas of learning and development:

1. In the Classroom: These sessions focus on topics directly related to teaching. Subjects include (but aren’t limited to): Lesson Planning; Working effectively with young people in the classroom; Skill Building; Learning Environments.

2. The Business of Being a Teaching Artist: Everything you need to know about working as a professional Teaching Artist: Financial Information, Marketing; Business Plans; Networking; Finding Funding and Employment Opportunities; Self-Care; Work/Life Balance.

3. Professional Perspectives: Discussions with leaders from various areas, including AISD and national organizations.

4. Diving Deeper—Theory, Development, and Reflection: These sessions will focus on Educational Theory; Youth Development; and Reflective Practices.

5. Collective Impact: Collaborations, conversations, and events examining and furthering the impact of partnerships among MINDPOP educators, arts providers, funding bodies, and the city.

6. Arts Lab: Artist-led creative workshops for Arts Providers to find inspiration, replenish creative juices, try new art forms, and build community.

MINDPOP holds Quarterly Arts Partner Meetings for community arts providers and teaching artists working with Austin's youth. This is our space to discuss and tackle the most relevant issues in our field.

Creative Connections is run in partnership with Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Museums and Cultural Programs. Held quarterly, this is the go-to event for teaching gigs, grant opportunities and a helping hand navigating some of Austin’s trickier bureaucracies. Each event features representatives from the City of Austin, AISD and much much more.

ETA is a partnership between MINDPOP and Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Museums and Cultural Programs. It is a jobs-training program for artists from under-represented communities who are interested in bringing their creativity to bear in the classroom.

ETA uses creative teaching techniques, readings, and meetups with Austin arts organizations to develop fellows' skill sets in curriculum planning, creative teaching, and working effectively with young people. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a small stipend and be paired with a mentor to help them continue to evolve their practice as teaching artists.

Applicants for ETA are artists coming from communities which are traditionally underrepresented in the teaching artist profession. Artists of all disciplines welcome. No previous teaching experience required.

Supported by the City of Austin Cultural Arts Division, MINDPOP’s Distinguished Speaker Series presents national and international leaders and thinkers on a variety of topics related to arts-based learning, equity in education, and creativity.