Filipinx Teaching-Artist Fellowship

Deadline: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Root Division is currently seeking applicants for the 2026-27 Filipinx Teaching-Artist Fellowship (FTAF). Application process includes submitting completed Fellowship Application Form and required materials. Finalists must be available between June 8-12, 2026 for interviews.

DIGITAL APPLICATION FORM

ABOUT THE FILIPINX TEACHING ARTIST FELLOWSHIP

In its tenth year, the fellowship provides free studio workspace to a Filipinx artist in exchange for being an integral part of Root Division’s Studios Program. In large part, the commitment involves teaching two afternoon classes per week at Bessie Carmichael Elementary School and the Filipino Education Center (FEC) with Galing Bata, an after school program that serves both newcomer and US born children and families through bilingual, multicultural services and programs. 

Working as a teaching-artist in residence for the full school year, the FTAF incorporates monthly themes from the BCE/ FEC cultural calendar into projects, which guide students in culturally relevant and responsive discussions, story-telling, and art-making activities. 

In exchange for an average of 16 hours per month of service with a focus on teaching in our Youth Education Program, the artist will receive:

  • Free studio workspace for 12 months in our Studios Program facility located at 1131 Mission Street, SF. (Value of ~$6,000; 24-hour access workspace including all utilities/WiFi). 
  • Artist/ Teaching Stipend of $4,000 (Portions paid quarterly based on project milestones)
  • Meetings with a co-selected mentor in the field
  • Exhibition Opportunities: Priority access to exhibit in Root Division’s gallery/project space 
  • Peer Network: Full integration into a community of over 30 Bay Area Artists, including professional development resources and committee involvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong FTAF candidates…

  • Demonstrate quality and commitment in their art-making and studio practice
  • Have a minimum of one year of experience teaching or facilitating projects with groups. A strong teaching portfolio includes culturally responsive curriculum/ lessons.
  • Have a passion for working with and supporting under-resourced and/or marginalized groups.
  • Show enthusiasm for working individually and collaboratively to serve the community.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

  • Have reliable transportation to and plan to make regular use of a studio at our location in SOMA, San Francisco, CA
  • For FTAF: Instruction in the program is in English, but it is useful if the FTAF has some language skills in Tagalog.

COMMITMENT

The awarded fellow is expected to contribute an average of 16 hours per month to the organization from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. This includes:

  • Instruction & prep: Developing and teaching  a minimum of 1-2 weekday afternoons per week the K-12 curriculum from September 2026 to May 2027 
  • Studio Practice: Regular active use of the studio space. 
  • Community Growth: Attendance to Monthly All-Artist Meetings (one Wednesday evening per month) 
  • Institutional Support: Assisting with our two fundraiser events, our Art Auction (Oct 2026) & Spring event (Apr 2027).

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Application Materials

Please complete the Digital Application Form, attaching the below documents:

  1.  Cover Letter (PDF 1 page max): Please introduce yourself. Tell us why you are interested in this fellowship and the Root Division community. What do you hope to gain and how do you hope to contribute?
  2. Artist resume and/or Professional resume. (PDF 1-2 page max)
  3. Examples of your artwork (up to 5  images), with a corresponding image info.
  4. Artist Statement about your artwork (as seen in images submitted).
  5. Examples of student work Images from 2-3 successful projects in which you worked with children or youth.
  6. Two examples of lesson plans for art projects, indicating the grade level(s), between K-12. A strong teaching portfolio includes culturally responsive curriculum/lessons.

The application process includes submitting completed Fellowship Application Form and required materials. Finalists must be available June 8-12, 2026 for interviewing with Root Division’s Artist Selection Committee.

OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT & LEARN MORE

We encourage fellowship applicants to learn more about Root Division…

ABOUT ROOT DIVISION:

Root Division is a visual arts non-profit that provides discounted and free studio space to emerging visual artists in exchange for volunteer service in the community. Our mission is to empower artists, inspire youth, foster community service, and enrich the Bay Area through engagement in the visual arts. At Root Division, we are committed to creating and supporting an inclusive, accessible organization that intentionally brings together diverse groups of artists and audiences. We condemn and do not tolerate racist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, sexist, or xenophobic attitudes, structures, or behaviors. 

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