Howard County Arts Council 

Head StART in ART: Program Description
The Howard County Arts Council (HoCo Arts) partners with the Ellicott City Head Start Center on artist- in-residence programs for children ages 3-5 enrolled in Head Start.  This partnership, Head StART in ART, provides these children with an in-depth, hands-on artistic experience and ensures access to the arts that they might not otherwise have. The program will include 6-8 artists of different disciplines, offering a wide variety of new experiences for the children. The opportunity for such experiences during these formative years can have a direct impact on a child's development, as well as future appreciation of and involvement in the arts. HoCo Arts coordinates, administers, and funds the project. HoCo Arts begins by selecting an artist who is experienced in conducting school residency programs, particularly for young children, and then works closely with the artist and the Head Start staff to create a thematic program that is both enriching and developmentally appropriate.  The children work with the artist and create something of which they, their parents, and teachers can be proud.
Opportunity
Teaching artists in a variety of arts disciplines are sought for residencies in support of Pre-K curriculum in the Ellicott City Head Start Center (ages 3-5).   
Selected artist(s)/residencies:

• Serve between 3-6 classes, 20-25 students per class, possibly over an extended period of time
•  May be scheduled with the Center anytime between October-May during the school year
•  Culminate with a performance (for performing arts) or exhibit (for visual arts) that parents may attend

Requirements
Selected artists must have previous experience working with children, Pre-K preferred.
If selected artists have not been fingerprinted and have background checks on file, they should be prepared to do so.


To Apply
Please submit:
1) Your proposed residency, including timeline, unit plan, materials list, perceived outcomes and goals as related to MSDE standards for Pre-K.
2) Resume
3) Three references
4) Samples of student work
5) Fee structure

Artists working in all media, 18 years or older, and reside, are employed, or study in Howard County, are invited to submit up to three works completed in the last two years, and not previously shown in Howard County Arts Council (HoCo Arts) galleries. All artworks must be original, no reproductions (including commercially printed or computer-generated reproductions of paintings, drawings, etc.). All work must fit through a doorway measuring 54” x 80” and fit appropriately in the HoCo Arts gallery. Maximum height is 9’ 6”.
Entries
    Artists may submit .jpg file images of up to three works. Submit one image for each 2D work and up to two images for each 3D work. Label each file with the artist’s last name, first initial, and the entry number corresponding to the entry form (e.g. SmithJ_1.jpg). Each file should be less than 1MB or 1200 pixels on its longest side. Entries must be submitted online at https://www.hocoarts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Art-HoCo-2025-Prospectus.docx. We cannot accept video or digital presentations (including PowerPoint) for artworks that are not film- or video-based work. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Entry Fee
    A non-refundable entry fee of $30 is due with this application. HoCo Arts members can apply at no cost. Individual artists may join at  the $30 level and waive entry fee. To pay fee, click here. To join as a member, visit hocoarts.org
Sales
    A 20% sales commission will be retained by HoCo Arts on all sales. Work will be sold at the price listed on the entry form. Work not for sale should be marked “NFS” and an insurance value must be indicated.
Presentation
    All work must be received ready for installation with proper hanging devices and instructions where necessary. 2D wall work must be wired for hanging - sawtooth hangers are not allowed. HoCo Arts reserves the right to refuse any piece that is improperly presented, considered unsafe, or delivered with improper installation or hanging devices. Some pedestals are available for sculptural work. If the artwork has specific display requirements, artists may need to provide their own pedestal or technology. Artists are responsible for installing and de-installing objects that have complex installation requirements, and/or need more than one person to install/de-install.
Liability
    All works are insured against physical damage or loss by HoCo Arts from receipt through designated pick up date and time.
Agreement
    The decision of the juror is final. All accepted work must remain for the duration of the  exhibit. Digital files of accepted entries become the property of HoCo Arts, which reserves the right to use the submitted images and/or photograph accepted works  for publicity and educational purposes. HoCo Arts reserves the right to reject works not suitably presented or that differ from the submission. HoCo Arts also reserves final editorial right to refuse any piece for any reason. Submission of an entry constitutes an understanding and agreement with all the conditions set forth in this prospectus.
Juror
    This year's curator is Liz Henzey, Columbia Art Center Director.  

Application deadline
    Entries must be received by August 1, 11:59pm to be considered. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Questions can be emailed to exhibits@hocoarts.org or call 410-313-2787.

    For full prospectus and information, please visit our website here:  Art Howard County Prospectus