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Latest News

 
Teaching artists: Marwen is now hiring on a rolling application basis!
 
We're excited to share that our term-based course proposals are now available online year-round as a rolling RFP. View the next three terms in advance and plan ahead to match your schedule needs.
 
A few key things to note within the application process:
 
+ You can apply to teach at Marwen year-round.
+ Each term (Spring, Summer, Fall) has a unique proposal deadline.
+ You can submit a maximum of 3 course proposals.
+ You can apply up to 2 terms in advance (Summer and Fall 2023). 
+ Submit your proposals by February 27 to be considered for Summer 2023.
VIEW APPLICATION
 
Course Proposal Info Session
 
Marwen Summer Term Course Proposal Information Session 
Wednesday, February 8, 5-7 pm
RSVP for Zoom link
 
Interested in proposing a course for Marwen’s Summer 2023 term and learning more about how the application process works? Join us for a virtual workshop, where we'll review the process together and provide feedback in small groups. We'll also talk about the qualities of a great course proposal, including topics most-requested by youth, principles of Creative Youth Development, and how to make use of Marwen studios and equipment.
RSVP
Marwen Announces Rolling Teaching Artist RFP [February 2023]
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Teaching artists: Marwen is now hiring on a rolling application basis!
 
We're excited to share that our term-based course proposals are now available online year-round as a rolling RFP. View the next three terms in advance and plan ahead to match your schedule needs.
 
A few key things to note within the application process:
 
+ You can apply to teach at Marwen year-round.
+ Each term (Spring, Summer, Fall) has a unique proposal deadline.
+ You can submit a maximum of 3 course proposals.
+ You can apply up to 2 terms in advance (Summer and Fall 2023). 
+ Submit your proposals by February 27 to be considered for Summer 2023.
VIEW APPLICATION
 
Course Proposal Info Session
 
Marwen Summer Term Course Proposal Information Session 
Wednesday, February 8, 5-7 pm
RSVP for Zoom link
 
Interested in proposing a course for Marwen’s Summer 2023 term and learning more about how the application process works? Join us for a virtual workshop, where we'll review the process together and provide feedback in small groups. We'll also talk about the qualities of a great course proposal, including topics most-requested by youth, principles of Creative Youth Development, and how to make use of Marwen studios and equipment.
RSVP

Updates for 2023

Teaching Artist contracts and the Marwen Emerging Teaching Artist roles

 

Marwen’s mission is to educate and inspire young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Centering young people is at the core of our work, and creating a fair and equitable Marwen is a top priority. As we head into 2023, we want to transparently communicate changes to both our teaching artist (TA) contracts and the Marwen Emerging Teaching Artist (META) role.

 

The scope of independent contractor work and the META program will shift due to the results of several bodies of work, including a recent organization-wide pay equity study with BLVE Consults and year-long racial equity work with T.H.E. Fellowship. Included in this work were surveys and conversations with Marwen staff, teaching artists, families, and board members.

 

We acknowledge that some of these shifts might be seen as a challenge for some members of our community. We recognize and respect teaching artistry and the value it brings to the young people at the center of our work. We encourage open conversation and invite our community to share their feedback and ideas as we navigate 2023 and the sustainable future of Marwen and its free arts programming for Chicago youth. 

For Marwen Teaching Artists

 

What is changing within contracts and scope of work?

> There will be 55 contract hours per term starting Spring 2023. For comparison, there were 81 hours in 2022.

> Payment will increase from $45 (2022) to $50/hour in 2023.

> The decrease in hours correlates to a change in the scope of work. Marwen received feedback from the BLVE pay equity study that there is a need for role clarity. This prompted us to begin to address how and where to make changes. The hours removed from TA contracts include required professional development (PD), META development meetings, and additional prep time. There may be paid PD opportunities available outside of contracted work.

> The TA Request for Proposals (RFP) will shift to a rolling application structure.

> The RFP now includes a full year's schedule (3 terms) and information about multi-term contract options.

 

For META

 

What is changing within contracts and scope of work?

> Marwen is developing and launching a pilot program focused on emerging artists developing their teaching artist practice. We collectively identified a need for a new program model to support, develop, and sustain teaching artistry in Chicago, and we’re excited to be part of developing the next generation of TAs.

> META will shift from term-based independent contractors to year-long, temporary part-time staff positions.

> META will include 65 total work hours for Spring 2023. For reference, META worked 78 hours for the previous Spring and Fall terms.

> The shift in hours is represented in doubling in-class time, adding workshop facilitation opportunities, removing prep time, and decreasing the number of development meetings.

> Payment will increase from $20/hr (2022) to $22/hour.

> The application process will shift from an RFP to a job application structure starting Spring 2023.

 

Next steps + communications

 

In addition to ongoing term-based TA surveys; email communications to current and past TAs, partner organizations, and educators across Chicago; Marwen will hold multiple, in-person, group Q&A sessions (including follow-up surveys) as well as one-on-one Q&A opportunities. Marwen will also post all RFPs and job descriptions on Marwen’s website, job sites, and social media.


Please join us for a Q&A on Tuesday, December 6, 6-7:30 pm at Marwen, 833 N. Orleans Street to share feedback, questions, and ideas around TA and META contracts and scope of work. Pizza, salad, and beverages will be provided. RSVP by Friday, December 2.

The TA course proposal application and META job decription can be found here.

Updates to TA contracts & META roles [November 2022]
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Updates for 2023

Teaching Artist contracts and the Marwen Emerging Teaching Artist roles

 

Marwen’s mission is to educate and inspire young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Centering young people is at the core of our work, and creating a fair and equitable Marwen is a top priority. As we head into 2023, we want to transparently communicate changes to both our teaching artist (TA) contracts and the Marwen Emerging Teaching Artist (META) role.

 

The scope of independent contractor work and the META program will shift due to the results of several bodies of work, including a recent organization-wide pay equity study with BLVE Consults and year-long racial equity work with T.H.E. Fellowship. Included in this work were surveys and conversations with Marwen staff, teaching artists, families, and board members.

 

We acknowledge that some of these shifts might be seen as a challenge for some members of our community. We recognize and respect teaching artistry and the value it brings to the young people at the center of our work. We encourage open conversation and invite our community to share their feedback and ideas as we navigate 2023 and the sustainable future of Marwen and its free arts programming for Chicago youth. 

For Marwen Teaching Artists

 

What is changing within contracts and scope of work?

> There will be 55 contract hours per term starting Spring 2023. For comparison, there were 81 hours in 2022.

> Payment will increase from $45 (2022) to $50/hour in 2023.

> The decrease in hours correlates to a change in the scope of work. Marwen received feedback from the BLVE pay equity study that there is a need for role clarity. This prompted us to begin to address how and where to make changes. The hours removed from TA contracts include required professional development (PD), META development meetings, and additional prep time. There may be paid PD opportunities available outside of contracted work.

> The TA Request for Proposals (RFP) will shift to a rolling application structure.

> The RFP now includes a full year's schedule (3 terms) and information about multi-term contract options.

 

For META

 

What is changing within contracts and scope of work?

> Marwen is developing and launching a pilot program focused on emerging artists developing their teaching artist practice. We collectively identified a need for a new program model to support, develop, and sustain teaching artistry in Chicago, and we’re excited to be part of developing the next generation of TAs.

> META will shift from term-based independent contractors to year-long, temporary part-time staff positions.

> META will include 65 total work hours for Spring 2023. For reference, META worked 78 hours for the previous Spring and Fall terms.

> The shift in hours is represented in doubling in-class time, adding workshop facilitation opportunities, removing prep time, and decreasing the number of development meetings.

> Payment will increase from $20/hr (2022) to $22/hour.

> The application process will shift from an RFP to a job application structure starting Spring 2023.

 

Next steps + communications

 

In addition to ongoing term-based TA surveys; email communications to current and past TAs, partner organizations, and educators across Chicago; Marwen will hold multiple, in-person, group Q&A sessions (including follow-up surveys) as well as one-on-one Q&A opportunities. Marwen will also post all RFPs and job descriptions on Marwen’s website, job sites, and social media.


Please join us for a Q&A on Tuesday, December 6, 6-7:30 pm at Marwen, 833 N. Orleans Street to share feedback, questions, and ideas around TA and META contracts and scope of work. Pizza, salad, and beverages will be provided. RSVP by Friday, December 2.

The TA course proposal application and META job decription can be found here.

MARWEN TO RECEIVE GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

 

Chicago [January 20, 2022] — Marwen has been approved for a Grants for Arts Projects award to support arts education within our Studio Programs. Marwen’s project is among 1,248 projects across America totaling $28,840,000 that were selected to receive this first round of fiscal year 2022 funding in the Grants for Arts Projects category.

 

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from

Marwen helps support the community’s creative economy,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. “Marwen in Chicago is among the arts organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.” For more information on other projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

 

“Support from The National Endowment for the Arts has spanned three decades at Marwen,” shared Akilah Halley, Executive Director and Marwen alumna. “We are ecstatic for their continued support, which directly impacts accessibility to our no-cost arts courses and workshops for young people here in Chicago.”

 

Marwen’s Studio Programs represent a suite of virtual and in-person courses designed in collaboration with community-based artists and emerging artists 16-24 years old. Courses encompass a wide range of art disciplines including painting, photography, time-based media, fashion and fiber arts, natural or plant-based arts, sculpture, ceramics, design arts, and mixed media.

 

ABOUT MARWEN

 

Since 1987, Marwen has educated and inspired young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Marwen provides no-cost visual art courses, college planning, and career development programs to 6-12th graders from across the city. For more information visit marwen.org.

Marwen to Receive NEA Grant [January 2022]
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MARWEN TO RECEIVE GRANT FROM THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS

 

Chicago [January 20, 2022] — Marwen has been approved for a Grants for Arts Projects award to support arts education within our Studio Programs. Marwen’s project is among 1,248 projects across America totaling $28,840,000 that were selected to receive this first round of fiscal year 2022 funding in the Grants for Arts Projects category.

 

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from

Marwen helps support the community’s creative economy,” said NEA Acting Chair Ann Eilers. “Marwen in Chicago is among the arts organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.” For more information on other projects included in the Arts Endowment grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

 

“Support from The National Endowment for the Arts has spanned three decades at Marwen,” shared Akilah Halley, Executive Director and Marwen alumna. “We are ecstatic for their continued support, which directly impacts accessibility to our no-cost arts courses and workshops for young people here in Chicago.”

 

Marwen’s Studio Programs represent a suite of virtual and in-person courses designed in collaboration with community-based artists and emerging artists 16-24 years old. Courses encompass a wide range of art disciplines including painting, photography, time-based media, fashion and fiber arts, natural or plant-based arts, sculpture, ceramics, design arts, and mixed media.

 

ABOUT MARWEN

 

Since 1987, Marwen has educated and inspired young people to nurture their growth and build their futures through art and community. Marwen provides no-cost visual art courses, college planning, and career development programs to 6-12th graders from across the city. For more information visit marwen.org.

A Tote Full of Opportunity

 
Earlier this year Marwen formalized our Commissions Program, expanding paid opportunities for young and emerging artists to expand their creative practice while growing their professional skills.
 
As part of this program, we commissioned three young and emerging artists to create tote bag designs for a new initiative, Friends of Marwen, a monthly giving program. The application was sent to nearly 100 young artists and families, in search of three artists to contract for the project. Applicants were asked about their artistic influences and what the Marwen community means to them. READ FULL ARTICLE
A Tote Full of Opportunity [October 2021]
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A Tote Full of Opportunity

 
Earlier this year Marwen formalized our Commissions Program, expanding paid opportunities for young and emerging artists to expand their creative practice while growing their professional skills.
 
As part of this program, we commissioned three young and emerging artists to create tote bag designs for a new initiative, Friends of Marwen, a monthly giving program. The application was sent to nearly 100 young artists and families, in search of three artists to contract for the project. Applicants were asked about their artistic influences and what the Marwen community means to them. READ FULL ARTICLE
Dear Marwen Community,
 
As Summer winds down and we continue to prepare for the Fall, we are so excited to welcome everyone back into our studios. The health and safety of our community of young people, families, and artists has always been our top priority. We will maintain safety protocols and limit attendance. However, the best way we can uphold health and stop the spread is to get our community vaccinated. In partnership with our friends at InstaVaxx, Marwen will have free, Covid-19 vaccinations onsite beginning this Friday, August 6, 3:30-5:30 pm. This will be the first of a series, and you will see details below.
 
I am eager to see you this Friday and back in our building in October for programs. We can't wait to see all the things you will do and create.
 
In community,
 
Akilah Halley, Executive Director & Alumna
 
WHEN: Fridays, 3:30 - 5:30 pm (August 6, 27; September 17; October 8)
WHO: 12 and older
WHERE: Marwen, 833 N. Orleans Street
 
  • Vaccines are completely free; walk ins are welcome
  • Photo ID required for age verification; 12 and older only
  • Insurance cards are recommended but not required
  • Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer shots will be offered
  • If you have received your first shot and want to complete your second dose at Marwen (Pfizer only) please bring your vaccination card
  • Plan to remain on site at Marwen for 15 minutes following your shot as a required observation window
  • Vaccines are administered by medical providers InstaVaxx
  • Free parking in our lot as space is available
 
Marwen to offer free Covid-19 vaccinations onsite [August 2021]
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Dear Marwen Community,
 
As Summer winds down and we continue to prepare for the Fall, we are so excited to welcome everyone back into our studios. The health and safety of our community of young people, families, and artists has always been our top priority. We will maintain safety protocols and limit attendance. However, the best way we can uphold health and stop the spread is to get our community vaccinated. In partnership with our friends at InstaVaxx, Marwen will have free, Covid-19 vaccinations onsite beginning this Friday, August 6, 3:30-5:30 pm. This will be the first of a series, and you will see details below.
 
I am eager to see you this Friday and back in our building in October for programs. We can't wait to see all the things you will do and create.
 
In community,
 
Akilah Halley, Executive Director & Alumna
 
WHEN: Fridays, 3:30 - 5:30 pm (August 6, 27; September 17; October 8)
WHO: 12 and older
WHERE: Marwen, 833 N. Orleans Street
 
  • Vaccines are completely free; walk ins are welcome
  • Photo ID required for age verification; 12 and older only
  • Insurance cards are recommended but not required
  • Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer shots will be offered
  • If you have received your first shot and want to complete your second dose at Marwen (Pfizer only) please bring your vaccination card
  • Plan to remain on site at Marwen for 15 minutes following your shot as a required observation window
  • Vaccines are administered by medical providers InstaVaxx
  • Free parking in our lot as space is available
 
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Please join us in congratulating Akilah Halley, Marwen Executive Director and Alumna, who was recognized as a Woman of Excellence by The Chicago Defender.
 
"I am honored to be inducted and celebrate the work of the women beside me and before me," said Halley.
 
The Chicago Defender annually recognizes black women for their contributions to their communities and for their excellence in their respective professions. The 2021 Class join an elite group of influential and inspirational women positively affecting their communities through their leadership.
 
The 2021 honorees will be formally inducted in a virtual ceremony live on the Chicago Defender’s Facebook page on May 21, 2021 at 6pm. To view a full list of honorees, visit https://chicagodefender.com/chicago-defender-2021-women-of-excellence-honorees-announced/
Akilah Halley Honored as One of Chicago Defender's "Women of Excellence" [May 14, 2021]
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May be an image of 1 person and text
 
Please join us in congratulating Akilah Halley, Marwen Executive Director and Alumna, who was recognized as a Woman of Excellence by The Chicago Defender.
 
"I am honored to be inducted and celebrate the work of the women beside me and before me," said Halley.
 
The Chicago Defender annually recognizes black women for their contributions to their communities and for their excellence in their respective professions. The 2021 Class join an elite group of influential and inspirational women positively affecting their communities through their leadership.
 
The 2021 honorees will be formally inducted in a virtual ceremony live on the Chicago Defender’s Facebook page on May 21, 2021 at 6pm. To view a full list of honorees, visit https://chicagodefender.com/chicago-defender-2021-women-of-excellence-honorees-announced/
Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, sitting and shoes
 
Congratulations to Marwen's Executive Director Akilah Halley being appointed by Mayor Lightfoot to the Cultural Advisory Council of the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
 
"I am honored to be appointed along with esteemed colleagues to collaborate with communities and creative industries to expand equitable access to the arts,” shared Akilah. “The arts have the power to shape lives and futures, especially when we provide equitable access for young people. Creative currency is part of the fabric of Chicago's vitality."
 
Appointed members, including Council Chair Amina Dickerson and Vice Chair Alison Cuddy will advocate for a vital Chicago arts community and help advance the Mayor’s arts and culture priorities, which include making Chicago livable and affordable for artists and creative professionals, expanding public arts programming to help drive the economic life of our neighborhoods, collaborating with communities and creative industries to engage our artists and expand quality jobs, and expanding equitable access to high-quality arts education for all young people in Chicago.
 
Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/3amrnxN
Marwen Represented on City's Cultural Advisory Council [January 17, 2020]
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Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, sitting and shoes
 
Congratulations to Marwen's Executive Director Akilah Halley being appointed by Mayor Lightfoot to the Cultural Advisory Council of the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
 
"I am honored to be appointed along with esteemed colleagues to collaborate with communities and creative industries to expand equitable access to the arts,” shared Akilah. “The arts have the power to shape lives and futures, especially when we provide equitable access for young people. Creative currency is part of the fabric of Chicago's vitality."
 
Appointed members, including Council Chair Amina Dickerson and Vice Chair Alison Cuddy will advocate for a vital Chicago arts community and help advance the Mayor’s arts and culture priorities, which include making Chicago livable and affordable for artists and creative professionals, expanding public arts programming to help drive the economic life of our neighborhoods, collaborating with communities and creative industries to engage our artists and expand quality jobs, and expanding equitable access to high-quality arts education for all young people in Chicago.
 
Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/3amrnxN

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