The Institute for Art and Civic Engagement (IACE) offers a pathway for deploying art and creative processes as visible agents of change, accommodating a diverse breadth of interests and disciplines. The core mission of IACE is to introduce and advance civic engagement practices that flourish as part of artmaking processes and to promote conversation about how these are actively deployed in the world.

Local and National Resources for Developing Civic Engagement Projects

Explore the numerous forms of civic engagement and artistic practice. Organized by topic each month, art by nationally-known artists, local and national opportunities, and possibilities for research are collected here.

artSource

artSource is the ARC’s online professional opportunities database with comprehensive listings for arts-related employment, internships, grants, residencies, exhibitions, public art commissions, and community resources. Specific opportunities for artists interested in civic engagement may be accessed by choosing the category listing entitled Civic Engagement/Volunteer under Artist Opportunities.

Resources for Tufts Students

The Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service and Tufts Career Services Office offer SMFA students enrolled in a Tufts degree program resource for internships and special projects that advance the development of community engagement practices. Tufts degree programs include: BFA, BFA (in Art Education), Combined-Degree Program, MFA, and MAT. For information, click here.

Internship for Studio Credit Program

SMFA students have opportunities to engage in experiential learning for studio credit at a diverse range of internship sites, including many that embrace civic engagement and the role of art in public life. The IACE actively develops internship opportunities with community partners that offer hands-on experience and training for students interested in exploring careers as artist-citizens, developing skills in creative collaboration, teaching, design, arts administration, and more. To explore civic engagement internships, please arrange an appointment with Andrew Barco in the IACE.

IACE sponsored residency

In collaboration with community partners, IACE develops residency programs for motivated and professional SMFA students interested in art and civic engagement or interdisciplinary approaches to artmaking. Read about IACE’s partnership with the Boston Biomedical Research Institute.