New York City’s teaching artists – educators, business owners, community advocates, and working artists – are facing increasing challenges that threaten their ability to deliver arts education across the five boroughs.
Financial Strain on Arts Educators
Years of disinvestment, inconsistent funding, and bureaucratic delays have created a precarious situation for these professionals. The problem has been compounded by the pandemic, inflation, and stagnating wages.
A recent study revealed that the median income for teaching artists in 2023 had not meaningfully increased since 2018, despite a 28% rise in the cost of living. Nearly seven in ten teaching artists have a household income below the NYC median, and 79% report that their function as a teaching artist is insufficient to support living in or near the city. The vast majority also cover their own healthcare and benefits costs.
Bureaucratic Hurdles
Beyond financial concerns, arts organizations report significant difficulties with the city’s contracting processes. A 2024 survey found widespread issues with negotiations, renewals, and timely payments. Organizations cited slow communication, a lack of transparency, and delays that put pressure on both teaching artists and the institutions employing them.
Despite these obstacles, teaching artists remain essential to the city’s arts ecosystem, particularly in the 290 public schools that currently lack a certified arts teacher.
Potential Paths Forward
City Hall could address these issues by strengthening protections for teaching artists, tightening timelines for support, and providing consistent funding and contracting. Lawmakers may also consider providing portable benefits and guaranteeing stable, consistent wages to help artists remain in the city.
A collaborative effort between a new mayor committed to affordability and a City Council that supports the arts could protect these artists and ensure their continued contribution to New York City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a teaching artist?
Teaching artists are practicing professionals who deliver arts education to schools and communities across New York City, serving as educators, business owners, community advocates, and working artists.
What challenges are teaching artists facing?
Teaching artists are facing challenges including years of disinvestment, inconsistent funding, bureaucratic contracting delays, the pandemic, inflation, and stagnating wages.
How many public schools in NYC lack a certified arts teacher?
290 public schools in New York City still lack a certified arts teacher.
How can New York City ensure continued access to arts education for all its residents?
