Teacher Programs: Teacher Institute in Contemporary Art

Each summer, the Teacher Institute in Contemporary Art (TICA) at SAIC offers a diverse group of art educators from across the country the chance to come together for an exciting and inspirational studio art intensive. TICA provides high school art teachers the chance to examine and shape their creative practice, share making and teaching strategies with peers, and investigate the latest trends in contemporary art—all in the heart of one of the nation's most culturally vibrant cities. In addition to daily studio art sessions, participants are introduced to the work of an impressive roster of visiting artists; take part in one-on-one discussions with leading visiting artists, scholars, and museum educators; and take advantage of the outstanding resources of SAIC and the Art Institute of Chicago collections.

An optional studio extension week directly follows each TICA session. This second week of studio practice allows teachers to further develop their creative practice and deepen their connection to contemporary art concepts and experiences explored in week one. The TICA studio extension week provides the instructional faculty and studio space for full immersion in personal art making. 

TICA is free to accepted teachers for the first week of each session and includes instruction, studio space, lunches, basic painting supplies, and housing. For teachers choosing to stay for the additional one-week studio extension, there is a housing fee of $375 and participants are responsible for the cost of meals and supplies.

TICA is generously funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Session 1: Painting and Drawing (Monday, June 24–Friday, June 28, 2013)
Session 2: Painting and Drawing (Monday, July 15­–Friday, July 19, 2013)

Painting and Drawing Institute sessions explore contemporary directions, ranging from individual studio practice to public projects. Independent and collaborative projects draw upon the personal artmaking and teaching interests of the participants and are inspired by visits to the Art Institute of Chicago museum collections and the vibrant urban setting of Chicago. Figure drawing sessions, sketchbook research, and discussions with visiting artists, critics, curators, and educators round out the week. Participants are also given open access to the studio outside of class time.

Session 3: Art and Technology (Monday, July 22–Friday, July 26, 2013)

This intensive, hands-on institute will provide an exploration of digital media using an exciting range of software for 2D and 3D work as well as for projects integrating digital sound and video. Faculty-guided projects will introduce a wide range of digital skills for developing web projects and multimedia installations. Students will spend the majority of their time in the lab where they will explore contemporary digital art practices and take part in discussions with today’s contemporary new media artists. Visits to a variety of Chicago's cultural sites will provide opportunities for research and inspiration.

TICA Mentor Program: One TICA Mentor is selected for each of the TICA sessions to help facilitate the daily activities of the program. Mentors are available to help participants get settled in, assist the TICA faculty and TA's with daily activities, and help as needed throughout the week. Mentors must have attended TICA prior to the summer of 2013 and be familiar with the details of the program. Mentors receive free housing for both the TICA session they are selected for and the Extension Week immediately following. If you are interested in being considered as a mentor for TICA, please indicate your interest on the Summer 2013 TICA application form.

TICA Alumni Information: A limited number of spaces are open in each TICA session for TICA alumni. Please indicate if you are a TICA alumni on your registration form and the year(s) you have previously participated. While we make every effort to accommodate alumni in our program, we are fully committed to making the TICA experience available to as many first time participants as possible.