Lights Out Gallery Grants Specialist VISTA

We are working through the arts to transform a snowshoe factory into an arts center, maker space, and community broadband internet hub. While we are in the renovation phase, we host pop up art shows around the state, host summer youth art programming and produce the Norway Maine Art Festival. Help us build our local and statewide networks to create this vision in Western Maine. 

Founded in 2019 by friends and collaborators Reed Stone McLean, Daniel Sipe, and Karlë Woods, Lights Out Gallery has worked tirelessly to promote art in Maine. Incorporated as a 501c3 nonprofit in 2021, the organization’s mission centers on expanding what is possible in Maine as a contemporary arts destination in conversation with regional, national, and international arts. Lights Out has pursued its mission through the work of documenting and exhibiting the work of Maine artists, and by building a rural community arts center that is rapidly becoming a regional hub for art and artists. Our mission is to connect Maine artists and their circles to a broader community. We feature emerging and established artists alongside one another to encourage conversation, collaboration, and camaraderie.

Lights Out Gallery is working with artists to build and support community in Western Maine. By partnering with the local/state art community, this position will raise awareness of our plan to build a community center that includes a co-working space, dance studio and maker space as well as an art gallery to boost the economic value and provide opportunities for access to high-speed internet and equipment that is not accessible to many in rural Maine , and organize the Norway Maine Arts Festival. 

This VISTA member will support our mission to expand economic opportunity in Western Maine by helping build and sustain a community coworking space. They will focus on growing a base of volunteers and donors through outreach, storytelling, and engagement. Our VISTA will assist with special fundraising initiatives and community events, including the Norway Maine Arts Festival, which help bring visibility and resources to the project and community. They will also improve our social media and email communication to strengthen connections with our growing statewide and national audience. This work is key to building long-term sustainability and impact.

Benefits

• Bi-Weekly Living Allowance of $957.46/Biweekly
• Relocation Allowance of $750 plus $.40 per mile (for those moving more than 50 miles)
• Health Benefits
• Childcare Reimbursement if Eligible
• Student Loan Forbearance for eligible federal loans (interest paid by AmeriCorps)
• SNAP Eligibility (depending on financial situation)
• Training and Professional Development
• Life Navigator (on-staff licensed counselor for members)
• Choice of Segal AmeriCorps Education Award ($7,395) or an end-of-term bonus ($1,800) upon term completion
• Non-Competitive Eligibility for federal employment for one-year post-term
• Assistance finding housing
• A strong and vibrant community network
• Extensive Training

*Individuals are limited to two full Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards in their lifetime

Already have a MyAmeriCorps account and want to apply for this specific role? You can find that listing on MyAmeriCorps here.

The positive impact VISTA members offer their local communities is remarkable and continues to build year after year. Descriptions of all Goodwill AmeriCorps Positions can be found at: goodwillnne.org/jobs/americorps/positions/.