Lights Out Art Education Coordinator VISTA

Serve with Lights Out Gallery to expand arts programming for all ages, strengthen community connections, and support creative economic development in rural Western Maine!

Lights Out Gallery was founded in 2019, Since its founding, Lights Out has worked to expand what is possible in Maine as a contemporary arts destination while creating stronger connections between rural Maine communities and regional, national, and international arts conversations.  

The organization’s mission centers on increasing access to arts and cultural experiences while supporting artists, creative entrepreneurship, and community revitalization throughout Maine. Lights Out has pursued this mission through the documentation and exhibition of Maine artists, the production of public programming and cultural events, and the development of a growing rural community arts center in Norway, Maine that is rapidly becoming a regional hub for artists, educators, and community members. 

In addition to operating exhibitions and arts programming in Western Maine, Lights Out collaborates with artists, schools, nonprofits, municipalities, and businesses across the state to organize festivals, workshops, youth programming, and creative placemaking projects. Lights Out believes the arts are a vital tool for strengthening communities, fostering social connection, and creating opportunities in rural regions. Through accessible and inclusive programming, the organization works to reduce barriers to participation, support Maine artists, and help build a vibrant and sustainable creative economy across the state.

The Art Education Coordinator VISTA member will increase the amount of available arts programming available to youth in Oxford County schools. This project will provide students with safe extracurricular activities and allow them to receive academic support, increasing the likelihood of them staying in school until graduation. As a result of this project, children in Oxford County will be more prepared and engaged in the pursuit of education toward a purposeful career in the area, helping to alleviate poverty and slow the outmigration of skilled workers. The VISTA will focus on building community connections between Lights Out, local community organizations, and Oxford County schools and build the framework for no-cost summer and after-school art programs for Oxford County students. 

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)
• 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
• Extensive Training
• Access to donated furniture, appliances, equipment, etc.

*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/.