The Skirball offers an in-school residency program that encourages students to engage with their identities and values through the lenses of art and social engagement. Over the course of multiple weeks, students and teachers work closely with a local teaching artist and Skirball educators to deeply explore both new and familiar artistic practices and participate in creative collaboration with one another. Each residency culminates in a professionally produced, student-created presentation at the Skirball. The residency program aims to inspire students to harness the power of art as a catalyst for social change and personal growth while nurturing a sense of belonging and agency within the diverse fabric of Los Angeles.

Funding provided by Specified General Fund for the Museum Grant Program under the California Cultural and Historical Endowment.

What do you carry with you? 

In Skirball’s in-school residency students learn about Jewish culture and history through works of art and artifacts in the Skirball Cultural Center’s collection, Visions and Values building understanding and empathy as they make connections to their own cultural heritage or aspects of their identity.   

In partnership with artists, educators, museum curators, and peers, students will curate a personalized suitcase display with objects and ideas that represent their family stories, cultural heritage, and identities. Students will interview family and/or community members, learn about Jewish culture and history, immigration, displacement, and ethnic studies. The Residency class will analyze and reflect on their personal experiences and values and understand how art can be a tool for civic and social action. Students will synthesize their research and reflections to present a comprehensive art installation that bridges history, the present, and their own identities.  

“Everything was very well organized and communication was fantastic. This was an amazing opportunity for our students to not only work with a teaching artist to learn something but to also learn something that wouldn't have necessarily been covered otherwise. The residency supports the mission of our arts program which is to create an environment where our students find their creative voice and become effective storytellers in order to have their voices heard.” 

—Christina Muraczewski, Former Director of Arts Careers Program and Teacher at St. Mary’s Academy 

• In-School Residency at Loyola High School and East Valley High School
• The Art of Dialogue: A Scriptwriting Residency with St. Mary’s Academy
• The Art of Community (Oasis 2018)
• "It's People Coming Together As One" (Oasis 2017)
• A Community Well Choreographed (Oasis 2012)