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Indigenous Art Instructor, Art Teacher, Craft Instructor
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
Interest in synthesizing information to teach students the techniques and methods of drawing, painting, sculpting and other forms of artistic expression; and in preparing and assigning special exercises, advising on selection of materials and equipment to use and grading students' work
Interest in precision working to demonstrate use of materials for paintings, ceramics, sculpture and other forms of art
Interest in instructing students; and in providing audio-visual teaching aids and arranging for tours of art galleries, museums and exhibitions of students' work
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Art instructors teach art history, art appreciation and the techniques and methods of artistic expression. Some work with students of all ages, while others work especially with children, adults or seniors. They may specialize in particular mediums, styles, or types of art such as:
Duties and responsibilities vary considerably in this occupation but, in general, art instructors:
They may also:
Art instructors may work in a variety of indoor or outdoor environments, ranging from their own homes to seniors' residences, summer camps, craft stores, galleries, school classrooms and community recreation centres. Art rooms are sometimes noisy and messy.
Instructors may teach primarily during the day, or they may offer evening and weekend classes.
Art instructors should enjoy teaching. They need:
They should enjoy encouraging and motivating students, and working with people of all ages and backgrounds.
Education, training and experience requirements vary depending on the level of teaching involved. However, most instructors have related post-secondary education, or have achieved a high degree of proficiency and recognition in a particular craft. Art instructors employed in schools must have a bachelor of education degree, or equivalent, as well as post-secondary education in art. Employment in a post-secondary school such as a college or university generally requires a graduate degree (master's or PhD) in fine art, or professional recognition as an artist.
Instructors of non-credit or community art classes should:
Self-employed instructors who work on a contract basis for schools and community groups, or those who offer their own independent classes, also need business skills.
Art and craft associations, guilds and post-secondary schools throughout Alberta offer introductory and advanced courses in a wide variety of arts and crafts. For current information about courses, please check post-secondary or community calendars or websites, or contact organizations associated with arts or crafts.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Most art instructors are self-employed or work on a contract basis for art or craft centres, adult education councils, art galleries, artist-run centres, museums, friendship centres or other community service agencies. They may teach from home or give lessons at schools, community centres, studios, galleries or craft stores.
Advancement opportunities vary depending on the employer and the qualifications of the art instructor. Self-employed instructors may open their own art galleries or craft stores, or become art agents or dealers.
Art instructors with sufficient post-secondary credentials as well as professional reputation may advance to art professor positions at colleges or universities.
Art instructors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5136: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists. In Alberta, 76% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5136: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.7% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 57 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Many art instructors teach part time and spend the rest of their time working on their own artistic endeavours or in other occupations. Most are paid an hourly wage, which can vary depending on the employer and the program being taught. For small workshops, some instructors may be paid a percentage of the total class enrollment fees. Instructors may or may not be paid for the time required to prepare for classes.
Art instructors are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5136: Painters, sculptors and other visual artists.
Cultural Human Resources Council (CHRC) website: www.culturalhrc.ca
Alberta Teacher’s Association – Fine Arts Council website: fac.teachers.ab.ca/Pages/Home.aspx
Alberta Community Art Clubs Association website: acaca.ab.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated May 14, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.