It is a challenging moment for teaching artists. In this workshop, we will take an honest look at the “essentials” of the field alongside the real possibilities ahead, including where connection and disconnection between teaching artists and arts organizations are shaping the ecosystem. We will explore how expectations, communication, and support structures can better align to strengthen that relationship. Rather than centering complaints, we will focus on how teaching artists can work together more effectively to be heard, seen, and step into emerging areas of opportunity. Session leaders Eric Booth and Gowri Savoor bring over 75 years of combined experience to this Guild-sponsored session focused on strengthening and advancing the field.

Register Here

Details:

Tues, May 26, 2026 // Virtual and free to attend

10:00-11:30 A.M. PST/12:00-1:30 CST/1:00-2:30 EST

Please Note: This session will be recorded and shared on our website as a resource under our “RESOURCES” section.

Speakers Bios

Eric Booth

Eric Booth received the Americans for the Arts Arts Education Leadership Award in 2015 and was named one of the 25 most influential people in the arts in the United States. In 2019, he received the National Service Award from the Guild. He began his career as a Broadway actor, later becoming a successful entrepreneur whose company grew to be the largest of its kind in the United States within seven years. He is the author of eight books and 35 articles.

Eric has served on the faculty of Juilliard for 12 years, Tanglewood for five years, the Kennedy Center for 20 years, and Lincoln Center Education for 41 years. He consults with arts organizations, cities, states, and businesses across the United States and in 11 countries. He co-founded the International Teaching Artist Collaborative, the first global network of artists working in communities and schools, and founded The Ensemble, a publication focused on music for social change. A frequent keynote speaker, he delivered the closing keynote at UNESCO’s first World Conference on Arts Education. Learn more about his work at: ericbooth.net 

Gowri Savoor

Gowri Savoor is a visual-teaching artist whose practice includes sculpture, illustration, and writing for children. She has been a teaching artist for over 20 years with a passion for community building and project-based learning. Savoor is the co-founder of A River of Light, an organization committed to bringing art to the community through participatory art events, lantern parades, and light installations. She is also the co-director of the non-profit organization, Teaching Artists Connect, which provides creative and inspiring professional development workshops for artists and teaching artists.

She has partnered with multiple organizations in the UK and across the US, including Community Engagement Lab (VT), Lincoln Center Education (NY), The Learning Alliance (FL), and ITAC—the International Teaching Artist Collaborative. Learn more about her work at: www.gowrisavoor.com