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.

“I think the most memorable part of this project was when we all got together and saw our finished pieces. I think at that moment we all really got to know another part of someone that we maybe didn't already know. I liked that every piece was distinct and told its own story.” —Brittany, 11th grade, East Valley High School

“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