Artist Audra Holden at Johnston Elementary
The Arts for Schools Grant Supports Vital Arts Education
Applications are open now for programs serving economically disadvantaged schools and multicultural programs
July 18, 2023 | ArtsAVL announces that the Arts for Schools Grant is now open for applications. The grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County providing arts-focused performances, workshops, residencies, and field trips for students in public schools from grades K-12. Grants range from $500-$2,000. Last year’s education grants were awarded to schools. This year, grants will be awarded directly to nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists.
Arts education is vital, and has been proven to improve academic success. Youth who receive arts education are two times as likely to graduate high school, five times less likely to drop out, and score 100 points higher on the SAT. However, arts education is often the first casualty of budget cuts, increased pressure and requirements to test, and the narrowing of curricula in school districts. Challenges to both access and equity mean that not all students can enjoy the benefits of arts education.
The Arts for Schools grant application is open to any 501c3 nonprofit arts organization or qualified teaching artist in Buncombe County. Applicants must have at least five years of experience working in arts education, and the programs proposed must align with North Carolina’s Common Core curriculum and standards.
In keeping with ArtsAVL’s mission to keep the arts at the heart of our community, priority will be given to underserved and economically disadvantaged schools and, secondarily, to multicultural programs. Last year’s recipients include Charles C. Bell Elementary, which ran a storytelling workshop with David Novak for 5th graders; Johnston Elementary and Estes Elementary, which held two residencies – Weaving NC History and Weaving on a Book – with artist Audra Holden; Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School, which hosted a STEM Art workshop with artist Tamala Boone; and Johnston Elementary School, for a Collaborative Self Portrait workshop with artist Ginger Huebner.
The application deadline is August 14, and recipients will be announced in late September. Projects should take place before June 30, 2024. Apply and see more information – including requirements for being a qualified teaching artist, here.