ASCA: Artists in Schools Grants

The ASCA: Artists in Schools Grants aim to enhance the arts curriculum in Alaska's public and private schools through artist residencies. Grants of up to $5,000 for individual schools and $15,000 for districts support various arts experiences, professional development, and community engagement. Schools must match funding, ensuring sustainability and collaboration. Eligible applicants include public school districts, private nonprofits, and parent groups, fostering a rich artistic environment for students.

If your district or school is new to the AIS program, you must contact the AIE program staff prior to completing the application. For more information, and for first time applicants, contact Laura Forbes at the Alaska State Council on the Arts, (888) 278-7424 or (907) 269-6682.

Eligibility

Public school districts/schools or private nonprofit schools in Alaska may apply to the Alaska State Council on the Arts for an AIS grant. Nonprofit organizations and/or parent groups may apply on behalf of a school/district.If a nonprofit is the applicant, they must provide a letter on district/school letterhead detailing how the nonprofit organization's plan augments and supports the district-approved arts curriculum, and how the district/school is working with the organization on the residency development.AIS Grants will fund up to $5,000 for individual schools and up to $15,000 for district-wide applications. Individual schools must provide 1/3 of the cash expenses as match for the proposed AIS project. Districts must provide a 1:1 match. Please note: whether multiple schools from a single school district apply individually, or a school district applies on behalf of multiple school sites, districts will be limited to $15,000 total AIS funding. Eligible expenses include up to $1,000/week in artist fees, supplies for the residency, administrative fee of no more than 20% of the total expense, phone, postage and marketing. If an artist charges more than $1,000 per week, the school is responsible for funding the additional amount, over and above the required match. Housing and per-diem is the responsibility of the school and/or district and should be listed in the in-kind budget.

Ineligibility

The Alaska State Council on the Arts will not fund:Residencies lasting less than two weeks per application. Shared residencies that last less than two weeks in each school should be submitted jointly, with one school serving as the lead applicant.
Residencies that are designed to be an isolated arts experience and have no connection to the district's approved arts curriculum or Alaska State Content Standards for the arts. For example, projects that do not contain outcomes or follow through of skills.
Incomplete or late applications.
Funding for organizations or schools that received funding in prior years, but failed to file a final report.