Missouri: Underserved Arts Grants
An effective way state arts agencies can help increase diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the arts is by funding arts and culture groups that are run by or that have a mission to serve underrepresented populations. The Missouri Arts Council (MAC), for example, designed its Minority Arts Grants program in effort to strengthen its […]
California: Reentry through the Arts
Reentry through the Arts is a two-year pilot program the California Arts Council (CAC) developed to foster transformative arts experiences that facilitate rehabilitation and community building. The pilot—which is underwritten by a legislative line item—reflects CAC’s belief that arts participation can be an effective vehicle for rehabilitation, healing and skill building. It awards nonmatching grants […]
Kentucky: Arts Access Assistance Grant
Recognizing that Kentucky residents may be underserved for a variety of reasons—such as age, ethnicity, disability, geographic location or economic status—the Kentucky Arts Council (KAC) designed flexibility into its Arts Access Assistance program so it could annually recalibrate and expand its support of citizens who have limited opportunities to experience the arts. Through the program, […]
D.C.: Curatorial Grant Program
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) has launched the Curatorial Grant Program to help local curators develop and present compelling visual art exhibitions in service to residents of Washington, D.C. The program awards two curators with previous experience an opportunity to stage an innovative and educational exhibition in the agency’s 200 I […]
Maine: Arts Iditarod
In January and February, the Maine Arts Commission braves the elements on its 2018 Arts Iditarod, a two-month technical assistance tour that targets the state’s most rural regions. Events in Kennebunk, Houlton, Lewiston and Ellsworth convene the creative community, offer training sessions and spark dialogue among residents and policymakers interested in rural arts development. The […]
Puerto Rico: Cultura Rodante
In the aftermath of Hurricane María in September 2017, communities in Puerto Rico face steep hurdles. Utilities, transportation and communications remain disrupted and many cultural and civic venues are damaged and have yet to resume programming. The Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (ICP), concerned about the mental and emotional health of populations affected by the hurricane, […]
Arizona: AZ ArtWorker
With three consecutive years of funding from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, AZ ArtWorker, an initiative of the Arizona Commission on the Arts (ACA) and Arizona State University (ASU), has created dozens of opportunities for artists in remote and historically underserved communities to connect with and learn from their local, national and international peers. Based […]
Nebraska: Mastering the Arts
Mastering the Arts (MTA) is a new four-year initiative to provide arts focused professional development to teachers from seven low-achieving rural elementary schools serving Native American and Latino students. Underwritten by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the program will help up to 30 K-12 classroom and specialist teachers work toward […]
Massachusetts: EBT Card to Culture
Knowing that serving underserved communities starts with effective outreach and engagement strategies, the Massachusetts Cultural Council partnered with another state agency—the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services—to ensure equitable access to arts and cultural opportunities around the state for low-income residents. Through the new EBT Card […]
Vermont: Head Start Arts Integration Grant
As part of its commitment to increase access to quality arts education for low-income families, the Vermont Arts Council (VAC) designed a grant program to support classroom based arts activities that benefit at-risk children in kindergarten and preschools. Through its Head Start Arts Integration Grant, VAC funds partnerships between arts organizations and Vermont’s seven Head […]