AISC Experiences

The Montana Arts Council (MAC), a state agency funded by the State of Montana and the National Endowment for the Arts, administers a variety of programs that promote access to the arts for Montanans of all ages. One of its central initiatives is the Arts Education grant program, which encompasses two distinct but related opportunities: Arts Education Residencies and Arts Education Experiences. These programs aim to foster engagement with the arts across a wide range of settings, providing support for immersive learning and firsthand experiences. Specifically, the Arts Education Experiences grant is designed to support innovative and accessible arts learning activities by funding direct engagement with artists, materials, and experiences. The Arts Education Experiences grant enables applicants to develop creative educational experiences that can take one of three forms: paying for guest artist sessions, purchasing tools and materials necessary for artistic experimentation, and covering transportation costs for exposure to arts events or artists. These categories are intentionally broad to encourage diverse and inventive programming, particularly those that serve as a launchpad for continued arts engagement. Unlike the more in-depth Residencies grant, which demands extended learning over time, the Experiences grant emphasizes initial, often shorter-term interactions that can spark future interest and development. The program offers grants ranging from $250 to $2,500 and is notable for requiring no matching funds, reducing barriers to entry for smaller organizations or first-time applicants. This design reflects MAC's commitment to accessibility and equity in the distribution of public arts funding. The program is suitable for organizations or entities seeking to introduce the arts into educational or community contexts through focused, meaningful encounters rather than long-term residencies. It caters to learners of all ages and abilities, and the funding can support both virtual and in-person engagements, further broadening participation potential across Montana. Application submission is conducted exclusively through the Montana Arts Council’s online grants management system, which requires setting up an account prior to applying. The program follows a cyclical schedule, and for fiscal year 2027, three application deadlines have been identified: April 16, August 13, and December 10 of 2026, with the process opening on January 15, 2026. The agency also provides support through scheduled information sessions with the Arts Education Director, Monica Grable, who can answer applicant questions and provide guidance on crafting competitive proposals. Evaluation criteria are not detailed in the source material, but emphasis is clearly placed on providing entry-level exposure to the arts, making this grant ideal for applicants initiating arts education programs or those serving populations new to arts learning. MAC encourages potential applicants to engage with staff prior to submission, reinforcing their supportive and consultative approach to arts grantmaking. For additional guidance, applicants can review the FY27 Arts Education Experiences Guidelines available via the Montana Arts Council’s website. Contact information for program support includes the main MAC phone line at (406) 444-6430 and the email address [email protected]. The Montana Arts Council's central office is located at 830 N. Warren Street, Helena, MT 59601. Applicants may also subscribe to ARTeries, the Council’s bi-monthly e-newsletter, for updates on future opportunities and resources.