2026 Artists-in-Education Grant Program

The Artists-in-Education (AiE) Grant Program is an initiative of the Howard County Arts Council designed to place professional artists in residence at public and private K-12 schools throughout Howard County, Maryland. This grant provides students with direct, hands-on experiences in the arts, enriching the existing school curriculum and exposing students to new forms of creative expression. The program supports excellence, diversity, and vitality in arts education and seeks to expand opportunities for both students and local artists. The AiE program is open to all K-12 schools within the Howard County Public School System that hold 501(c)(3) status, as well as independent 501(c)(3) schools within the county that do not have a Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The program was created to foster artistic exploration that might not otherwise occur within the standard curriculum and to enhance the cultural experiences of students through partnerships with professional artists and arts organizations. Grants support artist residencies that are designed to align with school-specific educational goals and offer creative learning opportunities in a wide variety of artistic disciplines. These residencies are tailored to each school's needs and emphasize active student participation and collaboration. Through this grant, the Howard County Arts Council aims to strengthen the role of the arts in education and encourage deeper connections between students and the artistic community. Applications are managed through the GoSmart platform, and applicants are encouraged to review the AiE grant guidelines prior to submission. Additionally, informational sessions are offered to help schools and applicants understand the program requirements and application process. For the current grant cycle, two info sessions are available: March 19 and April 7. For questions about the program, applicants may contact the Howard County Arts Council at grantsandprojects@hocoarts.org or by calling (410) 313-2787 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Arts Council is located at 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043.