Artists in Schools Grants 2026

The Artists in Schools Grant, offered by the Vermont Arts Council, supports schools and eligible nonprofit organizations in providing high-quality, multi-day arts and arts-integrated experiences in Vermont schools. The grant aims to foster collaborations between schools, youth, artists, and arts organizations, enriching education through arts-based learning. Projects typically span three to ten days and engage preK-12 teachers, staff, and students across various educational settings, including classrooms, school-wide initiatives, and accessible after-school programs. The program leverages a curated Teaching Artist Roster, which lists artists meeting established standards of artistic merit and teaching experience. Applicants may also propose working with artists not on this roster, provided they submit sufficient background information about the artist’s experience and qualifications. Artist fees vary, and while the grant offers substantial support, it may not cover the total project cost. Projects are designed to foster community connections, support targeted student proficiencies and personal development, and encourage creative expression and documentation of learning. Eligibility is open to schools and school districts in good standing with the Vermont Agency of Education, including public, union, independent schools, Career and Technical Education programs, and Adult Education programs serving preK-12 students. Nonprofit arts organizations registered in Vermont may also apply, provided they have a documented partnership with an eligible school or district and ensure program accessibility across all student demographics. Ineligible applicants include those who have already received an Artists in Schools Grant for the same school year, those applying for the same project with the same artist for more than two consecutive years, applicants with incomplete reports from any Vermont Arts Council program, and those receiving multi-year operating grant awards from the Council during the project year. A Unique Entity ID (UEI) is required for all applicants, and awards will not be issued without it. Grants of up to $4,000 are available, typically funding $400 per day for individual artists and $600 per day for artist groups. Up to $250 may be allocated for materials or student transportation. Eligible expenses include teaching artist instruction, planning and development time, and materials. Recommended artist compensation is at least $100 per hour for direct instruction and $30 per hour for planning and preparation. The full grant award is disbursed upon approval, contingent on available federal and state funds. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria: artistry and learning objectives, clarity of project planning, and the program’s ability to promote access and equity. Projects should offer students deep engagement with the arts, support skill development, and include opportunities for self-expression and reflection. Proposals should clearly outline fund usage, involved parties, and integration into the broader educational environment. The Council prioritizes equitable access and aims to distribute funding across the state while engaging new schools and a diverse range of teaching artists. Grant recipients must conduct multi-day projects led by eligible teaching artists, credit the Vermont Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts in publicity, conduct appropriate background checks, and manage artist payments. A final report is due within 30 days of project completion and no later than September 30, 2026. The grant cycle opens on June 1, with initial applications due by July 28. Subsequent reviews occur on August 26 and September 23, as long as funding remains available. Applications must be submitted at least one month before the intended project start date. Interested applicants must prepare a project description, select a teaching artist, and submit a detailed budget. The Vermont Arts Council upholds a strong commitment to nondiscrimination and compliance with federal and state civil rights legislation. For inquiries about the program, applicants may contact Troy Hickman at 802.402.4496 or via email. Technical questions about the online application process can be directed to Meredith Bell at 802.402.4478 or by email.