Artists in Schools Grants 2026

The Artists in Schools Grant, administered by the Vermont Arts Council, supports the integration of high-quality arts experiences into Vermont's preK-12 educational settings. This initiative enables schools and eligible nonprofit arts organizations to engage students through multi-day arts and arts-integrated residencies conducted by experienced teaching artists. These residencies may take place in classrooms, school-wide initiatives, or after-school programs, encouraging dynamic partnerships between educators, students, artists, and arts organizations. The goal is to cultivate creative learning environments that align with educational goals, foster community, and support student development in both academic and personal areas. The Vermont Arts Council curates a Teaching Artist Roster composed of individuals who meet defined standards for artistic excellence, instructional capability, and collaborative practice. While applicants are encouraged to select artists from this roster, they may also propose working with non-roster artists, provided they supply background documentation to demonstrate the artist's qualifications. Grant awards help offset project costs, particularly those related to teaching artist fees for instruction and planning, though they typically do not cover the entire cost. Projects usually last from three to ten days, with grants offering up to $4,000, including a $250 allowance for materials or transportation. Eligible applicants include Vermont-based public, independent, and union schools, as well as nonprofit arts organizations that have established partnerships with qualifying schools. All applicants must be in good standing with the Vermont Agency of Education. The program excludes schools already funded by the Artists in Schools Grant in the same fiscal year, applicants repeating the same project with the same artist for over two consecutive years, those with incomplete reports for any Vermont Arts Council program, and those receiving multi-year operating grants from the Council. Applications are assessed based on artistic and educational merit, the strength and clarity of project planning, and the degree of access and equity the project supports. Specific evaluation criteria include the quality of artistic engagement, alignment with educational objectives, inclusivity, and potential for student agency and creative expression. Projects should also demonstrate how funds will be used, who will be involved, and how the program integrates into the educational environment. For FY2026, projects must begin after September 1, 2025, and conclude by August 31, 2026. The grant application opens on June 1, with the first review cycle ending July 28. Additional reviews will occur on August 26 and September 23, subject to funding availability. All applications must be submitted at least one month before the project start date. Grants are disbursed upon award approval, and awardees must submit a final report within 30 days after the project ends or by September 30, 2026. Applicants must ensure compliance with all relevant federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Those needing assistance can contact Troy Hickman at thickman@vermontartscouncil.org or 802.402.4496. For technical issues related to the application portal, applicants should reach out to Meredith Bell at 802.402.4478. All applicants must obtain a Unique Entity ID (UEI) through SAM.gov to be eligible for funding.