Artists in Schools Grants

The Artists in Schools Grant is offered by the Vermont Arts Council to support high-quality, multi-day arts and arts-integrated experiences for preK–12 students and educators. Funded activities must involve a Vermont teaching artist and take place in classrooms, schoolwide projects, or after-school settings. The program encourages strong collaborations between schools, artists, and arts organizations, and supports creative learning that is responsive to students’ needs and community contexts. Eligible applicants include Vermont-based public schools, union schools, independent schools, and nonprofit arts organizations with formal school partnerships. All participating schools must be in good standing with the Vermont Agency of Education and serve students in grades preK–12. Nonprofit applicants must show a commitment to equitable access regardless of race, disability, gender, or other protected statuses. Applicants who have previously received a grant for the same project or are on a multi-year operating grant from the Arts Council are not eligible. Applicants may request up to $4,000 to fund projects ranging from 3 to 10 days. Funds primarily support teaching artist instruction and planning time, with up to $250 allowable for materials or student transportation. Artists may be selected from the Council’s vetted Teaching Artist Roster or independently, in which case the applicant must provide background information on the artist’s qualifications. Grant awards are paid in full upon approval and are contingent on state and federal funding availability. The grant promotes access and equity by prioritizing schools engaged in continuous improvement work, addressing educational disparities, and reaching underserved communities. Projects are evaluated based on the clarity of learning objectives, the strength of the artistic engagement, integration with school goals, planning, and alignment with National Core Arts Standards or other education targets. Applications opened June 1, 2025. Projects must take place between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. Three application review rounds occur as funds allow, with the final deadline for Round 3 being September 23, 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and must be submitted no later than one month before the project start date. All grantees are required to credit the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts in publicity materials, conduct background checks per school policy, and submit a final report within 30 days of the residency end and no later than September 30, 2026. Teaching artists are paid directly by the school or organization. Support is available for accessibility and technical assistance.

Review Teaching Artist Roster; clarify goals aligned with National Arts Standards; apply early due to limited funding. Grants paid in full upon award.