Arts in Practice Grants

The Arts in Practice Grant is administered by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, a state agency committed to expanding the availability and impact of the arts across the Commonwealth of Virginia. This program is designed specifically to enhance access to high-quality, artist-led residencies that enrich educational environments and professional development opportunities throughout the state. By reimbursing organizations that collaborate with artists listed on the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) Teaching Artist Roster, the program ensures broad participation in immersive, participatory arts experiences. It is a testament to Virginia’s commitment to equitable arts access and cultural engagement, targeting both community enrichment and educational development. The purpose of the Arts in Practice Grant is to support artist-facilitated, in-person residencies that are dynamic and responsive to a range of learning environments and community needs. These residencies can include a variety of activities such as hands-on workshops, community arts projects, and arts-centered professional development for educators. All activities must occur in ADA-compliant facilities within Virginia between July 1, 2025, and June 15, 2026. Importantly, these programs must include a participatory element to qualify, with broad publicity required for events open to the public. Certain institutions—such as schools, senior facilities, correctional institutions, and hospitals—are exempt from the public-facing requirement. Eligible applicants include Virginia-based federally tax-exempt schools, nonprofit organizations, and units of local or tribal government. Each applicant may apply for up to two grants per fiscal year, but those already receiving General Operating Support (GOS) grants from VCA are not eligible. Additional eligibility requirements include the necessity for programming to occur within ADA-compliant venues in Virginia and for applicants to be in good standing with VCA, including the submission of all past due final reports and absence of federal funding debarment. Funding is capped at $2,000 per grant and is intended to cover contracted professional fees, travel, and supplies directly associated with the residency. Importantly, the professional fees must comprise at least 50% of the total project budget. Grants are awarded directly to the partner organizations, who then compensate the Teaching Artist. A 15% cash match from the applicant is required, and this match must come from non-state or non-federal sources, such as ticket sales or private contributions. The amount requested from VCA and the required matching funds must be reflected in the project budget submitted during the application process. The application process is conducted entirely online and operates on a rolling basis beginning July 1, 2025, and ending April 1, 2026. Applications are reviewed by VCA staff on a first-come, first-served basis and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the scheduled activity. Required materials include a signed contract between the applicant and the Teaching Artist (containing a grant contingency clause), a project budget form, a certification of assurances form, a Virginia W-9 form, and the organization’s IRS determination letter. Following approval, grants are disbursed in full, typically within 30–45 days. Final Reports are required within 30 days post-activity, and any unspent grant funds must be reallocated to other approved arts programming with Commission approval. This grant program is recurring annually, creating a reliable opportunity for schools and community organizations to plan enriching arts experiences year after year. The flexible, inclusive structure of the Arts in Practice Grant allows a wide range of institutions to engage with high-quality arts programming, providing tangible support for creative development across the Commonwealth.

Applicants must apply at least two weeks before residency start and submit final reports within 30 days of completion. All project planning and negotiation with Teaching Artists must be finalized before submission.