Arts in Education Mini-Grants

The Arts in Education (AIE) Mini-Grants program is administered by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency under the Division of Arkansas Heritage, which is part of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. This program supports curriculum-based arts experiences in educational settings by funding short-term residencies conducted by professional artists. These grants aim to enhance or initiate arts programs in pre K–12 schools or community organizations serving youth through after school or summer initiatives. The mini-grants facilitate one- to ten-day residencies led by professional artists listed on the Arkansas Arts Council’s Arts in Education Artist Roster. These residencies must deliver curriculum-based, hands-on arts activities, either during school hours, after school, or in summer programs. Alternatively, applicants may use the grant to conduct professional development workshops for teachers focused on integrating arts into the curriculum. The program emphasizes direct interaction between students or educators and professional artists. Applications for the AIE Mini-Grants are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, except during the month of September when applications are closed. Each applicant can request up to $2,000, which may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind matching. These grants are designed to be accessible and support a variety of short-term educational arts engagements. To apply, eligible applicants must use the Arkansas Arts Council's Grants Portal and apply using the grant code “aac.” Applications must include all required components, with budgets submitted via a downloadable Excel form provided by the Council. The budget must be balanced, with total income equaling total expenses. Definitions and clarifications on budget categories are available through linked policy documents. Applications missing required information or submitted late without justifiable cause as determined by the Executive Director will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with the appropriate grant program manager before submission to ensure alignment with program requirements. Review panels, composed of Arkansas Arts Council members and field representatives with relevant expertise, assess the applications. These panels adhere to a conflict of interest policy to ensure objective evaluation. For further assistance, the main contact for the AIE Mini-Grants is Matt Boyce, Arts in Education Program Manager, reachable at 501-324-9769. Additional support is available from Chloe Cunningham and Brazier Watts, program managers within the Council.