Research shows exceptional things happen when the arts become part of children’s lives. The arts play an important role in captivating young people and propelling them to higher levels of achievement and understanding.

Rasmuson Foundation initiated the Arts In Education program to expand the role of cultural institutions in making arts experiences available in schools and neighborhoods; to inspire collaborations between educators, artists and cultural institutions; to increase student access to a variety of high-quality arts and cultural experiences; and to encourage student participation in the arts.

Adak School students work with Statewide Teaching Artist Roster artist, Eddie Wood. During this 2015 Artists in Schools Residency, students explored a variety of instruments from different cultures, and discussed where each came from, why instruments might be constructed from particular materials, and what their traditional roles were. Photo courtesy of Adak School.

Adak School students work with Statewide Teaching Artist Roster artist, Eddie Wood. During this 2015 Artists in Schools Residency, students explored a variety of instruments from different cultures, and discussed where each came from, why instruments might be constructed from particular materials, and what their traditional roles were. Photo courtesy of Adak School.

The following grant opportunities are offered for Alaska schools, nonprofit organizations and teachers:

  1. Arts Excursion – Grants of $600 for K-12 schools, public and private, to assist with student transportation to arts and cultural events. Title 1 schools are eligible for grants up to $1,000.
  2. Cultural Collaborations – Two grant programs for collaborative projects that enable schools, arts organizations, local arts agencies, artists, and other civic groups to establish, expand or enhance arts and cultural programs for young people.
    • Access Grants – Grants up to $1,000 to support high-quality, short-term arts and cultural activities for grades K-12 at a school site during the school day.
    • Project Grants – Matching funds up to $6,000 to support high-quality, longer-term, experientially based arts and cultural projects or programs for youth outside the school day.
  3. Arts Teacher Awards – Grants up to $3,000 for certified, permanently assigned, full and part-time K-12 artist-teachers to immerse themselves in their own creative work, interact with professional artists and stay current with new practices.
  4. Artists in Schools – Additional funding to the Alaska State Council on the Arts to reduce fees paid by schools, increase fees paid to artists and increase the number of residencies funded through the Artists in Schools program.

How to Apply

The Alaska State Council on the Arts administers this program in partnership with Rasmuson Foundation. Application information can be found on ASCA’s website. Contact ASCA at 907-269-6682. The mailing address for ASCA is 161 Klevin Street, Suite 102, Anchorage, AK 99508.

In 2012, Statewide Teaching Artist Roster artist, Justine Pechuzal, visited the community of Tununak to develop a mural project through the Artists in Schools program. Students worked with the artist to establish the theme for the mural and brought many traditional values and skills into the design They are pictured with their finished mural. Photo courtesy Lower Kuskokwim School District.

In 2012, Statewide Teaching Artist Roster artist, Justine Pechuzal, visited the community of Tununak to develop a mural project through the Artists in Schools program. Students worked with the artist to establish the theme for the mural and brought many traditional values and skills into the design They are pictured with their finished mural. Photo courtesy Lower Kuskokwim School District.