LOUISVILLE, KY, MAY 25, 2015- The Fund for the Arts invites local educators to apply for Arts-in-education grants for the 2015-2016 school year through the EVERY CHILD Arts Education Initiative. Applications for two different programs will be accepted via website at fundforthearts.com/the-every-child-arts-education-initiative with two separate deadlines; July 15, 2015 and September 15, 2015.
5×5 Program
In its sixth year, the goal of Fund for the Arts 5×5 (5 by 5) program is to provide a continuum of at least five (5) arts/cultural experiences for JCPS elementary schools by the completion of grade five. Opportunities include residencies, field trips and in-school experiences, provided by a range of local Arts organizations. Every offering is connected to Commonwealth of Kentucky’s core educational content and complements what students are learning in the classroom. Students in 5×5 schools may apply for a scholarship to participate in a youth Arts training program. All JCPS elementary schools are encouraged to apply to be a 5×5 school for 2015-2016. Priority is given to Title I schools.
“Jefferson County Public Schools values its partnership with the Fund for the Arts,” said Dr. Donna Hargens, Ed.D., JCPS Superintendent. “The 5×5 and TAG programs provide tremendous opportunities to introduce students to the Arts through enrichment field trips and in-school experiences. We are excited to work with an Arts community that is committed to enhancing student learning through the power of the Arts.”
PNC/Fund for the Arts Teacher Arts Grants
Grant applications are also available for the PNC/Fund for the Arts Teacher Arts Grants. The following schools are encouraged to apply: any school, elementary, middle, or high in Jefferson County Public Schools (KY) as well as schools in Bullitt County Public Schools (KY), Oldham County Schools (KY), Shelby County Public Schools (KY), Spencer County Schools, Louisville Archdiocese (KY), West Clark Community Schools (IN), Greater Clark County Schools (IN), and New Albany-Floyd County Schools (IN). The Teacher Arts Grants program facilitates arts-in-education opportunities for students inspiring and engaging their academic studies, and promoting social growth and understanding. The Louisville Archdiocese provides additional support for its schools to participate as well. Funding priority is given to schools with a high percentage of students on free/reduced lunch.
Chuck Denny, PNC Bank regional president of Greater Louisville and Tennessee, said, “PNC is committed to the success of our students both in and out of the classroom. The PNC/Fund for the Arts Teacher Arts Grants makes it possible to inspire excellence in schools across the region.”
2014-2015 Impact
In the 2014-2015 school year, Fund for the Arts delivered 290 arts residencies, workshops and experiences to almost 50,000 JCPS students in 60 elementary schools through the 5×5 program. 70% of the schools participating demonstrate successful arts and humanities implementation as evidenced through Kentucky Department of Education Program Reviews, and 100% of schools participating have seen overall score gains in their school report card data. During the 2014-2015 school year, the Teachers Arts Grants program reached an additional 13,000 students. Support from the Fund for the Arts to its Cultural Partners helped to provide more than 400,000 arts experiences to children across the region.
Participating Organizations
Arts organizations participating in the Every Child Arts Education Initiative include:
Actors Theatre of Louisville, Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, Kentucky Opera Association, Kentucky Shakespeare, Louisville Ballet, Louisville Orchestra, Louisville Visual Art, Louisville Youth Choir, Louisville Youth Orchestra, Stage One Family Theatre, Walden Theatre/Blue Apple Players, Squallis Puppeteers, CenterStage at the Jewish Community Center, and River City Drum Corps.
The Fund for the Arts Every Child Arts Education Initiative is made possible through the generosity of more than 20,000 donors that contribute to the Fund for the Arts Campaign each year with additional support from PNC Bank, Louisville Metro Government, Your Community Bank, and Epic Insurance Solutions, as well as ongoing support from the Barbara Sexton Smith Education Enhancement Fund.
About Fund for the Arts
The Fund for the Arts builds a stronger community by investing in world-class Arts organizations, driving collaborative initiatives and fueling innovative arts-in-education programs throughout the region. A national leader in corporate partnerships; business and creative find a unified voice, a more educated workforce, and attract talent through the Arts. The annual Fund for the Arts campaign has generated more than $188 million for the Arts since its establishment in 1949. More than 20,000 donors contribute to the campaign each year. For more information visit www.fundforthearts.com.
