Arts in the Classroom

Next application deadline: Thursday, March 1, 2012 (for the 2012-13 school year)

Apply online using the eGRANT system (NOW OPEN)
Application Form [PDF] -
Program Guidelines (PDF document version of the text below): [PDF]

Applications must be submitted through eGRANT, postal mail, or delivered by hand to MAC’s office by the due date. Faxed or emailed applications are not accepted.

Please submit AIC applications no earlier than 30 days prior to the March 1 deadline. Applications received prior to this will be returned.

Overview

The Arts in the Classroom (AIC) Program is a "first step" for preK-12 schools that are interested in exploring arts integration as a teaching strategy, but are not yet ready to make the multi-year commitment required by MAC’s Whole Schools Initiative (WSI). AIC introduces arts integration concepts through professional development for the school's teachers and administrators, as well as providing direct arts experiences for the students. For more detailed information on arts integration and MAC's commitment to it as a method of school reform, please visit the WSI website.

AIC is a year-long program. Participating schools receive a grant of up to $5,000 that supports:

Professional development for faculty and administrators through the WSI Summer Institute and the bi-annual retreats
On-site professional development on arts integration led by professional artists or arts specialists
Visual and performing arts experiences for students and faculty
Staff travel to visit a WSI model arts-integrated school
Purchase of art supplies and other arts resources (such as books or videos)

An AIC grant requires a dollar-for-dollar cash match. Grant funds awarded to schools applying on the March 1, 2012 deadline will be available for the 2012-13 school year (see "Dates to Remember" section at the end of the guidelines).

Eligibility Requirements

Schools may apply if they are a public school or a school that has been incorporated in Mississippi as a non-profit organization and has (IRS) 501c3 status in place.

Review Criteria

AIC applications are reviewed using the following criteria:

1. Knowledge of Your School's Educational Environment (25 points)

Whom do you serve?
What is your school's vision and mission?
What is your school's underlying goal or focus?
What is the structure for professional development in your school or district?
How are the arts currently being taught in the school?

2. Understanding of the Needs for Improvement in Academic Achievement (25 points)

What are the greatest needs in your school that must be met in order to generate academic improvement?
How are you currently addressing these needs?
How is the school's vision and mission being met?
How are the arts currently being incorporated into your plans?
What would you like to change?

3. Vision & Ability to Craft a Plan (25 points)

Describe your vision for including the arts to address your school's needs
What effects are expected? What will happen as a result of the project?
Describe your school’s plan for the accomplishing the following:
- Identifying leaders and (non-school staff) partners for your AIC leadership team
- Instituting regular professional development related to arts integration
- Beginning to cultivate change in your school and coming to a consensus

4. Commitments from Your Leadership Team (25 points)

Each member of your AIC Project Team must submit the following information for this section:

Name, job title, phone number, and email address
A one paragraph biography that outlines their professional experience as an educator or other profession, if they are a parent or a member of the community.
A statement (no more than 200 words) explaining why they are interested in bringing arts integration into the school and what their specific role will be in the project.

How To Apply

Please submit one original and one copy of the following documents in the order listed. Do not staple or bind your application.

Arts in the Classroom Application Form;
Narrative (three-page maximum) in which you address the review criteria;
Promotional materials from the artists and consultants who will be working on your project, if the individuals are not members of MAC's Artist Roster. Please submit:

For Artists: a brochure or promotional materials and work samples (see the guidelines for MAC’s Artist Roster program for appropriate formats for the work samples)
For consultants: a resumé and list of recent clients (including contact information for the clients)

Letters from partners or co-sponsors on the project (if applicable). The letters should clearly explain the partner's role in the project.
If a private school, a copy of your school’s IRS 501(c)3 determination letter

Return of Artist Work Samples

Applicants who want their artist’s work samples returned by mail must provide a self-addressed mailer with sufficient postage affixed to it. They may also be picked up between July 1st and August 30th at MAC's office during regular business hours. Please make arrangements with the Arts Education Program Director before visiting the office. All materials will be discarded after August 30th if no instructions are given for their return.

Dates to Remember

March 1, 2012 – Arts in the Classroom application deadline
April 2012 – Review of applications by the grant panel (the specific panel date will be available by mid-March. Applicants are allowed to attend panels.)
June 2012 – MAC Board meets and makes final funding decisions on all applications
July 2, 2012 – Applicants are notified whether their application was funded or not. No information on the grants (including whether or not an organization will be receiving an award or the amount of the award) will be available from MAC prior to this date.

For more information about Arts in the Classroom or to discuss an application to the program, please contact Jodie Engle, Whole Schools Director at (601) 359-6040 or jengle@arts.state.ms.us.

Mississippi Arts Commission: Programs