Artists-in-Education Grant Program

The Artists-in-Education (AiE) Grant Program, administered by the Howard County Arts Council (HCAC), provides funding to place professional artists in residence at Howard County public and private K-12 schools. The program is designed to enhance school curricula by offering students experiential learning opportunities in the arts, which may not be otherwise available. The initiative emphasizes educational enrichment through hands-on art experiences, promoting creativity, diversity, and access for all Howard County students. HCAC is a private nonprofit organization authorized by Howard County Government to oversee grants for arts-related programs. With the AiE program, the council aims to extend artistic opportunities to students, elevate the quality of arts education, and ensure a wide reach across the community. To support equitable access, schools with higher percentages of students in FARMS, LEP, and SPED categories may qualify for waived matching requirements under HCAC's Access Challenge Index. Funding can be used strictly for direct artistic expenses and materials. However, grant funds may not be used for travel, capital improvements, land acquisition, tuition, or any political or fundraising purposes. Award amounts are competitive and may not exceed 50% of the total project budget. A 1:1 cash match is required unless the school qualifies for an exemption based on the Access Challenge Index, in which case up to $2,500 may be requested without a match. Eligible applicants include Howard County public and independent 501(c)(3) K-12 schools, especially those without an operating PTA. Applicants must align with state education standards and meet several federal compliance requirements for accessibility and non-discrimination. Only one application may be submitted per school per cycle, and all required documentation, including a principal support letter for permanent installations, must be included. Applications for the second cycle open on September 1, 2025, and close on November 12, 2025. Awards will be announced in late January 2026, with payments scheduled for October. Final reports are due by July 15, 2026. The application must be submitted online via hcac.gosmart.org. Evaluation includes criteria such as artistic merit, alignment with school goals, audience engagement, and fiscal accountability. Projects must be implemented during regular school hours and include orientation and follow-up sessions. For support, applicants can contact HCAC via email at grantsandprojects@hocoarts.org or by phone at (410) 313-2787, Monday through Friday. The program typically recurs annually, with a projected next cycle opening in September 2026.

Projects with hands-on classroom engagement and multi-day residencies are prioritized over assembly-only formats. Collaborate early with artists and teachers. Ensure alignment with Maryland Fine Arts Standards.