Bring Professional Artists into Your School
Applications are now open for the 2023-24 School Year.
Applications deadline is extended from June 6 to FRIDAY JUNE 9th @11:59PM ( due to technical difficulties with the application form that are now resolved)
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Artists in the Classroom grants bring professional artists into schools for rich learning experiences.
Artists, Teachers, Principals and PAC Representatives can apply for Artists in the Classroom (AIC) Grants to bring professional artists into the classrooms. Through AIC, artists and educators collaborate to expand the role of arts in education and activate learning for young people across BC. AIC Grants support projects in schools across BC that demonstrate artistic impact, strong curricular connections, high levels of student engagement and an active partnership between educators and professional artists.
Projects must take place between September 2023-June 2024
Artists in the Classroom grants are disbursed by ArtStarts in Schools through a partnership agreement with BC Arts Council and funded by the Province of British Columbia. Additional funds are provided by Telus STORYHIVE and the Columbia Basin Trust.
Grants of up to $3,500 for small-scale projects and grants of up to $10,000 for large-scale projects are available. AIC grants can fund up to 70% of total project costs and can only cover eligible expenses. The remaining 30% of costs, including ineligible expenses, must be covered by other sources secured by the applicant. FNSA Schools can apply for grants to cover up to 100% of eligible project costs.
Educators: Have an idea for a project but havent found an artist to work with yet? Search ArtStarts' Artists in the Classroom Directory. Please be sure to connect with the artist you want to work with, prior to applying for the grant. All BC-based artists are eligible to be funded through the Artists in the Classroom Grant, they do not have to be on the Directory.
All professional artists, Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, teachers, principals and PAC representatives in British Columbia are eligible to apply for this grant. Any BC based professional artists can apply or work on projects - the Artists in the Classroom Directory is a resource to help teachers find potential artists!
As the AIC grant is disbursed to the school for management, check to see if the school in which the project will take place is eligible for the AIC Grant! Search the BC School Listing from the Ministry of Education or the First Nations School Directory. If your school is on either of those lists, you are eligible for funding!
Applications are now open. Applications deadline is extended to June 6, 2023.
Each year has two deadlines - one in May for projects in the upcoming school year, and one in October for projects from January-June of the current school year.
We have put together practical resources for teachers and artists in the classroom to help you deepen your understanding of arts in education and provide tips and tools that can be used when putting together your application and executing the project.
Get Inspired
Get Help Completing your Application Form
13,634
students took part in AIC projects in the 2019-20 school year
June 6 2023
AIC Applications Due for projects in the 2023-24 School Year
October 24 2023
AIC Applications Due for projects January-June 2024
Grant Guidelines - PDF
Grant Guidelines - Word
New Form Guide - PDF
New Form Guide - Word
Application Form
Budget Form - to Upload in Application Form
Application Questions - Word
Assessment Rubric
Find an Artist
Izzy Data
Program Coordinator - Grants
aic@artstarts.com
604-336-0626 ext 103
Schedule a phone call with Izzy
Be inspired by creative projects successfully supported by Artists in the Classroom grants. Browse our list of funded projects—or search by artistic discipline, curriculum, region of BC, school name or school year.
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The ArtStarts Gallery is the only free, public gallery in Canada exclusively dedicated to young people’s art. Exhibitions often showcase projects from Artists in the Classroom grants.
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