The Big Picture

There are SIX core elements that are consistent to all of funding models for arts-in-education grants in New York State. They vary by breadth and depth as you seek higher amounts, but they all align with the idea that the arts are a regular part of everyday learning, and that communities can reform their practice through sustained commitment to arts learning.

The six core elements are:
1. True partnership: Artists and teachers plan and work together to achieve shared goals for arts and education.

2. Project team: Participants have the expertise for targeted goals.

3. Curriculum and instruction: Methods for learning merge NYS Standards in arts and all content areas.

4. Reflection, assessment, evaluation: Teachers and artists use methods that show that quality/quantity learning is happening and can measure it.

5. Professional development and planning: Projects incorporate collaborative learning opportunities for artists and educators and a demonstrated commitment to planning through partner goals.

6. Sustainability and Documentation: There is a plan for maintaining and extending the partnership ideals after the project is over.

What you should do to prepare for an arts-in-ed grant:
1. Have a clear goal for student learning and the NYS standard(s) it meets (for example: Students will learn ways to express ideas and concerns clearly and respectfully in group conversations. Intermediate ELA standard #4).

2. Identify an art form and an artist that will implement your objective (for example: an actor from an ensemble performance troupe). PAE can help you look for an artist if you do not know one already.

3. Assess your partners/funds/time constraints realistically. Who else will be working on this? Where can money come from? What is the timeline?

4. Contact PAE with any questions or just to introduce yourself! There is no such thing as a bad question. The more your funder knows about your project, the better.

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