In an era where budgets for the arts are continually under pressure, the recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Education is a breath of fresh air for schools across the nation. This significant update presents a golden opportunity for school administrators, education fundraisers, and teachers to expand their arts programs, including assembly shows. If you’re looking to enhance your school assembly programs and wondering if you can secure grants to fund these initiatives, read on for insights and tips on tapping into available resources.
Arts Education and Federal Funding
October marks National Arts and Humanities Month, and with it comes pivotal news in arts education. The U.S. Department of Education issued a letter to Chief State School Officers, shedding light on how federal education dollars can be leveraged to support arts education within the framework of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
Here’s a key excerpt from the letter:
“Arts education—including dance, media arts, music, theatre, and visual arts—is key to equitable access to a well-rounded education and central to our shared commitment to ensure that every student receives high-quality instruction that prepares them to be active, engaged, and lifelong learners.” This guidance is a monumental step forward, emphasizing the importance of integrating arts education as a core element of student development.
Why This News Matters
The letter from the Department of Education clarifies that Title I, Part A funds can be allocated to enhance arts education programs. This is particularly crucial for Title I schools, which serve a large percentage of low-income families and strive to meet rigorous academic standards. These funds can now be strategically deployed to support assembly shows and other arts-related initiatives.
The guidance doesn’t stop there. It also explores other federal formula funds that can be utilized to bolster arts education through various channels, including professional development, arts programming both in and out of school, support for children with disabilities, and career and technical education.
A Collaborative Effort
The release of this guidance from the Department of Education is a testament to the dedication of the arts community nationwide, which has consistently advocated for equitable arts education access. By working together, educators, administrators, and advocates can ensure that quality arts education, including assembly shows, is accessible to all students. For more detailed information, you can read the full letter on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
Contact Academic Entertainment for More Information
Securing grants for school assembly shows is not only possible but increasingly encouraged by recent federal guidance. Once you have secured funding for arts in education programs, contact us at Academic Entertainment to learn more about how you can utilize your funding and the benefits for your school.
If you are just getting started on a grant application process, you may want to have information about what kinds of programs your school would be requesting funding for. Reach out to at 800-883-9883 for more information or visit our website to request pricing and date availability.
