The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) has announced it will be accepting online applications for a new grant program promoting arts education.

"This new program was developed to help support curriculum needs, impact individual student engagement and performance, and develop a long term commitment to arts in schools at the primary and secondary levels," explained Lewis C. Ricci, IAC executive director.

The IAC anticipates being able to fund 16 to 18 applications with grants between $5,000 and $8,000. Applicants must match dollar-for-dollar the IAC grant awarded with school funds, contributed funds, inkind donations, or services. A copy of the complete arts in education program grant guidelines and online application can be found on the IAC website.

The new arts in education grant program is open to any Indiana pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public, private, or parochial school. Grant guidelines and applications will be posted on the IAC website (www.IN.gov/arts) Aug. 18.

All applications must be submitted through the Indiana Cultural Grants Online (http://indiana.cgweb.org/) no later than 4:30 p.m. EDT Oct. 1, 2008, for projects planned and implemented between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2009.

Grant applications will be reviewed Nov. 6 by a panel of Indiana educators and artists convened by the IAC. The panel will make funding recommendations to the Commission which will review and ratify the program grants during its December quarterly business meeting.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Susan Britsch, IAC Arts Education Coordinator with any questions regarding application or proposed projects. She can be reached at 317-232- 1281 or sbritsch@iac.in.gov.