Americans for the Arts is pleased to again partner with VANS on the Custom Culture Grant program. This program seeks to increase visibility for and resources available to arts educators and schools across the country, in order to sustain the arts as a vital part of education.
VANS Custom Culture Grants are available to public high schools (including charter schools) serving students in grades 9-12. The grants are intended to encourage the inclusion of the arts as an integral component of an excellent education, and to support activities that are consistent with local and national learning standards for arts education. Ten (10) schools across the country will each receive a $2,000 grant to support their work in providing high-quality music and/or visual arts instruction for students.
While VANS’ commitment to art and music stems from their connection to the skate/surf culture that influences their brand, teachers are encouraged to include partnerships with other art forms as part of an innovative program proposal, particularly as these grants are intended to support partnerships.
Applications open Wednesday, November 16, 2016 and close on Friday, December 9, 2016. A judging panel will convene in mid-December to select the 10 grant recipients. Americans for the Arts will notify grant recipients in early January and will dispense all grant funds by January 31, 2017. Funds must be used between January and June 2017.
To be considered for a grant, schools must complete the online application. Applicants must complete all questions on the form and upload supplemental materials that demonstrate student creativity, overall school culture, and a connection to the intended use of the grant. Download the grant application for more information and to start your submission.
For more information regarding the VANS Custom Culture Grant program, or for clarification about the criteria or the application process, please contact Jeff Poulin, Arts Education Program Manager at Americans for the Arts: jpoulin@artsusa.org or 202-371-2830.
