For Immediate Release: July 1, 2011 Sheila Sears, Arts Education Manager, sheila.sears@state.co.us Grants Available to Schools for Arts Education Deadline August 25, 2011 for 2012 School Year Project

Denver, CO (July 1, 2011) – Colorado Creative Industries, a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, announces the availability of the online guidelines and application for the 2011-2012 Success through Art (StART Schools) Arts Education Implementation Grants. The deadline for receipt of the StART application is Thursday, August 25, 2011.  Interested schools may access the application materials at www.coloradocreativeindustries.org.

StART grants support in-school arts learning for K-12 students, both formal training in the arts and arts infused into other disciplines or subject areas. CCI’s intent is to support a cadre of model schools that will define, plan and implement arts education programs that are specifically aligned with Colorado Academic Standards and with their school or district learning goals. These model programs are becoming a network that will share promising practices and support one another through CCI assistance.

Applicants must be Colorado public schools, including charters. Although CCI requires collaborations with artists, arts organizations and higher education, only K-12 institutions may apply. Private or sectarian schools are not eligible.

These grants support the implementation of in-school activities related to an Arts Education Strategic Plan to make standards-based arts instruction and/or integration of the arts a fundamental part of the basic curriculum for students. Such plans should also support teachers in developing instructional practices around the arts as content areas and as integrated content in other subjects. Applicants will need to submit the plan, evidence that the plan was developed and is supported by a broad-based Arts Steering Committee, and a statement of commitment for the implementation activities from building leadership.