(FRANKFORT, KY) - The Kentucky Arts Council recently approved $75,075 in grants for short-term planned artist residencies. Through the Teacher Initiated Program grants, professional artists demonstrate their art forms and provide students and teachers repeated opportunities to learn about and experience the making of art. Artists also collaborate with teachers to design and implement innovative programs that provide the tools to continue to utilize the arts in the classroom after the residency is completed.

The Teacher Initiated Program facilitates residency projects that might, for example, integrate dance curriculum into the P.E. classes of middle schoolers; help high school students overcome the innate challenges of creative writing; or utilize the visual and performing arts as tools for elementary school students to increase learning in math, science and social studies. The Arts Council's investment through this program varies from school to school, depending upon the length of the residency.

The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting applications for the Teacher Initiated Program for the 2005-2006 school year. The Kentucky Arts Council maintains an adjudicated roster of artists, working in dance, folk arts, literary arts, videography and electronic media, music, storytelling, theatre and visual arts, that teachers may choose to work with (http://weba.ky.gov/kacartists ).

For Teacher Initiated Program grant guidelines and instructions, go to http://artscouncil.ky.gov/guide/prog6/tip_guid.htm. Before applying, an Intent to Apply form is required and due by January 2, 2005. Applications are due February 1, 2005. For more information about the Teacher Initiated Program and other arts education grants and services provided by the Kentucky Arts Council, contact John S. Benjamin, Arts Education Program Director, toll free at 1- 888-833-2787, ext. 4813 or [email protected] .

The Kentucky Arts Council is a state agency in the Commerce Cabinet. Working in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the Arts Council invests in programs that develop vibrant communities, provide lifelong education in the arts and support arts participation. Every $1 in grant funds awarded by the Kentucky Arts Council helps grantees secure $20 in earned income and matching funds from individuals, philanthropic sources and other levels of government.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: The following is a listing by county of schools awarded grants, residency program titles, length of residency, grant amount and school contact info.