(Frankfort, KY) - The Kentucky Arts Council is now accepting applications for the Teacher Initiated Program which assists schools in bringing professional artists into the classroom for one to four week residencies in the spring of 2005. During these planned residencies artists demonstrate their art forms and provide students and teachers repeated opportunities to learn about and experience the making of art. Artists collaborate with teachers to design and implement innovative programs and provide teachers with the tools to continue to utilize the arts after the residency is completed.

The Kentucky Arts Council maintains an adjudicated roster of artists working in dance, folk arts, literary arts, media, music, storytelling, theatre and visual arts that teachers may choose to work with. Artist selection for the roster is based on artistic excellence and having the requisite skills and competencies to work with teachers and students in designing and implementing relevant arts programs. The Kentucky Arts Council’s Arts Education Roster is available online at 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 September 15, 2004. Applications are due October 15, 2004. 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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