January 15th is the deadline for artists to apply to the Kentucky Arts Council's Arts Education Artist Roster. Acceptance on the Artist Roster enables artists to be eligible for participation in the Kentucky Arts Council's Teacher Initiated Program. Inclusion in this roster is also beneficial to artists interested in working in other Arts Council Arts Education programs: the Alternative Connections Program for youth-at-risk (formerly Youth Center Initiated Program (YCIP)), ArtsStart! for residencies in early child hood education, and the renewed School-Communities-Arts-Parents-Partnership Program.

The criteria for selection includes evidence of high-quality artistic work in visual or performing arts (including theatre, dance and music), literary arts, folk and traditional arts, and media arts or any combination of art forms. Prospective artists must also demonstrate that they have the skills and competencies needed to work with teachers and students in designing and implementing arts programs. The Artist Roster helps place professional artists into residencies in Kentucky Schools to work, demonstrate their art forms, and share their ideas, creativity, and talents with students of all ages. Professional artists from both within and outside Kentucky, age 18 or older, may apply.

Guidelines, instructions and application for the Artist Roster can be found on the KAC Web site at www.kyarts.org under Arts Education. For more information regarding artist residencies and other Arts Council arts education programs call Arts Education Program Director John S. Benjamin, toll free at 1-888-833-2787.

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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 $15 in earned income and matching funds from individuals, philanthropic sources and other levels of government.