ARTS Initiative

The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) is launching an innovative, $5 million art education support effort. Under Art Reengages Talent in all Students, or the ARTS Initiative, funding is based on the number of students, and each district or charter school will receive a grant of at least $10,000 to support the arts in their schools as they see fit. Schools and districts will also be eligible to receive additional grants for the arts.

Research demonstrates that the link between involvement in the arts and engagement in school is strong and persistent. Coming out of the pandemic, RIDE is dedicated to supporting local schools as they rebuild and strengthen their arts programs. This is an opportunity for schools to connect with local artists and programs – and for students to re-connect with their schools.

• Get the details, including a list of the top recipients, in the ARTS flyer
• Questions? Read the ARTS FAQ
• Read the press release: Student Voice Takes Center Stage Through Governor McKee, RIDE's $5 Million ARTS Initiative 
• Learn about how the arts impact social, emotional and academic success at Trinity Academy of the Performing Arts in the TAPA testimonial
• Download and share all three documents above here
• Artist or organization? Submit your offerings to school districts
• View ARTS Award Amounts by LEA
• Browse ARTS Initiative Community Resource Guide for LEAs. To access a linked table of contents, click Menu on left-hand side of the document and Document Outline. Click an artist to be brought to their page. The guide will be updated with new submissions on a rolling basis and distributed quarterly through the RIDE Field Memo. 
• Share photos and videos from the ARTS launch at Lincoln High School
• Download the ARTS Initiative LEA Payment Request Form