Tempe invests in 26 local schools’ arts programs through grants
Posted 9/27/24
In 2024, the city of Tempe has continued its commitment to grow local arts education by increasing funding for this year's Arts in Schools grants, which are administered by Tempe Community Arts and provide fine arts teachers in Tempe the funds to work with professional artists and/or purchase arts equipment.
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Arts Education
Tempe invests in 26 local schools’ arts programs through grants
Courtesy City of Tempe
Guest music clinician teaches a class at Ward Traditional Academy.
Posted
In 2024, the city of Tempe has continued its commitment to grow local arts education by increasing funding for this year's Arts in Schools grants, which are administered by Tempe Community Arts and provide fine arts teachers in Tempe the funds to work with professional artists and/or purchase arts equipment.
This fall, an investment of $70,000 will be distributed among 26 schools for a total of 60 grants, which is an increase from the $60,000 awarded to 25 schools last year, a city release explained.
Examples of projects being funded include the purchase of specialty Giffin Grips to help high school ceramics students work, as well as specialized percussion instruments for elementary students to make music accessible to all.
In addition, residencies with guest music clinicians, performing artists and visual artists support both local arts professionals and the professional development of teachers.
Arts education helps encourage imaginative problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence, as well as promotes arts literacy as a powerful means of self-expression, the release stated.
Tempe City Councilmember Berdetta Hodge, who is also a Tempe Union High School District Governing Board Member, said in the release that through this grant program, the city is supporting future artists, musicians and performers.
“Arts education is imperative for encouraging creativity, learning and communication in youth. We are proud to be funding these programs and activities while promoting equitable access for all,” Hodge said.
To receive grant funds, visual and performing arts teachers submitted applications detailing their proposals. Schools receiving grants are located in Tempe Elementary School District, Kyrene School District, Tempe Union High School District, Tempe Preparatory Academy and New School for Arts and Academics, according to the release.
Earlier this year, Tempe awarded 27 grants for a total of $187,000 to nonprofit organizations and artist collectives providing inclusive arts and culture programming in Tempe.
The goal of the grant program is to infuse long-term growth of the arts in Tempe by funding high-quality, community-initiated projects for arts organizations, schools, artist collectives and teachers, the release stated.
