(The Center Square) – Arizona’s public schools have the opportunity to apply for a part of a $10 million taxpayer-funded grant to stock their art rooms.
State Superintendent Tom Horne announced Tuesday morning a $10 million grant for public schools to purchase art supplies through the Arts Consumable Grant. Successful applicants will receive $1,000 per full-time art teacher for paints, brushes, sheet music, dance props, theatrical costumes and other items.
“I am a passionate supporter of arts education; it is an essential part of any successful school,” Horne said. “There are studies that show learning how to play stringed instruments helps students do better in math, so there are both aesthetic and academic benefits to arts education.”
Beyond a learning opportunity for students, a robust arts program pays dividends to Arizona’s local economy. According to Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), a national economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, the state’s nonprofit arts and culture sector generated $1.1 billion in economic activity in 2022.
All Arizona district and charter schools can apply until Dec. 31, 2023.