The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) in November 2024 announced the awarding of $5 million in grants as part of the Art Reengages Talent in Students (ARTS) Initiative Act II. The latest round of grants will provide school districts statewide with funds to bolster their arts programming and professional development.
Whether it be through performing, visual, or culinary arts, investments in creative disciplines empower students to use their imagination, develop their talents, and enhance their critical thinking skills. Research demonstrates that the link between involvement in the arts and engagement in school is strong and persistent.
- Award recipients can be found here
- Questions? Read the ARTS FAQ. Note for Act II: Please speak to your school and district leaders regarding funding allocation processes. LEAs will be required to submit invoices for expenses.
- Read the 2024 press release: Rhode Island Department of Education Awards $5 Million in ARTS Initiative - Act II Grants
- Read the 2022 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
- Browse the 2022 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. This document will be updated for 2025
- Download the ARTS Initiative LEA Payment Request Form