Deadline: 05-Jun-2026
The Artists in Schools grant program in Manitoba connects K–12 students with professional artists, cultural practitioners, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers to deliver arts-based educational experiences. It funds collaborative school projects ranging from $7,500 to $15,000 depending on artist involvement. The program enhances cultural learning, creativity, and student engagement across public schools in Manitoba.
The Artists in Schools grant program is a Manitoba-based funding initiative that brings professional artists and cultural practitioners directly into K–12 classrooms. It supports creative, hands-on learning experiences that strengthen arts education, cultural understanding, and student engagement across public schools in Manitoba.
Purpose of the Program
The program is designed to:
- Enhance arts and cultural education in schools
- Connect students with professional artists and cultural experts
- Promote creativity and artistic expression in learning environments
- Support Indigenous cultural knowledge in education
- Encourage collaboration between schools and arts professionals
It focuses on experiential learning through direct artist-student engagement.
Key Features of the Artists in Schools Program
School-Based Arts Learning
Students participate in interactive arts projects guided by professionals in fields such as:
Indigenous Knowledge Integration
The program actively supports the involvement of:
- Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
- Cultural educators
- Community-based artists
Professional Artist Collaboration
Schools work directly with:
- Individual artists
- Arts collectives
- Cultural organizations
- Arts service organizations
Funding Overview
The grant provides flexible funding based on project scale:
- Up to $7,500 → Projects with 1 professional artist
- Up to $15,000 → Projects involving 2 or more artists
Funding supports:
- Artist fees
- Workshop delivery
- Materials and supplies
- Cultural programming costs
- Collaborative arts activities
Who Is Eligible? (Applicants)
Eligible applicants include:
- Professional artists
- Arts and cultural practitioners
- Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
- Professional arts groups
- Arts organizations
- Arts service organizations
Key Requirement
Applicants must be capable of delivering educational, school-based arts programming aligned with program objectives.
Target Beneficiaries
The program supports:
- K–12 students in Manitoba
- Public school communities
- Educators and school-based partners
- Indigenous and culturally diverse student groups
Why the Program Matters
The Artists in Schools program plays a key role in:
- Improving access to arts education
- Strengthening creativity in classrooms
- Supporting cultural identity and expression
- Promoting Indigenous knowledge and reconciliation
- Increasing student engagement through hands-on learning
It bridges the gap between professional arts practice and school education.
How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Identify Project Idea
Schools or educators define an arts-based learning project.
Step 2: Find an Artist Partner
Use the Artists in Schools listings resource to connect with professionals.
Step 3: Develop Collaboration
Artist and school co-design the learning experience.
Step 4: Submit Grant Application
Include:
- Project description
- Artist involvement details
- Budget breakdown
- Learning objectives
Step 5: Project Delivery
Approved projects are implemented in school settings.
Step 6: Reporting & Evaluation
Outcomes are documented for program review.
Examples of Eligible Activities
- Classroom art workshops
- School-wide creative performances
- Indigenous storytelling sessions
- Visual arts exhibitions
- Music and dance residencies
- Cross-cultural arts projects
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not clearly defining artist involvement
- Submitting incomplete budgets
- Choosing non-professional facilitators
- Lack of alignment with educational outcomes
- Ignoring Indigenous engagement opportunities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define student learning outcomes
- Choose experienced professional artists
- Include Indigenous cultural perspectives where possible
- Ensure strong school-artist collaboration
- Align project with curriculum goals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the grant?
Professional artists, cultural practitioners, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and arts organizations.
2. Who benefits from the program?
K–12 students in Manitoba public schools.
3. How much funding is available?
Up to $7,500 for one artist and up to $15,000 for multiple artists.
4. Can schools apply directly?
Schools typically collaborate with artists rather than applying alone.
5. Are Indigenous cultural projects supported?
Yes, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers are key participants in the program.
6. What types of arts are included?
Visual arts, music, dance, theatre, storytelling, and cultural arts.
7. Is there a resource to find artists?
Yes, the program provides an Artist Listings resource.
Conclusion
The Artists in Schools grant program (Manitoba) strengthens arts education by connecting professional artists and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers with K–12 students. Through structured funding and collaborative school partnerships, it enhances creativity, cultural understanding, and experiential learning in classrooms across Manitoba. This initiative plays a vital role in building a more inclusive, creative, and culturally enriched education system.
For more information, visit Manitoba Arts Council.
