Description

The purpose of the 2026–27 Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (ACIG) is to assist schools and districts in developing and implementing arts initiatives that support quality arts education programs that significantly improve student achievement in the arts. Distinguished Art Program (DAP) grants provide funds for one-year projects. Successful DAP applications must indicate in the strategic arts plan that the applicant will include all arts forms—dance, music, theatre, and visual arts—over a three-year period of their strategic arts plan.

Program Office

Office of Assessment and Standards

Eligible Applicants

All South Carolina K-12 public schools and school districts are eligible to apply for only one grant type—either an Arts Enhancement Program (AEP) grant or a DAP grant under the ACIG program.

Total Funding Available

$700,000 

Funding Detail

The maximum DAP award to a school district is $40,000; the maximum DAP award to a school is $18,000.

Project Term

July 1, 2026, through May 28, 2027

Application Due Date

April 17, 2026

Technical Assistance Session

The Office of Assessment and Standards will offer a pre-application technical assistance session via Adobe Connect on February 26, 2026, from 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.  No password is required to join the session. Participants should enter their full names when logging in to the session. Participants will be able to log in up to 30 minutes prior to the start of the session to evaluate their equipment’s settings and to access the handouts. While participation is not mandatory in order to submit an application, it is highly recommended.

Documents

Request for Proposals (DOCX, 1.37mb - 1/26/26)
Online Application
Budget Summary and Narrative (XLSX, 17.3kb - 1/26/26) 

Program Web Page

Visual and Performing Arts
Office of Assessment and Standards- Arts Curricular Innovation Grants