School is out across the Commonwealth, but Kentucky teachers can start planning now for next year’s field trips by applying for a TranspARTation Grant from the Kentucky Arts Council.
The application deadline is Aug. 17 for field trips scheduled from Oct. 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016.
The TranspARTation Grant is now in its third year and is awarded three times per year. The grant’s purpose is to offset the cost of transportation to and from arts venues for school field trips. Grants are based on the round trip mileage from the school building to the arts organization or performance venue and the number of buses necessary. There is a minimum grant amount of $100.
Any Kentucky public or private school that supports grades pre-K through 12 may apply for a TranspARTation Grant.
Schools receiving TranspARTation Grants must attend arts events presented by one of many preapproved TranspARTation organizations.
RiverPark Center in Owensboro is one of the participating TranspARTation venues that is a popular destination for western Kentucky schools.
“Our goal is to reach a regional audience, and we have, but over the last few years, as school dollars become more precious, those resources for schools are dwindling. Sometimes the highest cost for them is transportation to and from our venue,” said Roxie Witt, RiverPark Center executive director. “This grant makes those trips possible. There’s nothing more powerful for students than a live art experience.”
For more information about applying for a TranspARTation Grant, visit the TranspARTation webpage, or contact Jean St. John, arts council arts education director, at jean.stjohn@ky.gov or 502-564-3757, ext. 486.
From the Kentucky Arts Council