Artists for the Arts

The AFTA Grant Program accepts applications every fall. The year’s grant application process is closed, but please continue to visit the site for updates, and to learn about next year’s application package and deadline
dates.

About the Program:

Portland Metro-area K-12 schools boast some of the most caring and creative teachers anywhere. However, educators, school administration, parents and kids all feel the frustration of an increasingly dwindling budget for in-schools arts programs. Studies clearly show that arts education directly transfers into better assimilation of other academic subjects, increased self-confidence and overall enjoyment of life. But in the past, concerned individuals have not had a way to give to our school districts to ensure that these essential programs remain a part of our children’s curriculum.

Good News for Educators!

To help fill the gap, Artists for the Arts (AFTA) has created the annual AFTA Grant Program. A 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, AFTA makes the funds it raises each year available to teachers in our region to help them turn their vision for specific arts projects in their own classroom into a reality.

Making a Difference

Currently, individual AFTA grant awards range from $200 - $1,000 per project. Though that may sound small, you might be surprised just how little is needed to launch an art project that can benefit hundreds of kids - especially in underserved communities, where a bit of help can make all the difference. Just a few of the projects that have been made possible by the AFTA Grant Program:

• Live theatre productions
• An in-school art museum
• A MIDI keyboard lab
• A weaving project
• A graphic novel study
• A poet artist-in-residence
• A social justice mural
• Drums for a rhythm class
• Photography classes
• A composer-in-residence
• Mosaic tile projects
• Library books/art supplies

Who We Help

AFTA has awarded grants to dozens of schools in the Portland Metro-area,
including: Chehalem Elementary, Clark Elementary, D.A. Grout Elementary,
George Middle School, Harriet Tubman Middle School, Humbolt School,
Jefferson High, Kelly Elementary, Lane Middle School, Lent Elementary,
Madison High School, Martin Luther King, Jr., Sunnyside Elementary, Woodlawn
Elementary, and many others.