Art grants available

The Ventura County Arts Council Arts-in-the-Classroom Mini-Grant Program wants to encourage area elementary schools to partner with county artists and arts organizations to bring more art into the classroom. The first round of mini-grants will be awarded this spring to be used during the 2004-2005 school year.

The Arts-in-the-Classroom mini-grants are available to Ventura County elementary schools that partner with a Ventura County 501(c)(3) arts organization. Individual artists should apply through a county arts organization. All programs must adhere to the guiding principles contained in the Visual and Performing Arts Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve which is downloadable at http://www.cde.ca.gov/shsd/arts/standards.

All arts disciplines will be considered. Only one application per school will be funded. The Arts-in-the-Classroom mini-grants of $300 to $500 are intended to be seed money that is to be matched dollar-for-dollar by the schools for artists and school supplies.

Interested elementary schools should download the application form at www.venturacountyarts.net and submit it by 5:00 p.m. Mon., April 26.

Mail or hand deliver completed applications to Ventura County Arts Council at 646 County Square Drive, Suite 154, Ventura, 93003-0436.