The Arkansas Arts Council is offering pre-K-12 schools and community organizations an opportunity to participate in the Arts in Education (AIE) Mini-Grant program.

It provides funding to bring artists listed on the Arts in Education Artist Roster into the classroom to present a hands-on curriculum-based or character-centered after-school or summer artist residency program that can last up to 10 days.

Applications are available at www.arkansasarts.org for residencies occurring between Oct. 1 and August 31, 2012.

The Arts in Education Mini-Grant program will also allow schools and organizations the opportunity to present a professional development workshop for educators in curriculum-based arts activities either in conjunction with or instead of an artist residency. Applicants may receive a maximum of $2,000, using established AIE program rates for artist fees, travel, meals, lodging and supplies.

Applicants must show a 1:1 match of cash and/or in-kind contributions. All Arkansas schools and community organizations will be able to apply. Schools and organizations in rural and underserved communities that have not had access to one of the Art Council’s AIE grant programs are especially encouraged to apply.

For more information contact Cynthia Haas, Arts in Education program manager, at (501) 324-9769 or cynthia@arkansasheritage.org.