Get Arts in the Schools Program -GASP

The Arts Council of Mendocino County and the Mendocino County Office of Education are pleased to announce GASP (Get Arts in the Schools Program). GASP, a partnership between the two agencies, is a program that funds artist workshops and live performances in a limited number of Mendocino County schools during the school year. The goal of the program is to infuse the arts in the core curriculum and to involve and expose school children to quality, educational, curriculum-based artistic experiences.

How Much Money is Available?
The total amount available for grants in the 2005/2006 school year is $10,000. Up to 20 grants will be awarded.

Who is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for a GASP grant, an ARTIST must meet all four of the following criteria:
1.     To be eligible, an artist must be a professional in their art field
2.     To be eligible, an artist must have prior experience teaching in a classroom setting
3.     To be eligible, an artist must reside in Mendocino County
4.     To be eligible, an artist must be a current member of Arts Council of Mendocino County

...to join the ACMC, click here www.artsmendocino.org/html/membership.htm

In order to be eligible for a GASP grant, a SCHOOL must meet both of the following criteria:
1.     To be eligible, a school must be serviced by MCOE (private schools are currently ineligible)
2.     To be eligible, a school must be able to present a GASP program during the regular school day or in a qualified arts and education after school program.

If I Qualify, How Do I Apply?
The first step is to submit a letter of interest by Monday, June 20, 2005 (postmark OK). Letters of interest should briefly state a proposed workshop or performance (for artists), or a need and desired outcome of hosting an artist workshop or performance (for teachers/schools). Letters should be mailed to:

Arts Council of Mendocino County GASP Program P.O. Box 1393 Fort Bragg, CA 95437

The Arts Council will respond to all inquiries. Qualified artists and schools will be asked to formally apply.

Questions regarding the GASP program should be addressed to Trudy McCreanor, GASP Committee Chair. Trudy can be reached at (707) 463-2290 or by email. Further information about the program, as it becomes available, can be found on this website.