Artists in the Schools

Quality arts experiences for Hawaiʻis pre-K – 12 public and charter school students. Applications for School Year 2024-2025/6 are open through March 28, 2024, 11:59 p.m. HST via HawaiiGoSmart.org.

The AITS application is completed and submitted in the Hawaii GO Smart online application system: HawaiiGoSmart.org.

Purpose

The Artists in the Schools (AITS) Program is under the jurisdiction of the SFCA. AITS arts residency grants provide engaging, creative, and fun learning experiences based on the Fine Arts standards for all grade levels, through residencies with qualified, trained teaching artists from the Artistic Teaching Partners (ATP) Roster. Many of these teaching artists integrate their art form with other core curriculum areas, such as language arts, math, social studies, and science, meeting both Fine Arts and other core standards.

Artists in the Schools Information Sessions

Online Information Sessions

Artists in the Schools information sessions for School Year 2024-2025/6: dates to be announced. These information sessions are for Hawaiʻi public and charter schools interested in applying. Hawaiʻi public and charter school classroom teachers, curriculum specialists, vice-principals, and principals can apply in tandem with a teaching artist from the SFCA Artistic Teaching Partner Roster.

Helpful Information for AITS

AITS Values

The Artists in the Schools Program Values:  

  • Partnership – Teaching Artists and schools collaborate closely. 

  • Creativity and Individuality – Teaching Artists and schools design specific experiences that are meaningful to all stakeholders involved. 

  • Cultural Relevance – Pedagogy is well-informed of and responsive to the unique cultural context of Hawaiʻi. 

  • Student-Centered Education – Lessons and experiences empower students to take an active role on their own education and design their learning.

  • Educational Equality – Residencies, PDs, and infrastructure are designed in such a way that we may live into our kuleana to racial and economic equality and support individuals with diverse physical abilities, learning styles, sexualities, gender expressions, and geographic realities. 

Who AITS Is For

All state of Hawai‘i public schools and public charter schools, grades pre-K through 12, are eligible to apply for ONE arts residency grant annually. This year, schools can apply for a one-year or two-year long grant. Schools must work in partnership with a teaching artist from the SFCA’s Artistic Teaching Partners (ATP) Roster to develop the residency. The roster lists qualified trained individual teaching artists and arts organizations. The roster is updated annually before each call for AITS applications. (Download the roster PDF below under “Necessary Materials for Applying” or use the searchable roster: Artistic Teaching Partners (ATP) Roster).

AITS Arts Residencies

A residency consists of a minimum of 5 secondary or 8 elementary sessions by the teaching artist with the same core group of students. The learning experiences must support the Fine Arts Standards from the Department of Education Hawai‘i Content and Performance Standards III. Teaching artists on the Artistic Teaching Partners Roster bring dance, drama/theatre, literary arts, mime, music, puppetry, and visual arts to the classroom in their arts residency.

Types of AITS Arts Residency Grants

Schools may apply for either an Artists in the Schools General Grant or an Artists in the Schools Art in Public Places Grant. All Hawai‘i public and public charter schools are eligible to apply. Neither grant requires a school match.

Length of Residency

Schools are able to apply for a one- or two-year long residency. The grant funds and arts residency activities are for only School year 2024- 2025, or School Years 2024-2026 if applying for a two year residency. Individual Artistic Teaching Partners working with multiple schools must ensure that all of their schools are either all one-year or two-year long residencies due to contracting.

Artists in the Schools General Grant

The goal of the general grant is to incorporate the Teaching Artists’ art form into classrooms, utilizing art standards. This grant can be either arts integration, or focused on a specific arts practice. The maximum grant amount is $8,000 plus an additional (optional) $500 for Professional Development for the classroom teachers. If your school would like to learn about the school match reduction/waiver, please contact Danica Rosengren at [email protected].

Artists in the Schools – Art in Public Places Grant

The goal of this Art in Public Places (APP) Grant is to increase students’ appreciation of, and engagement with, works of art in the Art in Public Places Collection. The emphasis for APP arts residencies is on interpreting an artwork by means of the Teaching Artist’s art form. The goal is to increase students’ appreciation of, and engagement with, the Arts in Public Places Collection. Most artworks can be viewed in this online photo gallery: DAGS.Hawaii.gov/SFCA/APP/gallery.

The maximum grant amount is $8,000 plus an optional additional $500 for Professional Development for classroom teachers.

How to Apply

  • The applicant must be a public or public charter school in the State of Hawai‘i. At the time of application, the school must have been in operation, providing services to its students, for a minimum of one semester.
  • Download the materials and forms below and save them to your computer.
    • Read through the materials and instructions.
  • The grant application is done in partnership with an Artistic Teaching Partner (ATP).
    • Select a teaching artist from the Artistic Teaching Partners Roster (download the PDF below under “Necessary Materials for Applying” or use the searchable Artistic Teaching Partners Roster) and contact the teaching artist.
  • The school must register in the GO Smart online application system.
    • Identify a school AITS contact person who will work with the teaching artist.
    • The AITS application is completed and submitted in the Hawaii GO Smart online application system: HawaiiGoSmart.org.

How AITS is Funded

AITS is funded with state appropriations from the State of Hawai‘i Legislature, federal funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and private matching funds from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation. In the 2023-2024 school year, 125 schools received AITS funds to conduct their arts residencies.

2023-2024 Schools

These schools received an Artists in the Schools grant for School Year 2023-2024.

School NameIslandSchool YearProject Title
Connections PCSHawaii Island2023-2024Printmaking and Patterns in Place
Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024"Strength In Diversity" Sculpture Inspires Creativity
Haaheo Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Interpreting Art Through Clay Exploration and 3-Dimensional Sculpture
Hawaii Academy for Arts & Science Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Making Math Memorable with Music & Movement
Hawaii Technology Academy, Kona PCSHawaii Island2023-2024Inspired by Nature: Exploring Nature's Wonders through Visual Art, Language, Math, and Science
Hilo Union Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Reading and understanding "Waianuenue" Rainbow Water: Connecting people to place through the Arts
Holualoa Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Kalo and Ulu: A Visual Journey to Hawaii's Canoe Plants
Honaunau Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Dramatizing Text: Creative Experiences with Literature
Innovations Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Stewards of a Creative Future
Kahakai Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Embracing the Elements: Exploring Hawaii's Weather in Abstract and Landscape Painting
Kalaniana'ole Elementary & Intermediate Hawaii Island2023-2024(Gr3) Intro to Art: Hawaii's Flora & Fauna /(Gr4) Drawing & Painting: Hawaiian Flora & Fauna
Kanu o ka Aina NCPCSHawaii Island2023-2024Dancing Lava; using imagery, music, and movement to stoke the fire of the imagination.
Ka'u High & Pahala ElementaryHawaii Island2023-2024Ka'u Keiki Growing in the Wind!
Keaau Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Expressing our Place through Interpretation and Creation
Keaau HighHawaii Island2023-2024Journey in Time-- Multiple Possibilities
Keaau Middle Hawaii Island2023-2024The Voyage of Hip Hop: From the Beat to the Street
Kealakehe Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Our Stories, Ourselves: A creative journey
Konawaena Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Creating Characters,Telling Stories by Drawing Cartoons
Konawaena High Hawaii Island2023-2024Learning About Self and Culture Through Art
Kua O Ka La Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Supporting Inclusive Diversity with Music & Dance
Laupahoehoe Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Movement that moves you: using dance to express emotions, ideas, and opinions.
Mountain View Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Moving Mural: Exploring from Within
Paauilo Elementary and IntermediateHawaii Island2023-2024Moolelo in Motion: Dances Inspired by Murals
The Volcano School of Arts and Sciences Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Ka Hana Kapa: The making of Hawaiian Kapa Bark Cloth
Waiakea Intermediate Hawaii Island2023-2024Poetic Handmade Books
Waikoloa Elementary and Middle Hawaii Island2023-2024Creative Mosaics of Hawaiian Plants and Place
Waimea Middle School Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Daily Living Danced
Alaka'i O Kaua'i Public Charter School Kauai2023-2024Celebrating Music Around The World
Hanalei Elementary Kauai2023-2024Moolelo Mural Legacy Project!
Hawaii Technology Academy, Kauai PCSKauai2023-2024All that Glitters
Kalaheo Elementary Kauai2023-2024Talk Story
Kanuikapono Public Charter SchoolKauai2023-2024Moving into Moolelo: Dancing the Story
Kapaa High Kauai2023-2024All that Glitters - stone setting
Kawaikini Public Charter SchoolKauai2023-2024Moving into Moolelo: Exploring Place Based Literature Through Creative Dance
Kilauea Elementary Kauai2023-2024Set Your Own Score: The Synergy of Art, Dance & Music
Waimea Elementary Kauai2023-2024Waimea Scenes
Lanai High & Elementary Lanai2023-2024Igniting The TORCH With Rhythm & Dance
Haiku Elementary Maui2023-2024Body Beats: Gettin' Gritty With It
Hana Elementary Maui2023-2024Habitat Clap: Exploring Community with Body Percussion
Hana Middle Maui2023-2024Expressing YOU: Mixed Media Self Portraits
Hawaii Technology Academy, Maui PCSMaui2023-2024Exploring American History through Musical Theatre and Hip Hop
Iao Intermediate Maui2023-2024Pua hoʻohihi a nā manu (Flowers fancied by birds): Modeling Relationships with Paper Engineering
Kamalii Elementary Maui2023-2024Exploring Cultural Diversity with Music & Dance
Kihei Elementary Maui2023-2024Movement & Music with Math in Mind
Kihei Public Charter SchoolMaui2023-2024Underwater Explorations: Painting and Sculpting Ocean Animals in Hawaiian Habitats
King Kekaulike High Maui2023-2024Bringing Shakespeare's Characters to Life
Kula Elementary Maui2023-2024Restorative Choreography: Mind, Body, Heart and Spirit
Lihikai Elementary Maui2023-2024Reconnecting Through Dance
Lokelani Intermediate Maui2023-2024Speak On It, Dance On It
Makawao Elementary Maui2023-2024Musical Teamwork: A Journey Of Rhythm And Song
Maui Waena Intermediate Maui2023-2024The Hero's Journey: Exploring Archetypes and the Human Spirit through Collage, Assemblage & Poetry
Paia ElementaryMaui2023-2024O Hawaii Kuu Aina: Deepening Connection Through Movement
Pomaikai Elementary Maui2023-2024Understanding the Present through the Past: An artistic Journey
Pukalani Elementary Maui2023-2024Examining Artwork to Explore Nature's Elements through Music & Dance
Puu Kukui Elementary Maui2023-2024Interpreting Artwork to Communicate Idea and Meaning Through Dance
Samuel E Kalama Intermediate Maui2023-2024Hawaiian Feather Work: Honoring the Past and Creating for the Future
Waihee Elementary Maui2023-2024Dancing Our Story Creations
Wailuku Elementary Maui2023-2024Page to Stage: Building Reading Skills through Drama
Kaunakakai Elementary Molokai2023-2024Using Dance to Interpret a Work of Hawaiian Visual Art
Kilohana Elementary Molokai2023-2024Discussion To Body Percussion
Maunaloa Elementary Molokai2023-2024Exploring Multi-Cultural Celebratory Music & Dance
Aikahi Elementary Oahu2023-2024Ke Ahupua'a through Clay
Ala Wai ElementaryOahu2023-2024Cultivating Creative Voices
Āliamanu Elementary Oahu2023-2024Agents of Change: Creative solutions
Blanche Pope Elementary Oahu2023-2024Luhia, The Moo-kane of Waimanalo
Enchanted Lake Elementary Oahu2023-2024Dramatic Events: Exploring Culture Creatively
Hahaione Elementary Oahu2023-2024Cultural Tales: Creative Interpretation
Haleiwa ElementaryOahu2023-2024Puppet Stories
Hawaii School for the Deaf and the BlindOahu2023-2024Hawaiian Images through Clay
Hawaii School for the Deaf and the BlindOahu2023-2024Taiko Vibrations
Hawaii Technology Academy PCSOahu2023-2024The Play's the Thing! Dramatic Language Arts for Grade 7
Heeia ElementaryOahu2023-2024Legend of the Hilu Fish
Hokulani Elementary Oahu2023-2024The Joy of Giving: Expanding our Whole School Drama Experience to Include Performances
James Campbell High Oahu2023-2024Written on your sleeves: Literary expression through fashion
Kaaawa Elementary Oahu2023-2024Creative Exploration of Cultural History and Tradition
Kaelepulu Elementary Oahu2023-2024Creative Interpretation: Bringing Learning to Life through Drama
Kahala Elementary Oahu2023-2024Manaiakalani/Kahiko
Kahaluu Elementary Oahu2023-2024Kahalu'u Culture Mural - Painted Wall Mural
Kaimuki Middle Oahu2023-2024Creative Exploration of Text
Kalihi Elementary Oahu2023-2024Story Drama: Building Understanding through Creative Collaboration
Kamaile Academy Public Charter SchoolOahu2023-2024Core Values in Creative Ways
Kamalani Academy Public Charter SchoolOahu2023-2024Creative, Collaborative Communication
Kamiloiki Elementary Oahu2023-2024Ka Malamalama o Kamiloiki"" through Clay
Kaneohe Elementary Oahu2023-2024Exploring Problems in Creatively Engaging Ways
Kaohao Public Charter SchoolOahu2023-2024Non-traditional Learning: Creative Text Explorations
Ke Kula 'o Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter SchoolOahu2023-2024Aloha Aina: An Artistic Journey
Keonepoko ElementaryOahu2023-2024Printmaking and Patterns within our Ahupua'a
Lanakila Elementary Oahu2023-2024Bowl and Placemat Creation Sets the Table for Conservation
Liholiho ElementaryOahu2023-2024Hawaiian Images through Clay
Linapuni Elementary Oahu2023-2024Taiko Bliss
Makaha Elementary Oahu2023-2024Printmaking inspired by Kapa Design Marie McDonald’s “United (Yellow Stripes)”
Makakilo Elementary Oahu2023-2024In Art and in Nature: How Maui and the Sun and Hina and the Moon reflect Science
Malama Honua Public Charter SchoolOahu2023-2024Mo'olelo in Play
Manoa Elementary Oahu2023-2024Deconstructing Glass Mountains: Creating Poetry and Dance from Visual Art
Mauka Lani Elementary Oahu2023-2024Nurturing growth, creatively
Maunawili Elementary Oahu2023-2024Playscape: Art as a Reflection of Life
Mayor Joseph J. Fern ElementaryOahu2023-2024Say It With Chalk
Mililani Mauka Elementary Oahu2023-2024Hoomau: Pacific Patterns
Mililani Uka Elementary Oahu2023-2024Creative Engagement with History
Moanalua Middle Oahu2023-2024Finding Your Bravery Through the Ensemble
Mokulele ElementaryOahu2023-2024MAKING MEANING THROUGH INTERACTIVE ARTISTRY & SOCIAL DANCE LITERACY
Nanakuli Elementary Oahu2023-2024Creative Expression: Building Capacity to Dramatize Understanding
Noelani Elementary Oahu2023-2024Enlivening Family and American History Through Drama
Nuuanu Elementary Oahu2023-2024Dramatic Social Studies for Grades K, 2, and 5
Palolo ElementaryOahu2023-2024The Coral Reef through Clay
Pearl City HighOahu2023-2024Interpreting “Moon Beyond the Fence” by Satoru Abe with Shadow Puppetry
President Abraham Lincoln Elementary Oahu2023-2024Building Expressive Skills through Creative Text Exploration
President Thomas Jefferson Elementary Oahu2023-2024Lōkahi: Unity Through Art and Nature
Prince Jonah Kuhio Elementary Oahu2023-2024Dramatic Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies for Grades K-5
Princess Kaiulani Elementary Oahu2023-2024New Millennium Sky: Banyan and Stars"" through Clay
Princess Likelike Elementary Oahu2023-2024Ke Ahupua'a through Clay
Queen Kaahumanu Elementary Oahu2023-2024Stories in our Lives
Red Hill Elementary Oahu2023-2024Upon the Land, Upon the Sea: Exploring Cultural Richness Broadly and Deeply
Salt Lake Elementary Oahu2023-2024Tales and Telling: Dramatizing folklore
SEEQS: the School for Examining Essential Questions of SustainabilityOahu2023-2024Zero Waste Art Making: Reinforcing Sustainable Themes through the Printmaking Artform
Sergeant Samuel K. Solomon ElementaryOahu2023-2024Create 3D Paper Mache creatures with adaptations and animal characteristics
Stevenson Middle Oahu2023-2024Mo'olelo and Identity
Sunset Beach Elementary Oahu2023-2024Exploring and Interpreting the Public Work of Art, “S.U.R.F.” by Jodi Endicott Through Puppetry
Voyager Public Charter SchoolOahu2023-2024In the Shoes of Others: Role-play in Learning
Waiahole Elementary Oahu2023-20243:Jungle Collage Diorama 4:Garden Scene: Batik art to Embroidery to Quilt 5/6:Hybrid creature puppet
Waialae Public Charter SchoolOahu2023-2024Voyaging into History
Waialua Elementary Oahu2023-2024Adventures in Watercolor
Waianae Elementary Oahu2023-2024Exploring 'The Beauty of Waianae'
Waiau Elementary Oahu2023-2024Role-playing Conflict to Imagine Solutions
Waikele Elementary Oahu2023-2024Learning About the Take Cares Through Literature
Waikiki Elementary Oahu2023-2024Engaging with Text through Creative Collaborations

Contact

Danica Rosengren, Arts Education Specialist

AITS Video Lessons

In 2020, the SFCA began making AITS video lessons to enable remote learning.

Poetry

Poetry Class: Lesson 1 "Sensory Details"

AITS Poetry Class with Laurel Nakanishi, Lesson 1.

Poetry Class: Lesson 2 "Observation"

AITS Poetry Class with Laurel Nakanishi, Lesson 2.

Poetry Class: Lesson 3 "Personification"

AITS Poetry Class with Laurel Nakanishi, Lesson 3.

Poetry Class: Lesson 4 "Similes"

AITS Poetry Class with Laurel Nakanishi, Lesson 4.

Poetry Class: Lesson 5 "Metaphor"

AITS Poetry Class with Laurel Nakanishi, Lesson 5

Poetry Class: Lesson 6 "Gratitude and Rhyme"

AITS Poetry Class with Laurel Nakanishi, Lesson 6

Music

Music Class: Lesson 1 "Make Practice Sticks and Drum" (Grades K-4)

AITS Music Class with Chizuko Endo, Taiko Drumming, Lesson 1

Music Class: Lesson 1 "Make Practice Sticks and Drum" (Grades 5-12)

AITS Music Class with Chizuko Endo, Taiko Drumming, Lesson 2

Music Class: Taiko Drum Playscape Part 1

AITS Music Class with Chizuko Endo, Taiko Drumming

Music Class: Taiko Drum, Usagi Daiko

AITS Music Class with Chizuko Endo, Taiko Drumming

Music Class: Taiko Drum Water Door of Kalihi

AITS Music Class with Chizuko Endo, Taiko Drumming

Music Class: Renshuu Taiko

AITS Music Class with Chizuko Endo, Taiko Drumming

Music Class: Taiko Drum Playscape Part 2

AITS Music Class with Chizuko Endo, Taiko Drumming

Visual Art

Art Class: Sumi-e Ink Brush

AITS Art Class with Ellen Crocker, Japanese ink brush

Video Gallery

Done in partnership with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Education’s video production branch, these videos take you into classrooms and have Artistic Teaching Partners, classroom teachers, school principals, and students explain how the program works and the benefits of the program. See the full album or view individual videos below.

Artists in the Schools Promotional Video 1

A brief overview of the program. (58 seconds)

Artists in the Schools Promotional Video 2

A brief overview of the program. (1 minute 14 seconds)

Artists in the Schools Program

A longer overview of the entire Artists in the Schools program. (6 minutes 24 seconds)

Children in a classroom raising their hands
Play Video

Taiko Drumming

Waiahole Elementary School, with ATP Chizuko Endo. (4 minutes 13 seconds)

Performance Poetry

Puohala Elementary School, with ATP Kealoha.  (4 minutes 59 seconds)

Young kid standing in front of the classroom
Play Video

Dramatic Role Play

Aliamanu Elementary School, with ATP Lily Brennick from Honolulu Theatre for Youth. (4 minutes 44 seconds)

Classroom of kids with a teacher in front
Play Video

Playful Percussion

Keoneula Elementary School, with ATP Michael Wall. (4 minutes 33 seconds)

Six kids playing percussion instruments
Play Video

Collaging, A Hero’s Journey

King Kekaulike High School, with ATP Beth Marcil. (4 minutes 55 seconds)

Childs desk with art and scissors on top
Play Video

Visual Art, Science & Culture

Kahakai Elementary School with Gerald Lucena from Donkey Mill Art Center. (5 minutes 8 seconds)

Two kids holding up pieces of art
Play Video

Moving into Mo‘olelo

Kawaikini Public Charter School and Kilauea Elementary School with ATP Kumu Mauli Ola Cook. (6 minutes 8 seconds)

4 kids playing a game in a circle
Play Video