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Artists in the Schools

Quality arts experiences for Hawaiʻi’s pre-K – 12 public and charter school students. Applications for Art in Public Places School Year 2023-2024 will close Sunday April 9, 2023, 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 2023-2024 are being held online. 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.

  • Monday December 5, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday January 10, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday February 8, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Thursday March 9, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Attend a virtual Information Session for Artists in the Schools by registering on Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsceirqDorHt0aaJvabYRVrcT6UGnr3QkC.

Application Materials

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

This year, 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 2022- 2023, or School Years 2022-2024 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 $7,000 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 2021-2022 school year, 97 schools received AITS funds to conduct their arts residencies.

2022-2023 Schools

These schools received an Artists in the Schools grant for School Year 2022-2023.

School NameIslandSchool YearResidency
Hawaii Academy for Arts & Science Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2022-2023One Year
Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School KonaHawaii Island2022-2023One Year
Hookena Elementary Hawaii Island2022-2023One Year
Kealakehe Intermediate Hawaii Island2022-2023One Year
Paauilo Elementary and Intermediate Hawaii Island2022-2023One Year
Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate Hawaii Island2022-2023One Year
Connections Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Ernest Bowen DeSilva Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Haaheo Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Hawaii Technology Academy, Kona Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Hilo Union Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Holualoa Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Honaunau Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Innovations Public Charter Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Kanu o ka aina NCPublic Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Keaau Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Keaau High Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Kealakehe Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Keonepoko Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Konawaena Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Konawaena High Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Kua O Ka La Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Laupahoehoe Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
The Volcano of Arts and Sciences Public Charter SchoolHawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Waiakea Intermediate Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Waikoloa Elementary and Middle Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Waimea Elementary Hawaii Island2023-2024Two Year
Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School KauaiKauai2022-2023One Year
Waimea Middle Kauai2022-2023One Year
Hanalei Elementary Kauai2023-2024Two Year
Hawaii Technology Academy, Kauai Public Charter SchoolKauai2023-2024Two Year
Kanuikapono Public Charter SchoolKauai2023-2024Two Year
Kapaa High Kauai2023-2024Two Year
Kawaikini Public Charter Kauai2023-2024Two Year
Kilauea Elementary Kauai2023-2024Two Year
Lanai High & Elementary Lanai2023-2024Two Year
Hana Middle Maui2022-2023One Year
Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School MauiMaui2022-2023One Year
Kamalii Elementary Maui2022-2023One Year
Kihei Charter Maui2022-2023One Year
Kihei Elementary Maui2022-2023One Year
Haiku Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Hana Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Hawaii Technology Academy, Maui Public Charter SchoolMaui2023-2024Two Year
Iao Intermediate Maui2023-2024Two Year
King Kekaulike High Maui2023-2024Two Year
Kula Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Lihikai Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Lokelani Intermediate Maui2023-2024Two Year
Makawao Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Maui Waena Intermediate Maui2023-2024Two Year
Paia Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Pomaikai Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Pukalani Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Puu Kukui Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Waihee Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Wailuku Elementary Maui2023-2024Two Year
Kualapuu Public Charter Molokai2022-2023One Year
Kaunakakai Elementary Molokai2023-2024Two Year
Kilohana Elementary Molokai2023-2024Two Year
Maunaloa Elementary Molokai2023-2024Two Year
Aiea Intermediate Oahu2022-2023One Year
Blanche Pope Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Haleiwa Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Hawaii Technology Academy Public Charter School WaipahuOahu2022-2023One Year
Heeia ElementaryOahu2022-2023One Year
Hokulani Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
James Campbell High Oahu2022-2023One Year
Kahala Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Kaneohe Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Makaha Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Makalapa Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Manoa Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Mililani Mauka Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Mililani Uka Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Moanalua High Oahu2022-2023One Year
Moanalua Middle Oahu2022-2023One Year
Noelani Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Nuuanu Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Pearl City High Oahu2022-2023One Year
Prince Jonah Kuhio Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Red Hill Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Sunset Beach Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Waialua Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Waikele Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Waik?k? Elementary Oahu2022-2023One Year
Aikahi Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Ala Wai Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
aliamanu Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Enchanted Lake Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Hahaione Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Hawaii for the Deaf and the BlindOahu2023-2024Two Year
Hawaii for the Deaf and the BlindOahu2023-2024Two Year
Kaaawa Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Kaelepulu Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Kaimuki Middle Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Kalaheo Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Kalihi Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Kamaile Academy Public Charter Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Kamalani Academy Public Charter Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Kamiloiki Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Kaohao Public Charter Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Ke Kula o Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter Oahu2023-2024Two Year
King Liholiho Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Lanakila Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Linapuni Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Makakilo Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Malama Honua Public Charter Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Mauka Lani Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Maunawili Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Mayor Joseph J. Fern Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Nanakuli Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Palolo Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
President Thomas Jefferson Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Princess Likelike Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Princess Victoria Kaiulani Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Queen Kaahumanu Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Robert Louis Stevenson Middle Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Salt Lake Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
SEEQS: the for Examining Essential Questions of SustainabilityOahu2023-2024Two Year
Sergeant Samuel K. Solomon ElementaryOahu2023-2024Two Year
Voyager Public Charter Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Waiahole Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Waialae Public Charter Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Waianae Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Waiau Elementary Oahu2023-2024Two Year
Hawaii State Distance Learning Program2022-2023One Year

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