DC Arts Education Department opens grants and residency applications for K-12 and seniors

In the heart of Washington, D.C., the Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) convened on June 16, 2025, to discuss vital initiatives aimed at enriching the community through arts education. The meeting highlighted the agency's commitment to fostering creativity and learning across various age groups, from young students to seniors.

The arts education department plays a crucial role within CAH, overseeing two major grants and year-round initiatives that collaborate with nearly every department. These programs are designed to support arts and humanities education for students in grades K through 12, as well as older adults aged 50 and above. Currently, applications for these grants are open and will close on June 26 at 10 PM.

One of the standout offerings is the Field Trip Experience (FTE), which covers the costs of field trip tickets and provides professional development opportunities for educators. This initiative aims to enhance classroom learning through engaging, hands-on experiences. Additionally, the Creative Spark Residency program allows district teaching artists to conduct arts-based workshops for students and seniors, fostering creativity and collaboration.

The meeting also showcased the National Poetry Out Loud initiative, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation. This program encourages high school students to explore poetry through memorization and recitation, helping them develop public speaking skills and self-confidence. Notably, Nyla Dinkins from Benjamin Banneker Junior High represented the district in the Mid-Atlantic competition, advancing to the final seven contestants.

Furthermore, the commission announced the return of the Words on Fire Poetry Festival, a slam poetry and spoken word competition for students in grades 8 to 12. Scheduled for August, this event will feature writing workshops led by experienced teaching artists and culminate in a student-led open mic session.

In a bid to support its initiatives, CAH has welcomed five summer interns who are contributing significantly to various departments, assisting with exhibitions, outreach, and research. Their involvement underscores the agency's dedication to nurturing the next generation of arts leaders.

As the meeting concluded, the CAH reaffirmed its mission to enhance the cultural landscape of D.C. through innovative arts education programs, leaving attendees inspired about the future of creativity in the community.