Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (ACIG) - 2026-27 Arts Enhancement Program (AEP)
Forecasted
Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (ACIG) - 2026-27 Arts Enhancement Program (AEP) supports South Carolina Title I schools in developing and expanding school-day arts education to improve student achievement.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 per award; approximately $350,000 for up to 35 grants in the 2026–27 cycle
Summary: Supports South Carolina Title I schools in developing and expanding arts programs to improve student achievement.
Key Information: A school may apply for either AEP or DAP, and its district must not submit a DAP application.
Description
The Arts Enhancement Program (AEP) supports the development and expansion of school arts programs in dance, music, theatre, and visual art. Administered by the South Carolina Department of Education’s Office of Assessment and Standards, it is part of the Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (ACIG) program, funded by the General Assembly under the Education Improvement Act.
AEP projects aim to significantly improve student achievement through quality, comprehensive, sequential arts education during the regular school day. Proposals may focus on one arts discipline or combine several; all four arts areas are not required. The 2026–27 requirements emphasize curriculum, instruction, and assessment aligned with the 2026 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Visual and Performing Arts Proficiency Standards.
