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 arts programs 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; no matching or in-kind funds required
Summary: Supports South Carolina Title I schools in developing and expanding arts programs that improve student achievement.
Key Information: A school may apply for either AEP or DAP, not both; multiple school AEP applications require no district DAP application.
Description
The Arts Enhancement Program (AEP) is part of the South Carolina Department of Education’s Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (ACIG), administered by the Office of Assessment and Standards. Funded by the South Carolina General Assembly under the Education Improvement Act, AEP supports the development and expansion of school arts programs that significantly improve student achievement through curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Projects may address dance, music, theatre, visual arts, or multiple arts areas; all four disciplines are not required. Funded programs must be quality, comprehensive, sequential arts programs operating during the regular school day. The program emphasizes implementation of the 2026 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Visual and Performing Arts Proficiency Standards and the growth and sustainment of quality arts instruction.
