Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (ACIG) -- Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) 2026-27
The Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (DAP) from the South Carolina Department of Education fund innovative, standards-based K-12 arts education projects covering dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): April 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000 per district or $18,000 per school (one-year projects); approx. $700,000 total program funding.
Summary: Supports innovative, standards-based arts education projects in South Carolina K-12 public schools and districts, requiring inclusion of all major arts disciplines over a three-year strategic plan.
Key Information: Applicants may apply for either a DAP or AEP grant, not both, in a single cycle.
Description
The Arts Curricular Innovation Grants (ACIG) – Distinguished Arts Program (DAP) is a competitive grant administered by the South Carolina Department of Education to advance high-quality arts education in K-12 public schools and districts across South Carolina. The DAP grant supports one-year projects that enhance student achievement in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, requiring applicants to address all four arts forms within a three-year strategic arts plan. The program emphasizes innovative arts instruction, curriculum development, and professional development for arts educators, aligned with the 2026 South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Visual and Performing Arts Proficiency Standards.
