Amid sweeping federal cuts to arts education funding, one Maryland nonprofit is stepping up to ensure that students across the state continue to experience the transformative power of the arts. Arts for Learning Maryland (A4L), which serves more than 150,000 students annually, has launched a groundbreaking statewide initiative: the Access for All grant program.
Backed by a $1.8 million gift from The Saul Zaentz Foundation, the new program will subsidize up to 80 percent of program costs for eligible public schools. With four application cycles each year, schools will have multiple opportunities to secure funding and keep arts programming thriving even in the face of shrinking budgets.
“We know that students with regular access to arts opportunities outperform their peers in virtually every measure,” said Stacie Evans, President and CEO of A4L. “But when budgets are cut, the arts are often the first to go, especially in under-resourced schools. We want to change that narrative.”
Arts for Learning Maryland has long been recognized for its innovative approach, partnering professional artists with classroom teachers to deliver dynamic, arts-integrated instruction. From math to reading, these programs enhance academic achievement, improve attendance, and strengthen essential social-emotional skills.
The ripple effects of the Access for All grant extend beyond classrooms. By creating more opportunities for teaching artists to work full time, the initiative also helps sustain and grow Maryland’s creative workforce.
At a time when many schools are facing painful choices due to cuts at the National Endowment for the Arts and U.S. Department of Education, A4L’s new program provides both relief and inspiration. “Our mission is simple: no matter the zip code, every student deserves access to the arts,” Evans emphasized.
For Maryland families, educators, and communities, the Access for All grant represents more than funding. It is a promise to protect creativity, curiosity, and cultural expression for the next generation of students.Interested schools can visit Arts for Learning online at: https://www.artsforlearningmd.org/grants/access-for-all/ or contact outreach@artsforlearningmd.org to learn more and apply for the grant.
