The Vermont Arts Council's mission is to support artists and communities in Vermont through the integration of art into public spaces. They aim to enhance community pride and identity, foster social connections, and improve the livability and vibrancy of Vermont communities, downtowns, villages, and neighborhoods by promoting the development and installation of site-specific works of public art that reflect the community's vision, values, and creative spirit.
The Artists in Schools Grants aim to provide quality, multiday arts experiences in schools, working in tandem with Vermont teaching artists in residence. The program encourages collaborations that engage students and teachers in arts and arts-integrated projects, offering experiential learning opportunities. These projects, ranging from 3 to 10 days, support K-12 education across various disciplines and seek to elevate student confidence, encourage expression, and build community connections through the arts. Fundable projects can be diverse, including integrating dance to understand mathematics, mentoring student writing through poetry or playwriting, composing music, or documenting community stories through visual arts, all while emphasizing the benefits of experiential learning in fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Priority is given to projects led by Vermont artists and those that align with the council's strategic areas of focus.