State announces grant for student travel

AUGUSTA — The Maine Arts Commission today announced the launch of a new grant program that provides critical funding for schools seeking to transport students to arts venues and events in Maine in support of their education.

With start-up funding provided by the Jane B. Cook 1992 Charitable Trust and matched by the Maine Arts Commission, the Ticket to Ride grant program will provide funding to defray the cost of travel for Maine K-12 schools wishing to attend arts venues and events as a part of a well rounded curriculum. Beginning in January 2011, any K-12 school in Maine will be eligible to apply for one grant of up to $300 each school year. Any K-12 school in Maine with a documented free and reduced lunch student population of 50 percent or greater will be eligible to apply for one grant of up to $500 each school year.

"By providing travel grants to schools wishing to attend arts venues and events we hope to help develop the artists, audiences and creative thinkers of tomorrow," said Maine Arts Commission Director Donna McNeil. "The Ticket to Ride grant is our response to a documented need for transportation funding. Through this grant we hope to help extend learning beyond school walls and to provide opportunities for students and teachers to come in contact with artists of all disciplines working at the top of their field."

The Ticket to Ride grant program will provide transportation funding on a first-come first-served basis until all available funds have been dispersed. Those wishing to apply for this funding should visit the education section of www.MaineArts.com.

The Maine Arts Commission is currently working to secure additional funding in order to provide for the longevity of the program. Parties interested in funding the Ticket to Ride program are asked to contact Arts in Education Associate John Holdridge, at john.holdridge@maine.gov.