Picasso Project grants give Philly school arts programs a boost

This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

Fifteen Philadelphia area schools have something to be thankful for. They are being awarded grants totaling $70,000 through Public Citizens for Children and Youth’s Picasso Project — a philanthropic reaction to budget cuts that have decimated art and music resources across the city’s public schools.

"Several schools in Philadelphia have no arts teacher, no music teacher and very little funding. If they do have an art teacher, they may not have any budget for materials," said Linda Fernandez, the project’s director.

The Picasso Project gives mini-grants ranging from $1,600 to $5,000 to help make up those deficiencies.

Fernandez says the grants will pay for supplies, field trips and exhibitions, as well as fund visiting artists.

"So it really provides an opportunity for young students who normally would not have that opportunity to be able to create art or do a performance or dance or create a video with local artists," she said.

Applicants must apply for the grants in partnership with a local arts organization.

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