State Program "Culture and School"

The state program "Culture and School" in North Rhine-Westphalia strengthens the cultural participation of children and young people through financial support for artistic projects in everyday school life. With a funding objective aimed at the direct experience of theater, literature, visual arts, music, dance, film, and new media, it complements school learning with creative impulses. Cultural institutions and freelance cultural practitioners develop tailored concepts to enable students, regardless of their background and place of residence, to have shared encounters with art. As a fixed-amount funding, 80% of eligible expenses up to a maximum of €4,200 are covered, resulting in a funding amount of €3,360 per project. The projects usually span 40 units of 90 minutes each within a school year and run over a period of up to ten months.

Eligible to apply are independent cities, districts, as well as sponsors of approved substitute schools who submit project proposals in cooperation with public schools or substitute schools. A prerequisite for the grant is securing a 20% own contribution (at least €840) as well as the participation of the funded artists in four one-day seminars for preparation and quality development. The selection of projects is based on proof of the own contribution, seminar participation, and the substantive quality of the project concept. Submission of the project data sheet by March 31 and the funding application by May 31 of a given year is mandatory. Funding is provided through a grant from the Arnsberg District Government, which, as a modern state authority, coordinates the administrative services for this program and appoints an independent jury. This offer provides schools with the opportunity for creative educational projects with professional cultural partners.