SPAA'S  FUNDING FUTURES AWARD OPPORTUNITY
OPENS for AFTER SCHOOL ARTS PROGRAMS STARTING FALL 2019

Talented students who aspire to be musicians, actors, dancers or visual artists are often faced with socioeconomic disadvantages that prevent many from pursuing an artistic field.  SPAA's Funding Futures program is dedicated to helping students nurture their creative interests and develop their expressive talent by providing funding to eligible students and connecting them to local summer arts camps and now after school arts programs! 

Since its launch in April 2017, SPAA has awarded over $25,000 for 47 students, ages 10 to 17, providing them access to dance, music, jazz, voice, theater, digital arts, photography, cinematic arts or visual arts, even point shoes for a young ballerina.  The Funding Futures Student Award program is designed to identify and encourage talented socioeconomic disadvantaged emerging artists in Pinellas County seeking St. Petersburg programs. Program is open to all talented artists regardless of ethnic, social or economic background, or ability/disability.  
 
Studies state that art experiences especially help low-income and at-risk youth.  Art students on free or reduced lunch were 4 times more likely to have high academic achievement and 3 times more likely to have high attendance.  They were also more likely than their peers to have attended and done well in college, built careers, volunteered in the community and voted. Funds may be used for:

• Tuition for summer arts or after school arts programs
• Musical instruments rental, purchase or repair
• Equipment or supplies for a special artistic project
• Individual instruction or master class tuition

 
For application information, email tracy@stpeteartsalliance.org.