Expanding creativity, engagement and literacy (EXCEL) thru arts integration

Artsnow, Inc. received a $3.99M project grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the Arts in Education program (CFDA 84.351), awarded October 1, 2025, with completion scheduled for September 30, 2026. The Expanding Creativity, Engagement and Literacy (EXCEL) Thru Arts Integration project will deliver arts-integrated educational programming and support designed to enhance student literacy, creativity, and academic engagement for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students, including disadvantaged students and students with disabilities.

Based on Artsnow, Inc.'s track record administering similar arts integration initiatives, the EXCEL project is expected to encompass professional development for educators, development of arts-integrated instructional materials and curricula that leverage artistic methodologies to improve literacy and academic outcomes, and community engagement activities strengthening partnerships among schools, educational agencies, and cultural institutions. The award positions Artsnow, Inc. to expand its established expertise in innovative arts-integrated learning frameworks across the Atlanta-based service area and potentially broader educational markets.