The Idaho Commission on the Arts, under the Office of the Governor, aims to enable access to the arts, arts education, and preserve Idahoans’ cultural and artistic heritage. It supports not-for-profit arts organizations to stabilize their operations for reliable public program delivery. The commission promotes arts education among elementary educators, encourages cultural traditions through convening masters of traditional arts, and fosters artful, culturally rich towns beneficial for Idaho’s prosperity.
The Public Programs in the Arts grant supports Idaho’s established arts organizations in delivering public programs that epitomize excellence and engage communities. It aims to encourage access, education, and participation in the arts while upholding best practices in business management. This annual grant assesses applications based on artistic quality, management and feasibility, and, where relevant, educational merit and public benefit. Funding amounts are determined by review assessments, the fiscal size of the organization, and historical funding levels. Eligibility starts in Entry Track, with progression to PPA based on staff and panel recommendations.