The TeachArtsOhio program, administered by the Ohio Arts Council, provides customizable artist residencies for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 schools in Ohio. These residencies offer students the opportunity to engage in high-quality, creative arts learning experiences led by professional teaching artists. Residencies range from short-term exposures lasting as few as 10 days to in-depth, immersive experiences lasting a full academic year. The program emphasizes collaboration between artists, teachers, and administrators to enhance arts instruction while supplementing but not replacing existing school arts programs.

Grants are awarded to cover teaching artist fees at a rate of $350 per residency day. The program does not require a cash match but does necessitate in-kind contributions from schools, such as materials, supplies, and staff participation. Eligible applicants include Ohio public, private, charter, or parochial schools. Childcare-focused organizations are not eligible. Each application must outline estimated in-kind administrator and teacher time in the budget. Schools must also select a teaching artist and include their biography and qualifications in the application.

Residencies can be customized based on the needs of the school. A grading period residency spans 10-40 days, focusing on exploring an art form and completing a culminating project. A full semester residency of 30-60 days allows for a deeper impact and professional development opportunities for educators. An academic year residency of 50-120 days provides the most comprehensive experience, integrating arts learning across the curriculum and culminating in significant projects such as performances or exhibitions. Residencies must include professional development workshops for school staff.

Applications are evaluated by a panel of arts and education professionals based on program quality, community engagement, defining and measuring success, and resource management. Criteria include the depth and alignment of learning activities with educational standards, meaningful community engagement, inclusive planning, and appropriate resource allocation. Each category is worth up to 15 points, with a maximum score of 60 points. The process is competitive, and not all applications are funded.

Applications must be submitted through the ARTIE system, with deadlines of March 1 each year. Awards are announced in July, and schools must submit grant agreements by August 30. Final reports are due 30 days after the residency concludes. Failure to meet these deadlines may result in cancellation of funding and a five-year ineligibility for other Ohio Arts Council programs.

The program offers schools an opportunity to work with skilled teaching artists to enrich arts education and foster creativity among students. Resources, guidelines, and assistance are available through the Ohio Arts Council and its Arts Learning Coordinator.