GRANT OVERVIEW
- Schools must partner with an artist/organization from the Teaching Artist Roster.
- Funding is allocated per county, and awarded first‑come, first‑served, and by demand.
- Eligible project dates: Sept 12, 2026 – May 21, 2027.
- Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the project.
Online Grants System- Fluxx
Contact
Julia Stark, Arts Learning Specialist
(615) 532-5934, julia.stark@tn.gov
Chris Sweatt, Director of Arts Education
(615) 253-8914, chris.sweatt@tn.gov
When contacting, include your Application ID (####-#####) from Fluxx.
1. Select an Artist
Choose from the Teaching Artist Roster and contact them directly to schedule your project.
Note: the Commission does not act as an agent on behalf of the teaching artist/arts organization at any point in the granting process. Schools are responsible for selecting appropriate programming and ensuring that all STS-funded projects align with their own curriculum, instructional goals, and district policies.
2. Complete or UpdateYourSchool’s Profile
If your school already has an account with us and you need to be added, register in Fluxx as an individual and email Julia to request linking your profile to the school.
First‑time applicants:
- Register your school in the Fluxx Online Grants System.
- Register as an Organization and use your school’s legal name
- You’ll receive an email with login information within 1–7 days.
- For questions regarding Fluxx registration, contact Lee Baird at 615-532-0493 or lee.baird@tn.gov.
- Complete the Organization and People profiles found in Fluxx.
Note: The following sections are not required by schools to fill out and can be left blank: Policy Statements, Mission Statement, Underserved Statement, Arts Advocacy Statement, Specialty License Promotional Activities, Board Information, and Title VI information.
Returning applicants:
- Log in to Fluxx and update your Organization and People profiles
3. Draft Application
We recommend downloading the STS Application Draft Worksheet to gather all required information before the application opens.
Note: this form is not the application. Only official applications submitted through Fluxx will be considered for funding.
4. Submit the Application
On or after Aug 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM CT:
- Log into Fluxx → Apply for Grants → Student Ticket Subsidy.
- Click Edit at the top right of the application
- Copy/paste from your draft worksheet
- Complete the Assurances section (Primary Signatory must have legal authority).
- Click Save and Submit.
- Confirm application appears under Submitted Applications.
Award Notification
You’ll be notified of granted status within 30 days of applying via email. If awarded:
- Notify your teaching artist immediately.
- The school is responsible for paying the artist upfront; reimbursement is distributed after the project and final evaluation are complete. The school is responsible for paying the artist or arts organization the agreed upon fee.
- Prepare Transportation Invoice and Artist Invoice (must be signed by the Teaching Artist)
Final Evaluation & Closeout
Due within 30 days after the project or by June 1, whichever comes first.
You must submit:
- Artist Invoice (must be signed by the Teaching Artist)
- Transportation Invoice (if applicable)
- Upload all invoices and complete the Final Report
- Find the report under Reports Due in Fluxx
No funds are released until all documents are submitted and approved.
Payments
- Payment will be made in the form of a check directly to the school and will be sent to the mailing address provided in the STS Application and Evaluation. Checks will not be made to the teaching artist.
- Grantees will be asked to verify the correct mailing address in their award letter by submitting this version of the W9 form.
- If the final amount for the Artist Invoice is less than the awarded grant amount, the school must request in the STS Evaluation the lesser amount charged as indicated in the Artist Invoice.
- Grant funds cannot be used to cover administrative fees for schools. The full grant award must be applied toward the STS activity.
- Grantees are responsible for maintaining communication with artists, bookkeepers, or any other personnel.
Changes & Cancellations
- Any changes must be approved in writing via email by Julia Stark.
- If a project is canceled (weather, etc.), notify Julia Stark within 10 working days.
- Funds cannot roll over to the next school year.
Artist Compensation Limits
- Individual artists: max $16,000 per fiscal year
- Arts organizations: max $30,000 per fiscal year
- If your selected artist has reached their limit, you must choose another from the roster.
Note: The Tennessee Arts Commission reviews all artists listed on the Teaching Artist Roster to ensure they meet merit-based qualifications and demonstrate the ability to deliver high-quality, standards-aligned arts education experiences. Teaching Artist Roster profiles are provided as informational resources to assist schools in making informed decisions. Participating schools are solely responsible for selecting appropriate programming and ensuring that all STS-funded activities align with their local curriculum, district policies, and any applicable procedures related to parent notification or consent. Applicants are also expected to comply with all local, state, and federal laws. The Commission reserves the right to withhold or rescind funding if a project is found to be in violation of grant guidelines or legal requirements.
FAQ’s
Application
I can’t edit my application, what do I do?
Make sure to select the “Edit” button at the top right of the page.
The application isn’t allowing me to submit, what do I do?
Make sure all line items marked with an asterisk (*) are completed. If they aren’t complete, there will be an error message at the top of the screen that will display what needs to be completed. Once everything is complete, press the “Submit” button.
How do I know if my application was submitted?
Be sure to press the “Submit” button on the bottom right of the page. Verify that it was submitted in the “Applications Submitted” tab.
Granted Status
How do I change the date of my project on the grant?
Email Julia at julia.stark@tn.gov with the new date of your project.
How do we change our project to a different artist or activity?
Email Julia at julia.stark@tn.gov to verify eligibility of the new project.
Close Out
Our ticket cost/transportation cost ended up being a different amount, what do I do?
- For a lower amount than what was awarded, simply put the actual costs in the request amount section.
- For a different amount for tickets versus transportation, as long as the request doesn’t exceed the award amount, you can adjust the ticket/transportation request in the final evaluation.
- For a higher amount that exceeds the award, you will need to simply put the awarded amount as the requested amount to avoid exceeding the award.
Can I submit our own receipts instead of using the invoice templates?
No, you will need to use our invoices located on the sidebar of the page. Please make sure you have all signatures before submitting.
