Student Ticket Subsidy

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 Update Your School’s Profile

If your school already has an account and you need to be added, register in the grants system 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 will receive login information within 1–7 days.
• For questions, contact Lee Baird at 615-532-0493 or lee.baird@tn.gov.
• Complete the Organization and People profiles in Fluxx, the online grants system.

Note: These sections are not required and can be left blank: Policy Statements, Mission Statement, Underserved Statement, Arts Advocacy Statement, Specialty License Promotional Activities, Board Information, Title VI information.

Returning applicants:

Log in to the online grants system 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, the online grants system, will be considered for funding.

4. Submit the Application

On or after Aug 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM CT:

• Log into the Online Grants System → 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 your application appears under Submitted Applications.

You will 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 occurs after the project and final evaluation are complete.
• Prepare Transportation Invoice and Artist Invoice (must be signed by the Teaching Artist).

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 the grants portal (Fluxx)

No funds are released until all documents are submitted and approved.

Payment will be made as a check directly to the school and sent to the mailing address provided in the STS Application and Evaluation. Checks will not be made to the teaching artist.

• Schools must verify their mailing address by submitting the W9 version included in their award letter.
• If the Artist Invoice total is less than the awarded grant amount, the school must request the lesser amount in the STS Evaluation.
• Grant funds cannot cover administrative fees for schools. The full grant award must support the STS activity.
• Grantees are responsible for coordinating with artists, bookkeepers, and other relevant personnel.

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.

Individual artists: max $18,000 per fiscal year

Arts organizations: max $42,000 per fiscal year

If your selected artist has reached their limit, you must choose another from the roster.

Note: The Tennessee Arts Commission reviews artists on the Teaching Artist Roster to ensure merit-based qualifications and standards-aligned arts education experience. Schools are responsible for selecting appropriate programming, ensuring alignment with curriculum and district policies, and complying with all local, state, and federal laws. The Commission may withhold or rescind funding if a project violates guidelines or legal requirements.

Make sure to select the “Edit” button at the top right of the page.

Make sure all required fields marked with an asterisk (*) are complete. An error message at the top of the screen will show what is missing.

Press “Submit” and verify the application appears under Submitted Applications.

Email Julia at julia.stark@tn.gov with the new project date.

Email Julia at julia.stark@tn.gov to verify the eligibility of the new project.

• If lower: enter actual costs.
• If amounts changed between tickets/transportation: adjust in the final evaluation (must remain within award).
• If higher than the award: enter only the awarded amount.

No. Schools must use the invoice templates located on the sidebar, with all required signatures.