NYSCA: Arts and Media Arts Grants
New York State Council on the Arts grants supporting media arts, digital arts, and technology-integrated arts education.
About This Grant
The New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) funds arts education programs including media arts, digital storytelling, animation, and technology-integrated creative projects. Schools that connect coding and physical computing to artistic creation and expression can use NYSCA grants to fund hardware, software, and curriculum.
Media arts grants support programs where students use technology as a creative tool. This includes coding visual art, building interactive installations, creating digital animations, and designing projects that combine coding with artistic problem-solving.
View NYSCA GrantsEligibility
- New York K-12 schools with arts education programs
- Nonprofit arts organizations working with schools
- Programs with a clear arts or media arts focus
- Teaching artists and arts education organizations
Allowable Uses
- Digital and media arts tools and hardware
- Creative coding curriculum and software
- Interactive art and design materials
- Arts integration professional development
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — Physical computing with creative coding applications. Students can build light art, sound projects, and interactive installations using micro:bit. Strong fit for media arts programs.
- Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding with real-world storytelling components. Students design solutions with a narrative and purpose, connecting coding to creative expression.
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy through creative and critical engagement. Students explore how AI shapes creative work and digital culture.
Keep in Mind
NYSCA grants fund arts programs. Applications need to clearly frame the program within an arts education context. Coding as a creative medium fits well; pure CS skills training does not.
NYSCA has a dedicated media arts category. Programs using digital tools, coding, animation, and interactive design belong here.
NYSCA favors proposals that include collaboration with working artists or arts educators with strong creative credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for NYSCA arts grants?
New York K-12 schools, arts education nonprofits, and teaching artists working with schools. Programs must have a genuine arts or media arts focus.
How much can schools receive?
Awards range from $5,000 to $100,000 depending on the program scope and NYSCA category.
Can NYSCA funds pay for coding kits?
Yes, when coding is framed as a creative medium within an arts program. Media arts, digital storytelling, and interactive design are all valid frameworks.
How do I apply?
Applications go through the NYSCA grants portal at nysca.org. Check the current cycle for media arts and arts education categories.
How can Forward Education help?
We can help you frame our kits within arts and media arts education, provide curriculum alignment documents, and write pricing letters for your NYSCA application.
Related New York Grants
Explore more New York funding resources
View all New York AI & CS grants →Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — NY CS & Digital Fluency Standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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