In 2019, the arts in Delaware celebrated several anniversaries: the Delaware State Arts Council’s 50th, the Delaware Division of the Arts’ 30th, and the Delaware Arts Alliance’s 10th. We have planned a number of initiatives to mark the impact the arts have had on Delaware over the past five decades, culminating in a special Arts Summit in late October, capped off with a Governor’s Awards for the Arts. As part of the celebration, the Division of the Arts published a 50th Anniversary Report. Print copies are available upon request.


Arts Testimonials

Pouring through the historical records, and recalling so many wonderful people past and present that have contributed to the cultural landscape of our state, we are struck by the range of cultural programs, people, and experiences that have shaped our downtowns, our schools, and our communities.

We thank you for your help in celebrating this momentous anniversary. We asked you to share your own recollections of the arts in your lives and you delivered!

We’re also thankful for the coverage in the September issue of Out & About magazine.

 

Our History


The Delaware State Arts Council experienced major reorganization in 1989. In that year the Division of the Arts was created within the Department of State as an advisory, coordinating, and implementing agency for the promotion of the arts in Delaware.

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life.

 



Our Impact


Delaware

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that arts and cultural production accounts for $936,129,000 and 1.3% of the Delaware economy, contributing 9,101 jobs.

Total Value Added: $936,129,000
Arts and Cultural Share of Total Gross State Product (GSP): 1.3%
Core Arts and Cultural Production: $201,118,000
Supporting Arts and Cultural Production: $641,877,000

Arts Research

Our Grants


1970

In 1970, as the Delaware State Arts Council we supported:

  • 6 Education Projects
  • 5 Expansion Arts Projects
  • 5 Theatre Projects
  • 3 County and Community Arts Development Projects
  • 2 Public Media Projects
  • 2 Visual Arts Projects
  • 1 Architecture and Environmental Arts Project
  • 1 Dance Demonstration

2018

In 2018, as the Delaware Division of the Arts we supported:

  • 60 General Operating Support Grants
  • 26 Project Support Grants
  • 24 TranspARTation Grants
  • 20 Arts Access Grants
  • 17 Individual Artists
  • 13 Education Resource Grants
  • 13 Special Project Grants
  • 12 Artist Residency Grants
  • 9 Artist Opportunity Grants
  • 7 Arts Stabilization Grants

View our grants awarded from 2000-present

Grants Awarded

Our Artists


Our Funding History


View full report