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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. 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. 

 

Mission

The Delaware Division of the Arts is a state agency committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware.

Vision

We envision a future where every person and community in Delaware has access to, and appreciation for, the diversity, richness, and transformative power of the arts.

Core Values

  • Artistic Merit: Demonstrate the quality and impact of the arts
  • Diversity: Recognize and include the many dimensions of human identity and difference
  • Equity: Identify and eliminate barriers to participation in the arts through policy and practice
  • Inclusion: Engage a diversity of individuals, communities, and perspectives to ensure equal access, representation, and belonging
  • Innovation: Support new methods, ideas, and practices in artistic creation, programming, governance, and management

Programs and Services

Arts Summit (Biennial)

Delaware Artist Roster

Delaware State of the Arts Podcasts

DelawareScene.com

Governor’s Awards for the Arts

Grants for Arts Organizations

Grants for Community-Based Organizations

Grants for Schools

Grants for Individual Artists

Mezzanine Gallery and Meet the Artist videos

National Arts Program in Delaware

Delaware Poet Laureate

Poetry Out Loud

Poetry and Prose Writers Retreat (Biennial)

Publications, Research, and Resources

StartUp Program for Emerging Arts Organizations

Technical Assistance and Resource Referral

Workshops and Professional Development

Delaware State Arts Council

The Delaware State Arts Council is the advisory body to the Delaware Division of the Arts. The Council advises the Division of the Arts on matters of arts policy, funding for the arts, and other issues relevant to support for the arts in Delaware. The Council, according to its enabling legislation, “shall be composed of not more than 15 members,” represent the state geographically and politically and are appointed on the basis of their interest and experience in the arts.

  • Council members serve as advocates for the arts, promoting and encouraging participation in and appreciation of the arts throughout the state.
  • Council members are citizens of Delaware and serve a renewable three-year term.
  • Council members designate a Chairperson of the Council, who serves at the pleasure of the Governor

Current list of Delaware State Arts Council members

If you are interested in being considered for appointment to the Delaware State Arts Council, complete the Board and Commission Application, found on the Governor’s site, and return it to the Governor’s office. Please indicate Board #0014: Delaware State Arts Council on the application.

Upcoming and Past Division and Council Meetings

 

Legislation

The Division of the Arts was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 1989. The enabling legislation for the Division can be found here.

Regulations regarding grant eligibility and “Assistance for the Development of the Arts” can be found here.

Section 26 regarding the Department of State can be found in the Delaware Code, Title 29, Chapter 87.

 

Funding for Delaware Division of the Arts and its programs is provided the Delaware State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.