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. 

Programs and Services

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” appointed by the Governor, who 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.
• A Chairperson of the Council is designated in addition to the members of the Council by the Governor and serves in that capacity 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.

The Division of the Arts was created by the Delaware General Assembly in 1989, Delaware Code, Title 29, Chapter 87, Section 26. Regulations regarding grant eligibility and “Assistance for the Development of the Arts” can be found here.

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.