Idaho Commission on the Arts

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Boise, ID
Idaho Commission on the Arts

The official state agency for the support and development of the arts in Idaho.

The Commission promotes excellence, education in the arts, access to the arts, and community investment in the arts. Its professional staff administers and develops the programs and services of the agency, assists grant applicants, and provides technical assistance. The board of thirteen commissioners, appointed to four-year terms by the Governor, sets policy for the agency and makes the final determination on grants and awards.

09/01/2026

‼️Calling all Idaho high school students‼️ It's time to register for Poetry Out Loud!

Each school year, Poetry Out Loud invites thousands of high school students and teachers to engage with poetry and performance through this national poetry recitation competition. This helps students build confidence, strengthen public speaking skills and experience poetry as something spoken, shared and alive. We are so excited to see what the 2026-2027 season has in store!

Follow the link below to learn more about this exciting opportunity and register.

https://arts.idaho.gov/poetry-out-loud/

08/31/2026

Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program!👯🎭

The Idaho Commission on the Arts has awarded seven mentor artists and their qualified apprentices $3,000 as part of the annual Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program. For decades, this program has promoted learning partnerships between recognized mentor artists and an apprentice to perpetuate cultural traditions. Art forms specific to Idaho include saddle making, silversmithing, Nez Perce weaving, leatherworking and many more. Across the state, these art forms evolve in tandem with the communities they’re rooted in. Arts Idaho is committed to uplifting the state’s unique cultural legacy by recognizing over 500 Idaho native, folk and immigrant mentor artists and apprentices, who carry on these traditions and skills. As mentors share their knowledge, they strengthen the program by ensuring cultural continuity for future generations of tradition bearers.

Click the link below to learn more about the 2027 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship awardees.🔗

https://arts.idaho.gov/press/2027-traditional-arts-apprenticeships-awarded/

08/27/2026

Haven't had time to submit a nomination? No problem! The deadline to submit nominations for the 2026 Governor's Awards in the Arts has been extended to Tuesday, September 15. 🥳

The Idaho Commission on the Arts, on behalf of Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little, is seeking nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards in the Arts. The awards recognize and encourage excellence in the arts in Idaho and support awareness of the arts throughout the state. Nominees must be Idaho residents, businesses based in Idaho, organizations or communities that have, through creative accomplishments or distinguished service, made a significant contribution to the culture of Idaho.

To cast a nomination, you'll need...
⭐A brief description on why the nominee merits the award
⭐2-3 letters of recommendation
⭐Support materials (press articles, bio, resume, etc.)
⭐Artwork examples, if applicable

Visit the link below to learn more and submit a nomination🔗

https://arts.idaho.gov/opportunities/governors-awards-in-the-arts/

08/24/2026

Arts Idaho, on behalf of Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little, is still accepting nominations for the 2026 Governor's Awards in the Arts! 🎭🖼️🌟

Award categories include Innovation in the Arts, Excellence in Folk and Traditional Arts, Support of the Arts, Excellence in Arts Education and Excellence in Arts Administration. The awards recognize and encourage excellence in the arts in Idaho and support awareness of the arts throughout the state. Nominees must be Idaho residents, businesses based in Idaho, organizations or communities that have, through creative accomplishments or distinguished service, made a significant contribution to the culture of Idaho. Nominations close Monday, August 31. Learn more and submit nominations at the link below:

https://arts.idaho.gov/opportunities/governors-awards-in-the-arts/

08/19/2026

Are you a musician, music worker, music educator or owner of a music business registered in the state of Idaho? We want to hear what you have to say!🎵🎤🎸

Amplifying Impact and Music Idaho are collaborating to conduct a community-engaged, statewide music census in Idaho. The first of its kind in the state, this project seeks to better understand the economic and cultural impacts of Idaho’s music ecosystem in order to support policy advocates and leaders in future decision making. This data ensures musicians can have real conversations about the impact of their work in the state of Idaho.

Click the link below to learn more and take the survey:
https://www.amplifying-impact.com/idaho-music-census

08/14/2026

New Date & Location: Writers-in-Residence Reading & Discussion
Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 PM at THE CABIN

Join Boise City Writers-in-Residence Kim Cross and Dan Zancanella, along with Idaho Writer-in-Residence Mitch Wieland, for an evening of readings and conversation. Hear excerpts from their work and learn about their experiences as writers-in-residence during a lively panel discussion. Free admission, all ages welcome

08/13/2026

Wondering what all these images have in common? They all showcase art by 2027 Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowship Recipients!💫

We’re proud to showcase the exceptional artwork by the 2027 Folk and Traditional Arts Fellowship recipients: Anika Smulovitz, silversmithing (Boise), Chris Cheney, saddle making and silversmithing (Rexburg) and Jose Luis “de la Tota” Bermudez Peña, percussionist, entertainer and vocalist (Boise). These individuals demonstrate our state’s living cultural heritage and the invaluable effort to uphold traditions that span generations. The fellowships, awarded every two years, recognize outstanding artists and honor work deemed to exhibit the highest artistic merit.

Learn more about Fellowship recipients and their work at the link below ⬇️
https://arts.idaho.gov/arts/

08/10/2026

Know a person, business, school or other organization who has made an impact on their Idaho community? Nominate them for the Governor’s Awards in the Arts! 🌟🖌️🩰

The Idaho Commission on the Arts, on behalf of Governor Brad Little and First Lady Teresa Little, is seeking nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Awards in the Arts. The awards recognize and encourage excellence in the arts in Idaho and support awareness of the arts throughout the state. Nominees must be Idaho residents, businesses based in Idaho, organizations or communities that have, through creative accomplishments or distinguished service, made a significant contribution to the culture of Idaho. Nomination deadline is Monday, August 31. You may nominate an organization you are a part of, but you may not nominate yourself. Learn more and cast your nominations online at the link below:

arts.idaho.gov/gaa

07/27/2026

The wait is over 🎉Recipients of the 2027 Annual Grants are announced!

Each year, Arts Idaho invests in organizations, schools and school districts statewide that uplift the arts in their communities – driving employment, encouraging lifelong learning and certifying connection between people and this special place we call home. This year, the Idaho Commission on the Arts granted over $768,000 to 108 organizations to ensure all Idahoans have access to arts education, performances, exhibitions and cultural heritage. 🎨🎭

Click the link below to learn more about Annual Grants and view a list of this year’s recipients. 🔗

https://arts.idaho.gov/press/2027-annual-grants/

📸: Emerge Block Party, 2025

06/30/2026

Every state has a unique story to tell as America approaches its 250th anniversary.

For the Idaho Commission on the Arts, that means spotlighting western traditions through the Cowgirl Congress, supporting the Blackfoot Ranch Rodeo and commissioning handcrafted awards created by Idaho leatherworkers, braiders and silversmiths.

It’s just one way state and jurisdictional arts agencies are creating meaningful, community-centered America 250 celebrations. Read more in NASAA Notes: https://bit.ly/4vGr6Pq

Address

2537 W. State Street Ste. 130
Boise, ID
83702

Telephone

+12083342119

Website

http://arts.idaho.gov/

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