Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act

This bill creates a grant program at the U.S. Department of Education to help arts teachers and licensed creative arts therapists learn better ways to include students with disabilities in arts classes and activities. Grant funds can support updated curricula, teacher training, and innovative approaches—including creative arts therapies—in elementary and secondary schools, so more students with disabilities can take part and get materials and lessons that fit their needs. Creative arts therapies include art, dance/movement, drama, and music therapy.

The Department must start awarding competitive grants within 120 days after the law takes effect. Projects can run up to 3 years, with a possible 2‑year renewal if they show success. If an application is denied, the Department must explain why and allow reapplication after one year. To avoid overlap, if a state education agency gets a grant, school districts in that state won’t also get one under this program. Priority goes to schools that receive Title I funds, and the Department must spread grants across urban, suburban, and rural areas, include tribal communities, and serve schools with different income levels. Congress authorizes $15 million total for fiscal years 2026–2030 for this effort .

Key points

• Who is affected: Students with disabilities; arts teachers and creative arts therapists; schools receiving Title I funds; tribal and diverse communities .
• What changes: New competitive grants for training, curricula, and therapies to improve access and inclusion in arts education; feedback for denied applicants; limits to prevent double-funding within a state.
• When: Grants begin within 120 days of enactment; projects last up to 3 years with a possible 2‑year renewal; funding covers FY2026–2030 .