Applications are for New Jersey schools and the deadline is April 17, 2026.

Princeton, NJ. February 11—Young Audiences (YA) is pleased to announce that New Jersey schools can once again receive free 20-day residency programming through Arts Lab. Applications are now being accepted through April 17. Approved residencies will occur during the 2026-2027 school year.

The application can be found through this link or copy and paste: https://bit.ly/4r9TBT8 into your browser.

A Young Audiences Arts Lab grant places professional teaching artists in your classroom for a long-term (20-day minimum) residency. Residencies are customized for any grade level or arts discipline (performing, visual, literary, etc.). A 20-day Arts Lab Residency provides 16 days of workshops for students, professional development for your administration and staff, a culminating event to engage the school and its community, and a reflection day for students to reflect on their achievements.

Arts Lab Residencies provide great opportunities for New Jersey schools. The free programming received can total in value up to $14,500. Residencies are designed to enhance curriculum, expand the arts experiences of students and teachers and create a long-term impact on schools and the community through the arts.

Specifications for who can apply:

Any New Jersey public, private, charter, or parochial school serving grades Pre-K through 12th grade.

A professional teaching artist and a New Jersey school partner of their choice.

New Jersey arts organization and a New Jersey school partner of their choice.

Apply now

This program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.  

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About Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern PA

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA, established in 1973, is the leading arts-in-education resource in the region, offering teaching artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, and professional learning programs to schools across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. With an extensive roster of professional artists spanning various art forms, Young Audiences has impacted more than 15 million children in its 50-year history. Committed to inspiring young minds and fostering inclusive learning environments, Young Audiences strives to ensure that every child receives rich and meaningful arts experiences. Through diverse and accessible programs, the organization aims to strengthen arts education, meet curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life in communities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit yanjep.org.

About Arts Lab

Arts Lab allows schools and YA staff to design programming that meets the curricular and student needs of each partner school.  YA’s professional teaching artists bring experiences to schools including performances, workshops, professional learning, and community and family arts nights. The selection of schools is made through an application process. Applications are accepted in the fall and early spring. To learn more, visit https://yanjep.org/arts-lab-residency/.