Ann Allison Rural Arts Award
In partnership with ArtsEd West, this award is given to rural middle schools that have established and thriving arts programs to recognize and support schools that foster creativity and artistic expression, ensuring that students in rural areas have access to quality arts education.
The Ann Allison Rural Arts Award is a $500 award given to rural middle schools that have established and thriving arts programs. This award was made possible through the seed funding provided by Dr. Ann Allison, a long-time AEF Board member who was passionate about supporting the arts in rural communities. The award aims to recognize and support schools that foster creativity and artistic expression, ensuring that students in rural areas have access to quality arts education.
As of the 2026-27 school year, the Ann Allison Rural Arts Award will be coordinated by our partners at ArtsEd West. To learn more and submit a nomination, visit https://artsedwest.org/rural-arts-award.
2025-2026 Awardees:
Hillside Elementary School, Hillside School District
Mohave Valley Junior High, Mohave Valley School District
Thunderbolt Middle School, Lake Havasu Unified School District
"The Ann Allison Rural Arts Award will significantly enhance our 7th and 8th grade arts program by providing essential resources and opportunities for creative growth, this investment in the arts would definitely foster a deeper appreciation for creativity, self-expression, cultural connection and critical thinking in our middle schoolers."
Know a deserving rural middle school? Nominate them today!
If your middle school provides arts education opportunities for students like visual art, music, dance, theatre, etc. please share more! We are identifying schools for consideration for the award and would love to learn more about yours!