TeachArtsOhio: Fully Funded Bi-Okoto Cultural Arts Residencies
Bring African drumming, dance, language, and storytelling to your school at no cost through the Ohio Arts Council’s TeachArtsOhio grant.
What Is TeachArtsOhio?
TeachArtsOhio (TAO) is a statewide Ohio Arts Council initiative that brings professional teaching artists into schools for immersive arts-based learning. The grant covers 100% of artist fees, allowing schools to offer culturally rich arts experiences at no cost.
Residencies must supplement—not replace—existing arts instruction, and Bi-Okoto’s programs align perfectly with this requirement.
What Bi-Okoto Offers Your School
African Music / Drumming
Students learn traditional rhythms, drumming technique, call-and-response, ensemble skills, and cultural context.
African Dance
Movement rooted in cultural history, storytelling, community celebration, and expressive creativity.
African Languages
Introductory lessons in Yoruba, Swahili, or other African languages that connect vocabulary to music, culture, and identity.
Storytelling & Cultural Literacy
Students explore folktales, proverbs, and oral traditions that deepen literacy, character understanding, and global awareness.
Residency Options
Mini Residency (2–4 Weeks)
A high-energy cultural immersion ideal for specials rotations or grade-level blocks.
Grading-Period Residency (6–9 Weeks)
Expanded skill development, SEL integration, and classroom collaboration.
Semester Residency (18 Weeks)
Deeper, school-wide cultural initiative with a culminating performance or showcase.
All residencies integrate with academic standards in music, dance, literacy, social studies, SEL, and global citizenship.
What the TeachArtsOhio Grant Covers
- ✔ 100% of artist fees
- ✔ Instructional hours
- ✔ Planning and collaboration time
- ✔ Classroom integration support
- ✔ Culminating performances or showcases
Bi-Okoto handles 80–90% of the grant writing, including the residency narrative and planning outline.
Why Schools Choose Bi-Okoto
- ✔ Authenticity rooted in African traditions
- ✔ High classroom engagement and inclusivity
- ✔ Strong curriculum connections
- ✔ Over 30 years of instructional experience
- ✔ Professional teaching artists
- ✔ Proven SEL and cultural learning impact
- ✔ Grant-writing support included
- ✔ Flexible scheduling for all grade levels
How the Process Works
- 1. Schedule a quick planning call to discuss goals and scheduling.
- 2. We draft your grant materials including narrative and residency outline.
- 3. You review and approve all materials.
- 4. You submit via the OAC portal by February 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really no cost to the school?
Correct. TAO covers 100% of artist fees.
Does Bi-Okoto replace our teacher?
No. TAO requires residencies to supplement instruction.
What grade levels do you serve?
PreK–12.
How much time do staff need to invest?
Typically 1–2 planning meetings. Bi-Okoto handles most tasks.
How long are the residencies?
2–18 weeks depending on your goals.
When is the deadline?
February 1.
Ready to Bring a Fully Funded Residency to Your School?
We are here to help you create an unforgettable cultural arts experience for your students.
Schedule a 15-Minute Planning Call Download Program Overview PDFBi-Okoto Cultural Center
5601 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45212
📞 513-658-5153 | 🌐 www.bi-okoto.com | 📧 funmi@bi-okoto.com
TeachArtsOhio: Fully Funded Bi-Okoto Cultural Arts Residencies
Bring African drumming, dance, language, and storytelling to your school at no cost through the Ohio Arts Council’s TeachArtsOhio grant.
What Is TeachArtsOhio?
TeachArtsOhio (TAO) is a statewide Ohio Arts Council initiative that brings professional teaching artists into schools for immersive arts-based learning. The grant covers 100% of artist fees, allowing schools to offer culturally rich arts experiences at no cost.
Residencies must supplement—not replace—existing arts instruction, and Bi-Okoto’s programs align perfectly with this requirement.
What Bi-Okoto Offers Your School
African Music / Drumming
Students learn traditional rhythms, drumming technique, call-and-response, ensemble skills, and cultural context.
African Dance
Movement rooted in cultural history, storytelling, community celebration, and expressive creativity.
African Languages
Introductory lessons in Yoruba, Swahili, or other African languages that connect vocabulary to music, culture, and identity.
Storytelling & Cultural Literacy
Students explore folktales, proverbs, and oral traditions that deepen literacy, character understanding, and global awareness.
Residency Options
Mini Residency (2–4 Weeks)
A high-energy cultural immersion ideal for specials rotations or grade-level blocks.
Grading-Period Residency (6–9 Weeks)
Expanded skill development, SEL integration, and classroom collaboration.
Semester Residency (18 Weeks)
Deeper, school-wide cultural initiative with a culminating performance or showcase.
All residencies integrate with academic standards in music, dance, literacy, social studies, SEL, and global citizenship.
What the TeachArtsOhio Grant Covers
- ✔ 100% of artist fees
- ✔ Instructional hours
- ✔ Planning and collaboration time
- ✔ Classroom integration support
- ✔ Culminating performances or showcases
Bi-Okoto handles 80–90% of the grant writing, including the residency narrative and planning outline.
Why Schools Choose Bi-Okoto
- ✔ Authenticity rooted in African traditions
- ✔ High classroom engagement and inclusivity
- ✔ Strong curriculum connections
- ✔ Over 30 years of instructional experience
- ✔ Professional teaching artists
- ✔ Proven SEL and cultural learning impact
- ✔ Grant-writing support included
- ✔ Flexible scheduling for all grade levels
How the Process Works
- 1. Schedule a quick planning call to discuss goals and scheduling.
- 2. We draft your grant materials including narrative and residency outline.
- 3. You review and approve all materials.
- 4. You submit via the OAC portal by February 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there really no cost to the school?
Correct. TAO covers 100% of artist fees.
Does Bi-Okoto replace our teacher?
No. TAO requires residencies to supplement instruction.
What grade levels do you serve?
PreK–12.
How much time do staff need to invest?
Typically 1–2 planning meetings. Bi-Okoto handles most tasks.
How long are the residencies?
2–18 weeks depending on your goals.
When is the deadline?
February 1.
Ready to Bring a Fully Funded Residency to Your School?
We are here to help you create an unforgettable cultural arts experience for your students.
Schedule a 15-Minute Planning Call Download Program Overview PDFBi-Okoto Cultural Center
5601 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45212
📞 513-658-5153 | 🌐 www.bi-okoto.com | 📧 funmi@bi-okoto.com
