Who doesn't want more arts education for our city's students? Parents as Arts Partners, via the Center for Arts Education, brings the creative process to thousands of kids and families every year. It's a great way to get involved in the life of your child's school and to make a real contribution to the school culture. It's also a lot of fun.

Last year, PAAP grants funded fine arts and performing arts programs that spanned the gamut: think book-making and collage workshops, videography and architecture projects, and dance and folk-tale performances. Have a look herefor successful programs.

Funding shortfalls mean that two-thirds fewer grants will be awarded this year than in years past. Grants of up to $3000 are available to 50 public schools provided they have never been CAE-funded in the past. The CAE website has tips, information and application materials; they'll also host pre-application seminars starting later this month.