Fiscal Year 2008 / Mini Grants: February
The Iowa Arts Council received 25 eligible Mini grant applications for the February round. We received a total of $34,607in requested funds. Of those, 8 were selected for funding, totaling $10,337 Out of a possible score of 44, the highest score of those selected for funding was 36.67 the lowest at 32.67.
Temple B'nai Jeshurun, Des Moines
That's ESTHERTAINMENT, Too!
$1,500
In this traditional Jewish cultural art form, the story of Queen Esther is told through parody of songs from American musical theater. Author/director Laura Berkson teams up with Cantor Debbie Bletstein of Tifereth Israel Synagogue to lead a multigenerational ensemble of over 50 people. Temple B'nai Jeshurun will use funding for rental of sound and lighting equipment for the production.
Reiman Gardens , Ames
Willow Fish Workshop
$700
In 2008, Reiman Gardens' theme "A Novel Garden" interweaves garden design with literature. This grant will fund two workshops for the general public to create willow fish to support a large-scale Moby-Dick willow-art installation. Local artists, Pam Dennis and Ryk Weiss, will conduct the class and create the willow sculptures.
Kalona Public Library, Kalona
Celebrating the Midwest with Portraits of the Prairie
$1,500
The Kalona Public Library, Mid-Prairie Schools, and rural home school populations are collaborating to produce the play "Portraits of the Prairie" for the public April 9th, 2008. Local author Mary Swander wrote the play and funding supports the Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company who will provide the set, script, puppets, music, and stage equipment.
John, Benoit, Indianola
I'm Gonna Jazz My Way
$1,500
In March 2008, the Des Moines-based BALLYHOO FOXTROT ORCHESTRA, a nine-piece musical ensemble specializing in the music of the 1910s and 1920s, will record its first CD with grant funding from the Iowa arts Council. Titled "I'm Gonna Jazz My Way", the CD will feature songs that celebrate significant events in the lives of Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald.
Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, Rock Island
Israel's 60 Birthday Celebrates with Ofra Yitzhaki Pianist
$975
Next year (2008) is Israel's 60th birthday. The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities is celebrating this occasion by presenting a series of artists, speakers and films highlighting Israels many accomplishments since it's statehood. Funding will support artist Ofra Yitzhaki, pianist, on Saturday evening, March 15th for a concert at St Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa.
Iowa Choral Directors Association, Inc., Mount Vernon
Swingle Singers in Iowa
$1,500
With grant funding, The Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA) in conjunction with DMACC-Ankeny will sponsor a Swingle Singers workshop for community college music students and a public performance. The Swingle Singers are world renowned specialists in a style which uses the voice as an instrument in a fusion of jazz and classical genres.
Audrey Grieme, Des Moines
Advancement in Artistry
$1,162
Funding from this grant will allow soprano Audrey Grieme to continue her professional development as a classical vocal performer through private voice instruction with Dr. Virginia Croskery, and Body Mapping lessons with Professor Janet Alcorn, from March 1st through June 30th, improving Miss Grieme's overall craft as a singer-actor.
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, Adel
Eulenspiegel Puppets at Iowa Book Festival
$1,500
Grant funding will support The Iowa Book Festival and the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn Elementary Schools who are presenting a 3-day community residency involving the Adel Elementary School, the community and visitors to the 2nd Annual Iowa Book Festival.