For Immediate Release: January 15, 2009
Contact: Jeff Morgan
Public Relations
515.281.3858
Jeff.Morgan@iowa.gov
Iowa Arts Council Announces Mini Grant Awards
(DES MOINES, Iowa) —The Iowa Arts Council has awarded $10,311 in the January 2009 round of Mini Grants to organizations and individuals in Ankeny, Arlington, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Johnston, Iowa City and Norwalk. IAC received 15 eligible applications with requests totaling more than $20,000.
Mini Grants are awarded each month, and applicants may request up to $1,500 in funding, which they must match.
“It’s always intriguing and exciting to see the wonderful, creative ways in which Iowans are bringing the arts into the lives of their fellow citizens,” said Mary Sundet Jones, Iowa Arts Council administrator. “There are so many more great arts activities occurring than we can possibly support. The good news is that arts are alive and well in Iowa.”
Applications for Mini Grants must be received the first working day of the month before the intended activity begins. More information and application guidelines and rules can be viewed at www.iowaartscouncil.org.
The Iowa Arts Council is a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and works to enrich the quality of life for Iowans through support of the arts. Funding for the Iowa Arts Council and its programs is provided by the State of Iowa and the National Endowment for the Arts. Please visit www.iowaartscouncil.org for more information.
Iowa Arts Council january 2009 Mini Grant Awards
Michael J. Brafford, Johnston
Hawkeye Swing Festival
$1,500
The Hawkeye Swing Festival is a three-day event that features the world’s finest instructors and the region’s best social dancers. It includes classes for all levels, free dances with live music, DJs playing vintage jazz and blues, and contests that highlight competitors from all across the region.
Starmont Community School, Arlington
“Making the Mold in Art and Technology”
$1,500
From April 27-May 1, artist Joe Gower will conduct a residency at the Starmont Community School in Arlington. Gower will work with middle and high school students to make molds for both ceramics and metalsmithing.
Shimek Elementary Before and After School Program, Iowa City
Chinese New Year Celebration
$700
Eulenspiegel Puppet Theater Director Monica Leo will teach the students and adults of the Shimek Before and After School Program (BASP) how to make a large dragon puppet. She will bring pre-made parts to be decorated by the adults and students and instruct its manipulation. Students will parade the puppet through the school in a traditional Chinese New Year celebration.
Pieta Brown, Iowa City
Pieta Brown Demos Recording Session w/Producer Don Was
$1,500
Iowa Arts Council funding supports artist Pieta Brown in her recording session with Grammy Award winning record producer Don Was and fellow Iowa musician Bo Ramsey. The session will record 10-12 recently written/composed original songs of the artist in a high quality setting so they can present professional demos to various record companies.
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls
Iowa Days of Percussion
$1,500
The University of Northern Iowa will use IAC grant funds for the Percussive Arts Society Iowa Chapter’s 2009 Iowa Days of Percussion (IDOP) project, set for March 27-28. Jazz drummer John Riley and West African drumming specialist Michael Taylor have agreed to perform and present workshops at the festival.
Mary McAdams, Ankeny
Pre-production for CD Project
$1,500
Artist Mary McAdams will use IAC funds to help with all pre-production activities required for the recording of a 10 song CD of her original compositions. The project will employ an Iowa recording facility and Iowa musicians, engineer and co-producer.
Lakewood Elementary, Norwalk
“The Great State History Play”
$975
For a culminating activity to its Iowa history unit, Lakewood Elementary will hire Fax Gilbert to direct “The Great State History Play” for students to perform. This project helps 5th grade students make personal connections to Iowa history through performance.
Bell Tower Productions, Dubuque
Preliminary Marketing for Bell Tower Theater’s New “Family Series”
$1,136
Funds will be used to design, produce and distribute preliminary marketing materials for the Bell Tower Theater’s brand new “Family Series.” This is a series of five events designed to provide high quality family entertainment at an affordable price.
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The Iowa Arts Council is a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and works to enrich the quality of life and learning in Iowa communities by encouraging excellence in the arts through leadership, grants and technical assistance. Funding for the Iowa Arts Council and its programs is provided by the State of Iowa and the National Endowment for the Arts. Please visit www.iowaartscouncil.org for more information.