For Immediate Release: April 15, 2009
Contact:
Troy Price
Governor’s Office
515.281.0173
troy.price@iowa.gov
Jeff Morgan
Public Relations
515.281.3858
Jeff.Morgan@iowa.gov
Governor Culver Announces Iowa Arts Jobs Preservation Grant Program
Iowa Arts Council to use ARRA funding from NEA to preserve arts jobs in Iowa
(DES MOINES, Iowa) — Today, Governor Chet Culver announced the creation of the Iowa Arts Jobs Preservation Grant (IAJPG) program, which is designed to preserve arts jobs in Iowa. The program is being supported by the National Endowment for the Arts with funding from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
The Iowa Arts Council will administer the program in partnership together with Arts Midwest, a non-profit regional arts organization headquartered in Minneapolis that serves audiences, arts organizations and artists in nine Midwestern states.
“The arts not only enhance the quality of life for Iowans, but play a vital and significant role in our economy by supporting local businesses and creating good paying jobs for Iowans,” Governor Culver said. “But declines in philanthropic contributions and other support during this historic economic downtown are putting jobs for Iowa’s cultural workers at risk. As governor, I am committed to seeing these funds utilized to preserve jobs in the arts.”
Iowa arts and presenting organizations must have IAJPG applications submitted to the Iowa Arts Council offices at 600 E. Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319 by 4:30 p.m. on June 1, 2009. This is not a postmark deadline. Organizations may request up to $25,000 for one-time, non-matching grants. The program offers about $320,000 in grants for projects occurring July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010, thanks to a unique partnership between the Iowa Arts Council and Arts Midwest.
Funds from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act were awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts to both the Iowa Arts Council and to Arts Midwest, for re-granting to preserve arts jobs. Arts Midwest, which serves nine Midwestern states, is partnering with the Iowa Arts Council to distribute the “Iowa portion” of its ARRA funds.
The IAJPG program is designed to support the retention of non-fundraising positions in Iowa arts organizations, as well as retention or extension of artist contracts in arts presenting organizations. The program does not support the engagement of personnel for new projects.
Today’s announcement comes at critical juncture in the ongoing success of Iowa’s creative economy. Recent studies show Iowa’s arts and presenting organizations provide for thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity throughout the state.
“It is clear that the arts not only provide cultural and entertainment opportunities for Iowans and visitors, they have a profound impact on our economy,” said Cyndi Pederson, director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. “They create jobs and business opportunities for Iowans and they attract and retain a highly skilled, creative workforce that high-tech industries are looking for when deciding to relocate or expand in Iowa. We are so pleased that this contribution was recognized by Congress and President Obama with the inclusion of this funding in the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act.”
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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 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. More information at www.iowaartscouncil.org.
Arts Midwest is one of six regional arts organizations in the United States, serving the primary region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Supported with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, State Arts Agencies, and private sources. More information at www.artsmidwest.org.
The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is federal legislation enacted in order to stimulate the U.S. economy. More information at www.recovery.gov.