Iowa Arts News is a monthly publication of the Iowa Arts Council. If you would like to subscribe, please send us a blank e-mail.
IAC Grant Deadlines and News
No More Big Yellow School Bus Grants This Year!
As of October 27, the Big Yellow School Bus funds allocated for this
fiscal year were depleted, and we are unable to make any more grants
from that program until after July 1, 2006. If any new funds
become available prior to that date, we will post a notice on the Iowa Arts Council
Web site and in the IAC’s monthly e-newsletter. The $25,000 available for
this program has been used up in record time, allowing 125 schools the opportunity
to bring students on field trips to arts venues and events all over Iowa.
Traditional Arts Apprenticeship: Deadline December 1
Traditional
Arts Apprenticeships encourage and preserve Iowa’s traditional arts
and cultures through grants to master artists to teach qualified apprentices.
Call (515) 242-6195 for information.
Iowa Scholarship for the Arts: Deadline December 10
Artistic high school seniors who plan to attend an Iowa university and
major in an arts discipline are invited to apply for the Iowa Arts Council’s
2006 Iowa
Scholarships for the Arts. This scholarship provides between $1,000 and $2,000
to help offset expenses. Applicants must have proven artistic ability and pursue
a major in at least one of the following areas: dance, literature (creative writing),
music, theater, traditional arts or visual arts.
Now in its 20th year, the Iowa Scholarship for the Arts has helped many students further their goals in the arts. Scholarship coordinator Sarah Ekstrand said the level of talent displayed by students applying for the scholarship is exemplary.
“I continue to be amazed by the applications we receive,” she said. “The level of artistic ability displayed by these students goes beyond what you would expect from people their age.”
To be considered for the award, students must complete the scholarship application, write an essay about their future career goals in the arts, and include two letters of recommendation. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. Dec. 10 in the Iowa Arts Council offices at 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines. This is not a postmark deadline.
More information is available online or by contacting Sarah Ekstrand at (515) 281-4657 or Sarah.Ekstrand@iowa.gov.
November Grantwriting Tip: Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application
Do you know a creative high school senior who is interested in pursuing an education and career in the arts? Let him or her know about the Iowa Scholarship for the Arts! The deadline for applications is December 10.
Tips for a successful scholarship application:
1. High schools provide numerous opportunities for students to get involved in the arts. Students are able to pick and choose among acting in a play, playing in the band, singing in the chorus or joining arts-related clubs. The scholarship panel looks at what activities the student has been involved in during his or her high school career. This includes any outside volunteer activities which show the student is committed to seeking experience other than what is offered through their school. While it’s not possible to participate in every activity, those activities that demonstrate a commitment to a chosen art form tend to be noted favorably by the panel.
2. The essay. Don’t overanalyze the topic. Make it genuine. One or two points about the student’s career goals in the arts is all that’s needed. Remember, it’s required to be no more than one typed page, so get to the points quickly.
3. Letters of recommendation. Teachers are a good source to ask to write a recommendation letter for the student, especially those teachers who have influenced or encouraged the student in his or her creative goals. Recommendation letters should focus on the relationship of the teacher and student, and give the teacher’s perspective of the student’s future goals and his or her ability to succeed in reaching those goals.
The Iowa Scholarship for the Arts application is available on the Iowa Arts Council Web site, and may be filled out online, then printed and mailed. For more information, contact Sarah Ekstrand at (515) 281-4657 or Sarah.Ekstrand@iowa.gov.
IAC Calendar
November 14: Iowa Arts Council Grant Writing Workshop, Ames. From 1 to 4 p.m. at the Octagon Center for the Arts, 427 Douglas Ave. Call (515) 281-4657 for information. More information »
December 2: Iowa Arts Council Board Meeting, Des Moines
