The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs today announces a new round of arts and cultural grants and designation opportunities are now open for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Application deadlines begin March 1 and run through June 1 for grants, fellowships and other opportunities relating to history, historic preservation, arts, film/media and community development programs. The department is investing more than $3 million during the current fiscal year to strengthen quality of life and build cultural vibrancy in communities across the state.
"All across the state, Iowans are leveraging the arts, history and culture to boost quality of life in their communities," Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Chris Kramer said. "These investments help preserve history and historic properties and offer world-class arts and cultural experiences that attract and retain a globally minded workforce, improve mental and emotional well-being, and build culturally vibrant communities. I encourage Iowans to think big and submit their best ideas for support."
The department administers the following programs for Fiscal Year 2021 (which starts July 1, 2020):
Iowa Arts Council and Produce Iowa Grants and Opportunities (with application deadlines)
Iowa Scholarship for the Arts – March 2
Iowa Artist Fellowship – March 13
Iowa Women’s Art Exhibition – April 1
Art Project Grant – May 1
Capacity Building Grant – May 1
Cultural & Entertainment District Designation – May 1
Cultural Heritage Project Grant – May 1
Greenlight Grant* – May 1
Iowa Great Places Designation – May 1
School Arts Experience Grant – May 1
The Film Lounge: Season 5 – June 1
*Note: The Iowa Arts Council administers the Greenlight Grants for Produce Iowa-State Office of Media Production.
State Historical Society of Iowa Grant Programs and Opportunities (with application deadlines dates)
Research Grants for Authors – April 15
Historical Resource Development Program – May 1
Country School Grant Program – May 1
Funding for grant programs is provided by the Iowa Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Historical Resource Development Program and Country School grants are funded by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP), passed by the Iowa General Assembly in 1989 and appropriated annually.
Members of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs will visit regions of the state to offer workshops and presentations on how to apply. Attendees are welcome to bring ideas to share and discuss one-on-one with staff.
More information about the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is available at iowaculture.gov or 515-281-5111.
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and its three divisions – the Iowa Arts Council, Produce Iowa - State Office of Media Production and the State Historical Society of Iowa – empower Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define our state. The department’s work enables Iowa to be recognized as a state that fosters creativity and serves as a catalyst for innovation where the stories of Iowa are preserved and communicated to connect past, present and future generations.