Iowa Department of Cultural
Affairs distributes CARES Act funds to cultural and humanities nonprofits
More than $1.1 million awarded to relieve
Iowa’s cultural sector during pandemic
DES MOINES – The
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs announced today that it has awarded
more than $1.1 million dollars in 173 grants statewide. This includes
$923,372 for emergency relief and another $178,000 in humanities grants to
help Iowa cultural organizations rebound from the financial impacts of the
coronavirus pandemic.
Funding for the emergency relief grants was
made possible by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security
(CARES) Act. The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs distributed CARES Act funds
through its partnerships with the National Endowment for the Arts, National
Endowment for the Humanities, and Arts Midwest.
The grants are intended to support ongoing
cultural projects, preserve jobs and keep the doors open at thousands of
cultural organizations that boost the economy and creative life of
communities.
“This is good news for Iowa’s arts,
cultural and humanities organizations, which have been deeply affected by
the pandemic,” Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Chris Kramer
said. “We’re so grateful for the unanimous support of Iowa’s congressional
delegation for these funds, which help keep Iowans employed and communities
vibrant.”
The list of grant recipients includes art,
history and children’s museums; arboretums and botanical gardens; aquariums
and science centers; performing arts venues, vocal music groups and
theaters; historical societies and historic homes; film and media
organizations; and arts and cultural heritage festivals. Here are just a
few of the recipients:
- The Felix Adler Children's
Discovery Center in Clinton, which provides interactive exhibits and
educational programs based in science, literacy, art and culture.
- Mid America Museum of
Aviation and Transportation in Sioux City, which preserves and shares
the area's aviation and transportation history.
- New Ground Theatre in
Davenport, which offers contemporary and original theater.
- Iowa Rock 'N Roll Music
Association in Arnolds Park, which celebrates the legacy and future of
Iowa rock 'n roll.
- The Tai Village Inc. in Des
Moines, which preserves the Tai Dam culture by hosting the annual
CelebrAsian and Tai Village Festivals and operating the Robert D. Ray
Welcome Center.
Of the total 173 grants, 149 were awarded
to Iowa arts, cultural and humanities organizations for emergency relief to
support their operations and retain staff. The grants ranged from $1,000 to
$18,000 based on the size of the recipient organization’s annual budget.
Applicants cited a range of financial
losses stemming from cancellations and closures. Many cultural
organizations reported losing out on revenue from admissions and gift-shop
sales, as well as canceled classes, programs and fundraisers.
A recent survey conducted by Americans for
the Arts showed that more than 340 Iowa arts and cultural organizations
collectively lost at least $16.3 million since the coronavirus outbreak
began. Another study, by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and
University of Northern Iowa, revealed that arts, entertainment and
recreation were among the hardest hit segments of the nonprofit industry in
Iowa.
“Here in Iowa in a typical year, the
creative sector accounts for more than 42,000 jobs,” Director Kramer said.
“These CARES Act grants will help one of our state’s largest industries
rebound in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs
also partnered with the National Endowment for the Humanities to award an
additional 24 grants to Iowa humanities organizations for special projects
and programs. Here are a few highlights from the list:
- The Museum of Danish
America in Elk Horn will continue to offer its online programs and
develop new digital content, including a virtual Midsummer event.
- The Dubuque County
Historical Society and National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
will develop a safe and socially distanced learning environment for
visitors.
- The Pella Historical
Society and Museums will preserve the community’s Dutch history and
culture through a project to archive and catalogue its collections.
- The Carrie Lane Chapman
Catt Girlhood Home and National 19th Amendment Society in Charles City
will convert a year of planned events into social and digital media
content to celebrate the 19th Amendment centennial.
In all, the department received 213
applications for these grants and made awards in 49 Iowa counties.
This marks the second and third round of
grants from the Iowa Arts & Culture Emergency Relief Fund. During the
first round, in April, the department awarded a total of $191,000 in grants
to Iowa artists, creative workers and nonprofit arts organizations.
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