DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (IDCA) has awarded $191,000 in grants to Iowa artists and small nonprofit arts organizations.
The state department says the group is "reeling from the financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic."
It says its first round of grants was specifically sent to artists and small nonprofit arts organizations, community theaters, choirs, youth arts groups, a documentary filmmaker and a blues musician "who has entertained Iowa audiences for more than 40 years." It did not identify any of the organizations or people receiving the money by name.
The department did say 156 Iowa artists and creative workers received a $1,000 award each to support their careers.Also, 14 Iowa nonprofit arts organizations each received a $2,500 grant to support their operations.
“Iowa’s creative professionals and cultural organizations have been deeply impacted by the current crisis,” Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Chris Kramer said. “Our industry is incredibly resourceful and resilient, but with so many revenue sources threatened at once, it’s extraordinarily challenging for the creative workforce to navigate.”