The Warren Cultural Center in Greenfield has received a Rural Arts Development grant from the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Grant funds will help support the WCC’s Premier Performance Series, which features a variety of nationally touring acts appearing on the stage of the restored 1896 opera house in Greenfield.

The $5,000 grant will help underwrite the cost of three performances, including soul singer Jane L. Powell, who performed January 18th at the WCC. In addition to her public performance, Powell held a workshop for young singers, which was made available at no cost to area high schools. Other performances are the men’s a cappella group Shy of a Dozen, with jazz singer Ria Olson on March 29, and Frank Ferrante’s “An Evening with Groucho” performance on April 26.

The Iowa Arts Council (IAC) awarded $74,506 in Project Grants and Rural Arts Development Grants funding to support 14 arts projects serving Iowans in 10 communities across the state. The WCC was one of three projects to receive a Rural Arts Development grant.

Rural Arts Development Grants support arts projects that positively impact the quality of life in rural Iowa, demonstrate public value, and support IAC funding priorities. Eligible applicants must be located in select Iowa counties and include nonprofit organizations incorporated in Iowa that have federal tax-exempt status; schools; local, county, state and federal government agencies; and tribal councils. Funding for both programs come from the Iowa Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The 2013-14 Premier Performance series is made  possible through sponsorships by the following local businesses: 1st National Bank, Adair County Abstract Co., Adair County Health System, Adair County Farm Bureau Alliance, Alliant Energy,  Farm Bureau Financial Services – Connie Hohertz agent, Havens Accounting, Hight Law Office, Marion E. James Law Office, Jensen Law Office, Olesen Law Office, Pro Team Insurance/West Bend, Southwestern Community College, Stalker Chevrolet, Robert A. Weiland O.D., and Union State Bank.