Nearly three-hundred people have signed up to attend the 2016 Iowa Arts Summit this Friday in Des Moines. Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs director Mary Cownie  says people from 90 Iowa communities have registered. “Two years when we launched the Iowa Arts Summit as a statewide convening for Iowa’s arts community, the response was overwhelming,” Cownie says, “so this year we will build on that success with local, state and national voices converging.”

The day will allow artists and non-profit groups that work on cultural projects throughout the state to network, learn about success stories in other communities and get fundraising tips. “We’re also excited to add a touch of Hollywood to this year’s summit…presenting a session track for Iowa filmmakers featuring Sarah Pearce, the managing director of the Sundance Institute,” Cownie says, “as well as Iowa native and University of Iowa alum Andrew Steele who is the creative director of the website ‘Funny or Die.'”

Steele grew up in Iowa City and is a former Saturday Night Live writer. He won an Emmy in 2002. Dozens of artists will be doing “pop up” exhibits during the event. More than 50 sculptures created by Waterloo’s Youth Art Team will be on display. Cultural experiences in Iowa cities and communities help keep and attract young professionals, according to Cownie.

“It’s not only the 9-5, because if they know they’re going to get a job, they look at public schools. They may look at public safety, but they also want to know: ‘What am I doing to do?'” Cownie says. “‘Where am I going to take my kids? What am I going to do with my spouse or partner?'”

On Friday, during the summit, Cownie plans to release new data about the impact of the arts on Iowa. Registration is still open for the conference. (Register online at https://iowaculture.gov/arts/get-involved/iowa-arts-summit)

(Radio Iowa)