DES MOINES – The Iowa Arts Council is encouraging all Iowans involved in building creative communities, including artists, filmmakers, and cultural organizations, to attend its grant information sessions this month. Iowa Arts Council staff will make stops in Cedar Falls, Creston, Ottumwa and Storm Lake to visit with community members about current grant funding opportunities ahead of a May 1, 2023, application deadline for most programs.

During the one-hour workshops, staff will highlight important points and share tips on how to strengthen applications. Attendees are also encouraged to bring ideas to share and discuss with staff. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is highly encouraged.

The schedule for the grant workshops follows:

• March 21, Noon, Witter Art Gallery, 609 Cayuga St., Storm Lake
• March 22, 11 a.m., Bridge View Center, 102 Church St., Ottumwa
• March 23, 11 a.m., Creston Arts Center, 411 W Adams St., Creston
• March 28, 11 a.m., Hearst Center for the Arts, 304 W Seerley Blvd., Cedar Falls

As a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, the Iowa Arts Council invests in projects that positively impact the vitality of the arts, demonstrate public value and excellence, and help Iowans across the state create cultural vibrancy in their communities for residents and visitors. Funding for Iowa Arts Council grant programs is provided by appropriations from the Iowa Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, to the department.

In addition to the workshops, the Iowa Arts Council has shared informational grant webinars on the department’s YouTube channel and is offering applicants the opportunity to schedule a meeting with program managers before May 1. More information is available at iowaculture.gov.