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Moline Public Art Commission Seeking Muralists

8/23/2023

 
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​The Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts are seeking the design and installation of a public mural for an exterior wall in Moline, Illinois. The mural will be on the west-facing brick wall of 1405 5th Avenue and will be above the patio of a popular local restaurant. The mural will be highly visible as 5th Avenue is a heavily used downtown Moline corridor only blocks away from Mercado on Fifth.

This addition to the collection of public art in Moline is intended to enhance community pride, local quality of life, beautification, and creative placemaking, as well as increase the public’s awareness of visual arts in Moline. This mural project is jointly undertaken by the Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts. The Moline Public Art Commission is excited to begin the process of finding a mural artist and believes this is an excellent partnership between two entities that share a similar goal.

“We are excited to implement this major art installation to be funded by the City of Moline through our commission,” said Jeff Dismer, Moline Public Art Commission Chair.  “Earlier this year we sponsored the installation of four public sculptures through the rotating sculpture program with Quad City Arts, and the 5th Avenue Mural will build on our goals to enhance the richness of character and make our downtown a more vibrant place to live, work, play, visit and learn.”   

The Public Art Commission, formed in 2021, advises the City’s Corporate Authorities in all matters pertaining to City-sponsored art in the Downtown Moline Public Art Program Area, as identified in the Public Art Master Plan approved and adopted by the City Council. The Commission’s primary goal is to increase the public’s awareness of all visual arts, including, but not limited to, the exhibition of sculpture, paintings, mosaics, photography, and video. The Public Art Commission is responsible for interpreting and reviewing proposed Public Art projects in Downtown Moline, Cultural Corridors, and Public Art Program areas.

“Nationally, cultural tourism is on the rise,” Kevin Maynard, Executive Director of Quad City Arts. “We are happy to help organizations in the Quad Cities to bring more art to our community. This is an exciting project and an excellent placemaking step for the city of Moline, and for the Quad Cities to grow our community collection of public art.”

Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts.
  
For more information about the open call, and to apply visit https://www.quadcityarts.com/moline-mural
Learn more about the Moline Public Art Commission: https://moline.il.us/1794/Public-Art-Commission​
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Organization: Moline Public Art Commission & Quad City Arts
Entry Fee: FREE
Application Deadline: September 22, 2023
Type: Professional Mural 
Eligibility: Professional mural artists over the age of 18. Applicants must reside within the US.
Payment: $30,000 (50% to be paid upon contract execution and 50% within 2 weeks of completion of the mural) 
Categories: Public Art
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Learn More and Apply

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50 YEARS OF THE VISITING ARTIST SERIES

8/8/2023

 
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The Visiting Artist Series is turning 50 this year, and schools are invited to schedule engagements for the next school year with these artists. 
 
Schools will have access to professional performing artists who celebrate the diversity of the students and communities we serve as Quad City Arts also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the season. The series will provide outreach visits featuring music from Sweden, Japan, Quebec, Ireland, and Middle Eastern/American jazz, plus a bilingual children's theatre production, a female Muslim hip-hop dancer accompanied by a DJ, Native American music and dance, and a visual arts experience. 
 
As a keystone program of Quad City Arts, the Visiting Artist Series, which started in 1974 to present multi-disciplinary performing arts residencies in schools and community sites, has brought in 476 residencies, more than 830 artists, over 10,400 school visits, more than 450 concerts, and just over 2.73 million reached.  ​
In the 2022-2023 season alone, the series impacted 29,352 K-12 and college students.  
 
The 2023-2024 season is filled with music, dance, and theater from diverse cultures presented by acclaimed artists. Native Pride Productions, founded by Larry Yazzie, will visit in December 2023 to share stories and teaches about traditional Native American as well as contemporary styles of dance blended with traditional Native American and mainstream music during his solo and troupe performances.  
 
Internationally recognized hip-hop dancer, choreographer, and teacher, Amirah Sackett will be in residence February 2024. She explores and embodies her Muslim American identity through combining hip-hop movement and Islamic themes. She reached viral video fame after being featured on POPSUGAR Celebrity, The Huffington Post, AJ+, and Upworthy. 
 
Visiting in April 2024, Wanees Zarour is an award winning Palestinian-American composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist steeped in maqam and jazz music. Zarour directs the Middle East Music Ensemble at the University of Chicago, co-directs the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra, and leads 'East Loop,' a septet that explores the intersections between the maqam and jazz traditions. 
 
As a passionate origami artist and teacher, Kuniko Yamamoto enchants audiences of every age with dramatic storytelling using myths and fables from ancient and modern Japan, spiced with social revelations to educate and amuse. Her residency will include a Japanese tea ceremony at Quad City Arts in May 2024.  
 
The 2023-2024 series celebrates the impact of both arts in schools and arts experiences for the Quad Cities community.  
 
The full roster of artists in residence is as follows:  
  • ADAAWE, West African fusion band, in residence Oct. 2-7 
  • SchoolSculptures with Kevin Reese, mobile sculpture creation, Oct. 23-27, 2023 
  • Native Pride Productions, Native American dance and music, Dec. 4-9, 2023 
  • Jaerv + The OK Factor, Swedish folk quintet + American strings duo, Jan. 22-26, 2024 
  • Amirah Sackett, hip-hop dancer/ choreographer, Feb. 5-10, 2024 
  • Jessica Fichot, songwriter and accordionist, Feb. 19-23, 2024 
  • Tomas and the Library Lady, bilingual musical theatre, March 4-8, 2024 
  • Grosse Isle, traditional music from Quebec and Ireland, March 18-23, 2024 
  • Wanees Zarour, Palestinian-American composer and multi-instrumentalist, April 15-20, 2024 
  • Kuniko Yamamoto, Japanese storytelling, April 29-May 4, 2024 
  • Daniel Pak, singer, songwriter, and producer, May 13-17, 2024 
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​Teachers and principals of all Quad City Area schools are invited to schedule an arts engagement for their students from a professional performing artist during the upcoming school year through Quad City Arts’ Visiting Artist Series. Residency host sites can sign up for visits ranging from all-school performances to hands-on workshops or performance opportunities with artists in residence hosted by Quad City Arts.  
School staff from public and private schools can schedule residency engagements for this fall and next spring by visiting www.quadcityarts.com/vas-scheduling.  
 
Community sites will be able to schedule engagements for their patrons and clients in the coming weeks through the same website. More details will be posted on www.quadcityarts.com/vas.  
 
The series serves students and community members in Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine Counties in Iowa, and Henry, Rock Island, and Mercer Counties in Illinois. 
 
Since 1974, the Visiting Artist Series has engaged Quad City residents of all ages in quality arts experiences with professional performing artists. Artists of various disciplines present demonstrations, workshops, and master classes at pre-K sites, elementary, intermediate, and high schools as well as college campuses and community organizations. 
 
For more information on this residency program, visit www.quadcityarts.com/vas.  ​​

In the Spotlight: Kady Patterson

7/11/2023

 
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New to the Quad City Arts team is our Operations Director Kady Patterson! Kady is an avid nature lover, and you may have seen her in a local theater production or two. She is an incredible addition to the office and fits right in here at the gallery. Get to know more about Kady down below!

Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities?
Almost! I lived the first 20 or so years of my life in Geneseo, IL.

What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional?
Landing this job with QCA was a huge achievement for me. Working for an organization that strives to make my community a more beautiful and supportive place fills me with joy, and I am very much looking forward to the years to come.
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How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? 
Last year I was in a community theater show in Geneseo with Kevin Maynard.  Kevin told me all about the great things QCA is doing for the community and I thought it sounded like an incredible organization. When I saw they had an opening for Operations Director I jumped at the opportunity to become a part of this amazing team!
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What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? 
Sharing my office with an art gallery!

What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities? 
Genesius Guild! Where else can you find Greek Theater, Shakespeare, and ballet in a beautiful park, for free!

What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities?
When I was in middle school our family was able to take a trip to the UK over winter break. We toured The National Gallery in London, and it was a magical experience for me.

Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.)
Impossible question, but Frida Kahlo is one of my favorites.
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​What is one thing that might surprise people about you? 
I’m a total plant nerd. Love plants. I love growing them, looking at them, learning about them and eating them.

What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV?
The Great North is my go-to feel-good show.  

​Star Wars or Star Trek? 
Oh, Star Trek, 100%. The Next Gen. series holds a very special place in my heart. Jean-Luc Picard is my hero.

Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)? 
Tony’s Chicago Style Pizzeria in Moline – for some great deep dish, or Palace Tavern in East Moline if you want an awesome calzone. If I’m having “regular” pizza, my go to is the frozen cauliflower crust pizza from Costco. Controversial, I know. But if I make it at home I can add as many green olives as I want.

What is your favorite book? 
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins

Where is your go-to place for inspiration? 
Outside! If you are willing to pay attention there are a million dramas playing out every day in your yard.
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What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?  ​
My secret dream is to be part of a traveling Shakespeare Troup.

If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead, who would it be?
Vincent Van Gogh, because I’d like to know just how crazy he really was.

Kady is running our behind-the-scenes operations, but she is still a friendly face here in the gallery. Don't be afraid to say hi the next time you see her!

A RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR THE PUBLIC SCULPTURE PROGRAM

6/20/2023

 
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Quad City Arts has facilitated the leasing and installation of public sculptures in the Quad Cities since 2002. This year, we are facilitating the installation of a record number of 22 sculptures. Sculptures are chosen by committees representing each city or venue and are leased for one year from sculptors living in the Midwest. All the sculptures are for sale and can be purchased by individuals, businesses, or a city for permanent installation after June of the following year. All newly installed sculptures, along with permanent sculptures purchased from past exhibits, can be viewed on Quad City Arts’ website www.quadcityarts.com/public-sculpture, with a map and driving directions.

The most exciting part of the process is watching a Hampton Crane operator use their boom to lift a sculpture from an artist’s vehicle, hoist it high in the air, and skillfully bring it down gently onto a concrete pad, as directed by the artist who created it. The artist will then drill holes into the concrete and secure the sculpture. (Hampton Cranes generously donates their services).

Selfies are encouraged and visitors can tag #QuadCityArts on Instagram, or @QuadCityArts to tag us on Facebook.  
View the map and driving directions

​Below is a little insight into what the sculptures are about from the artists who created them:

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Newly retired Tim Adams has five sculptures in this year's program. His piece "Concentric" can be found at the Downtown Rock Island Public Library. Speaking on this piece, Adams states "The viewer should be able to feel a connection based on their own personal experiences. I attempt to achieve this connection with my audience by utilizing universal visual details."
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In Bettendorf, Adams has two sculptures.
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Located at the Bettendorf Community Center is "Set Sail", which "​is a nod to beginning a voyage or embarking on a journey.  The whimsical green 'sails' help to catch the wind and begin the movement, while the lilac and raspberry colored 'tails' help with stability and moving in the right direction. "

Northern Prairie Oats can be found at the Waterfront Convention Center. It is inspired by a plant of the same name. "They make an impact quietly in the midst of other plants competing for the sun.  Like many of us, they do not require the spotlight or in this case the sun, to thrive."
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At Bass Street Landing in Moline, is Adams' piece "Prairie Tussocks". "The beauty of the seed head is even more impressive when you consider it’s been the food source that allowed the evolution of man!" says Adams.
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In downtown Davenport, Tim Adam's final piece "Hoopla" is installed at the River Center. "​Hoopla reminds us not to let the irritations of the day get us down. It can feel at times we are carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders, and other days we are ready to take on the world! Remember to strike a balance and find joy in every day."

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"High Steppin'" by Andrew Arvanetes is installed at Five Points in Rock Island on 18th Avenue. This sculpture is one that "celebrates the lighter side of life. The name comes from the composition of shapes that, if we think of the overall piece as figurative, imply motion in an exaggerated gait."

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Installed at Build to Suit in Bettendorf is Dale Compton's "What the Future Holds".  Compton says, "With so much going on in our world today people may be too focused on changing the past or worrying about the future...So as this girl tries to look into the ball to see what the future holds, she should just enjoy the moment and leave the future up to wherever life leads her.​

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Belgium born Hilde DeBruyne has two sculptures in this year's program.

​"Bloom" is on the Figge Plaza in Davenport. Inspired by flowers, "Bloom is a contemporary, organic sculpture in metal. It is part of the 'Botanical Series' the artist started exploring during Covid."

"Metamorphosis in Blue and Yellow" on the Great River Trail next to the Kone building is "a contemporary sculpture in metal, depicting the growth, change and struggle the butterfly goes through. It is a metaphor for our own lives where periods of pain, difficulty and loss can be followed by joyful moments and inner growth.

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Near the 3rd Street parking garage in Davenport is Ted Sitting Crow Garner's sculpture "Snapback", which is a "​three-dimensional allusion to recovering from a set-back; rising back up from the ashes if you will."
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Garner is a​s an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Indian tribe, of Sihasapa and Minneconjou band affiliation.

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Gail Katz-James of Minnesota has two sculptures in this year's program.

Treasure Tower, located in Faye's Field by the Family Museum in Bettendorf, is an interactive sculpture. "Visitors are invited to open the small doors and touch the items inside."

"Mod  Pod is inspired by a vintage toy space capsule crossed with a straw dispenser and retro spinning top. Each level of the sculpture contains different suspended objects to discover. Give each section a gentle spin and peek inside to see the movement of the tiny treasures inside and imagine your own liftoff!" This sculpture can be found at Mercado on Fifth.

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Rock Island's Southwest Library is now home to Matt Miller's Tricky Situation.  Of his own sculpture, Miller says,  "To figure out which side of the grass is truly greener; one must first grasp what green really is...".

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Anna Modeland, who is new to the program, has two sculptures installed around the Quad Cities. "Ever since [her father] taught her to weld, she has never stopped creating sculptures."
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Next to the pond at Geifman First Equity, "The Catch" is "a reminder that[...]we can all still stand tall, spread our wings, and choose to rebuild this place that we call home. "

Modeland's piece "Time" is inspired by the 1973 Pink Floyd hit of the same name. It is located on the river walk in Moline near 15th Street. "Time has a way of teaching you that any sound can be music if we stop just hearing it and actually listen."

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Ben Pierce has two pieces in this year's program, both located in Davenport.

On the corner of 2nd and Main is "Propensity". "I create using a minimalist approach. I enjoy the challenge of using less- this forces me to focus on form and craftsmanship. I also enjoy leaving space for the viewer to think about or guess what the sculpture means to them," Pierce says.

UNsure if this Peace is Abstract" is in the Courtyard near Common chord. "This sculpture is tongue-n-cheek. Unintentionally it looks like a peace sign. But [Pierce] embraced this with a humorous nod to this fact in the title. And couldn't the world use more: art, humor, and peace?

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V. Skip Willits has two pieces in this year's program.

​Of his work Willits says, "I like to use recycled steel whenever possible. Not just for the planet but also for the history of the objects that I'm using in making my art. There's an entire hidden story there. "

"Red" is at Veteran's Memorial Park in Bettendorf.
"Hands" has yet to be installed but will be located at a new sculpture location: The DeWitt Community library.

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Michael Young has two pieces in this year's program.

Both of his pieces use bird imagery. Young says, "When designing sculpture, I always remember that each viewer will have an individual, emotional response to the piece. Because I want that response to be positive, I frequently use birds in my work – both as imagery and as symbol. The idea of birds swooping up and taking flight is incredibly uplifting, lending an inspirational feel to the sculpture. "

"Twist" can be located at Geifman First Equity on Bettendorf.
"Thinking about Flight" is at the DeWitt Community Library.
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Last but not least, Moline sculptor David Zahn installed his piece "Grace" in Rock Island's Longview Park. "Creating art has always been part of my life," Zahn says. "The human form is often the center of my work, and the abstract elements of art are just as important to me as any subject matter I may be portraying. I strive to make pieces that have a timeless quality, contain strong aesthetics, and are a mystery for the viewer."


All sculptures currently on exhibit, along with permanent sculptures, view them on our website at www.quadcityarts.com/public-sculpture. Take advantage of the public sculpture map and driving directions!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: KATIE PADAVICH

5/17/2023

 
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​You might have seen a new face around the o
ffice recently as we've welcomed a new Festival of Trees Administrator! Katie Padavich has been part of facility decor for Festival of Trees for two years so we feel like she's already part of the team. She's been hitting the ground running and there's nothing she's afraid to take on. We love her can-do attitude and we can't wait to see her vision of Festival come to life. If you see Katie around, give her a high-five, she's doing a fantastic job! Get to know more about Katie in our questionnaire below.

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Are you a Quad Cities native?
Yes, born and raised in the corn fields of Illinois. Edgington was my home for most of my childhood. Graduated from Rockridge High School in 2001

What brought you to the Quad Cities?
Moved to Davenport in Jan 2002 to attend college at Marycrest International University on a softball scholarship. 

What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional?
I own my own business, Mississippi Marketplace in Davenport since 2018, which is a thriving 19,000 sq foot indoor flea market. I'm a stepmother of 2 amazing kids, Kayla Padavich 19 yrs old, and Cole Padavich 22 yrs old. I'm married to Jason Padavich since 2017.

How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? 
My friend Lori Byrd brought me to Festival of Trees two years ago to chair décor with her and at that time I learned of Quad City Arts and all the fun they bring to the Quad Cities through so many events like Chalk Art Fest, Riverssance, Visiting Artist Series and of course the biggest one of all, Festival of Trees!

What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? 
Creating an amazing event, Festival of Trees, that includes art, community, and fun--- that also funds all the amazing programs at Quad City Arts. It is really the impact on the community that drives me. The awe and wonder of Festival of Trees, but also being able to offer creativity in local artists that they may not know is available. Being just a small part of a huge overall goal and community building event is such an honor.

What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities?
Festival of Trees of course!

What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities?
I focus a lot on baseball events, I would consider those art experiences because they're completely immersive! It's amazing watching people in their element, doing what they do BEST!

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​Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.)  
Dick Van Dyke – he is a creative legend, actor, entertainer, and comedian. When I think about him I have to smile. When I watched him as a child in the moment I knew that everything would be okay, he brings me comfort.

What is one thing that might surprise people about you? 
I did ultimate fighting at Stars and Stripes in my early 20s and trained at a small gym in downtown Rock Island. I did this to stay in shape for the upcoming softball season. In my mid 30s I found a large passion for being in front of the camera. I am published in 5 small fashion magazines.

What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV?
Finally broke down and watching Yellowstone, just finished Peaky Blinders

Star Wars or Star Trek? 
Star Wars

Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)? 
I really like Happy Joes BLT pizza, it is my absolute favorite. But Casey's Taco pizza is a close second. I know that a lot of Quad Citians would not consider either of those a Quad City style pizza but I don’t care, my heart lies with Happy Joes. I am a huge wing fan. Traditional wings with  buffalo sauce, everywhere I go… if they have good wings that is what I am getting. 

What is your favorite book? 
Podcast about sports history, reading makes me sleepy!

Where is your go-to place for inspiration? 
My Lolli, she is the best source of confidence and support. Lolli never lets me forget all that I have accomplished and all that I still can accomplish. Lolli is like my second mom, she took me in after my mom passed.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?  ​
To be honest I live my dreams every single day, I am a small business owner which allows me to impact my community in positive ways and now I have a position with Festival of Trees that lets me do the same! I consider myself lucky to have two positions that I truly choose to do every day. 

If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead, who would it be?
​Dolly Parton – I feel she would give me an honest perspective on the goods and bads of fame, and how she as survived all aspects of her life. She's an incredible philanthropist and a constant do-gooder! She inspires me!​
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Birdies for Charity can help your dollars make a BIGGER difference in our community

4/18/2023

 
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It’s that time of year again when you can maximize the impact you can have on arts and culture in our community by making a donation to Quad City Arts through Birdies for Charity!

Quad City Arts supports arts education for the entire community and is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Our programs impact over 295,765 people each year through public art events, public art installations, in-school artist residencies, paid internships in the arts for students, gallery exhibits that support local artists, a re-granting of funds to artists and organizations, arts advocacy and so much more!

With Birdies for Charity, Quad City Arts receives 100% of your donation PLUS a guaranteed bonus of 5-10% that funds these vital areas of importance to our community.

When you donate to Quad City Arts, you’re helping to provide:
  • Meaningful arts education opportunities for over 30,000 students in our region through in-school artist residencies that inspire, uplift, and transform a student’s academic, social, and emotional well-being.
  • Scholarships, stipends, and awards to students for expressing their creative talents through the arts and helping them realize their full potential.
  • Opportunities for over 700 local and regional artists to showcase and sell their work through online and in-person exhibits, referrals, workshops and a recently launched “Artist Index” search tool, making it easier to find artists for hire.
  • Creative placemaking through public art installations and events that contribute to the cultural vitality of our region, neighborhood livability, drive tourism and support local artists.
  • Grants awarded to schools, artists and non-profit organizations that fund innovative community arts projects that enrich our quality of life.

Your support keeps the arts alive. Please consider a tax-deductible donation so together we can continue bringing outstanding arts programming to our community for generations to come.

On behalf of the artists, the board of directors and the staff at the Quad City Arts, thank you for your generosity. We hope to see you at future events.   

Make a lasting gift today!
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Download our full 2022 Annual Report

Quad City Arts grants nearly $85,000 to local artists and organizations

3/27/2023

 
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​Arts Dollars has been granting funds to artists and nonprofits in the Quad Cities region since 1979 thanks to our generous funding partners who believe in the power of the arts to enrich our communities. The vision that Quad City Arts has in facilitating these grants is that individual artists and nonprofits of all sizes would be able to accomplish projects in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities and that those communities would see a long-lasting benefit from the completed projects, paying artists for their work in the process. Each year, artists and nonprofits apply for grants in one of three categories: Projects, Education, and Capacity-Building. 

The funds awarded in the Project and Education categories are an investment in the arts across the six-county region served by Quad City Arts, activating nonprofits and artists who are engaging their community through projects in visual arts, theatre, music, film, and more. Our records show that since 1990 alone, Arts Dollars has funded $1.4 million in projects in our region. What an amazing legacy!

Capacity-Building grants are highly competitive and specially designed for arts-centered nonprofit organizations that are seeking support to expand their reach and impact through the arts in their community. This category was added in 2016 as Quad City Arts saw a need for small organizations to have access to funds to increase their capacity. Arts Dollars has funded important organizational infrastructure support like strategic planning, database solutions, temporary staff, and more.  

In total, Quad City Arts granted nearly $85,000 to local artists and organizations during this grant cycle.
Our 2023 grant awards were recommended by a panel of arts leaders and community members who sifted through the nearly $215,000 in requests from across the region and approved by Quad City Arts Board of Directors. Please join us in celebrating these individuals and organizations! We are excited about the impact each one will make on our community as they advance their mission and the mission of Quad City Arts: to enrich the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts.
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Latoya D Lewis Art Journaling
Crossroads Cultural Connections Sunday Concert
Carolyn Krueger Student Pottery
Peter Xiao The Room That One Is In
Greg Hipskind Youth Arts & Music Festival
Azubuike Pulling Focus Film Fest Promo
Crossroads Cultural Connections Sunday Concert
Opera Quad Cities
Mercado On Fifth Dia De Los Muertos Parade
Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Young Puppeteer Festival
Shale Sage Ope! Zine
Haus of Ruckus 2023 Mainstage Season

Below is a listing of the organizations and projects funded through Arts Dollars:
  • Aubrey Barnes
    Art for the City and the Soul Festival
  • Azubuike African American Council for the Arts
    Pulling Focus: African American Film Festival
  • Ballet Quad Cities
    Dance enrichment at Spring Forward Summer Camp
  • Bix Beiderbecke Museum and World Archives
    Capacity Building-New computer/software for Bix Beiderbecke Museum
  • Boys & Girls Club of the Mississippi Valley
    External Mural painted by Boys & Girls Club members with mural artist Sarah Robb
  • Carolyn Krueger
    Providing pottery scholarships/instruction for students
  • Crossroads Cultural Connections
    Summer Sunday Getaway Concert Series around Henry County
  • Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre Company
    Young Puppeteers Festival
  • GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities
    Expanding art classes for students w/Down Syndrome
  • Greg Hipskind
    QC Rock Academy Youth Art Festival
  • Gwen Patton
    Portraiture Workshop
  • Haus of Ruckus
    2023 Mainstage Season
  • Hot Glass Inc.
    Support of Glass blowing field trips/experience for at-risk youth
  • Kay Eichelberger
    Book of poetry about the black, teen experience
  • Kinna’s House of Love
    Arts classes for participants; serving single homeless women
  • Latoya D. Lewis
    “Art Journaling with a Purpose: Creative Self-Care” workshops with low-income senior women
  • Living Proof Exhibit
    New Website and Marketing Plan Improve Living Proof Exhibit Capacity and Program Delivery
  • Mercado of Fifth
    Dia de los Muertos Parade
  • Mississippi Valley Blues Society
    New microsite to help engage younger demographic
  • Muscatine Art Center
    Summer Performing Arts series for performances and workshops
  • Muscatine Orchestra Boosters
    Muscatine Middle School Orchestra Camp
  • NormaLeah Ovarian Cancer Initiative
    2023 girlpARTs Project
  • Opera Quad Cities
    Production of Don Giovanni
  • Peter Xiao
    Solo show “A Room That One Is In” at the Figge Museum
  • Playcrafters Barn Theatre
    Productions of ‘Stop Kiss’ and ‘Skeleton Crew’
  • Quad City Music Guild
    Providing ASL interpreters for 2023 season
  • Shale Sage
    Creation of “Ope!”—a biannual photo ‘zine of local photographers and artists
  • STEAM on Wheels
    Purchasing and Wrapping a New Vehicle to Transport STEAM Educational Equipment to At-Risk Quad Cities Students
 
To learn more about Arts Dollars, view our program page: quadcityarts.com/arts-dollars-grants
Arts Dollars Program 2024 grant cycle will be opening in December of 2023!
 

$50 Million in Illinois Grant Funding Just Announced!

3/22/2023

 
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CALLING ALL CREATIVES! 

Thanks to advocacy efforts by a statewide coalition led by Arts Alliance Illinois (AAI), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will distribute a historic $50 million in grant money to assist businesses, nonprofit organizations, and sole proprietors in the creative sector that have struggled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 


Quad City Arts is helping AAI spread the word! We know we have a lot of creatives in our region that was hit hard during the pandemic, and we want to make sure they are aware of this opportunity. You may not be an arts sole proprietor, arts business, or arts nonprofit, but you probably know some, and we would love for you to forward this email to them!  

The DCEO Illinois Creative Recovery Grant application portal opens on Wednesday, April 5. If you operate in the creative space, we encourage you to visit illinois.gov/b2b for details on eligibility guidelines and more information on how to apply. 
​
Applications will open on April 5, and eligibility guidelines and more are available at Illinois.gov/B2B. Arts Alliance is your go-to resource for help with your application. Visit their website at artsalliance.org/creativerecovery!

Important Dates:
​March 21 - Grant opportunity is announced
March 24 - DCEO Informational Webinar at 10AM
March 27 - Arts Alliance help desk goes live
April 5 - First day to submit an application
May 10 - Grant portal closes at 11:59pm
​
Learn MOre at artsalliance.org

QUAD CITY ARTS LAUNCHES NEW ARTIST INDEX

2/7/2023

 
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Quad City Arts announces the launch of the Artist Index, inviting artists to create a profile on their searchable platform with a built-in filtering system. This digital platform is completely FREE and is meant to be a resource for the community. The index can aid in searching for artists to hire for commissions, purchasing regional art, getting hired for corporate/city projects, or just exploring and seeing the talent in our region.
 
Quad City Arts will use this index when clients approach them looking for artists and commissioned works, being listed will be beneficial and lucrative to artists who choose to be a part of this index. This searchable platform has been the center of input sessions for several years. The goal is to provide more business for the artists in our community by making them more accessible to the public. The Artist Index platform is open to all artists that are 18 years old or older, with original works of art, residing within a 250-mile radius, the current area that Quad City Arts services.

Quad City Arts helps businesses find art that represents their company culture, their community, and their aesthetic. A sample of previous projects includes:
  • 2022: New commissioned work for the Quad City Bank and Trust board room at their Brady Street location. 
  • 2021: Two murals painted through our Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program at the TBK Bank Midwest Division Headquarters.
  • 2018: Commissioned a custom-built sculpture for a fountain at Genesis East campus. 
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Quad City Arts has been a flagship arts organization in the area for over 50 years and frequently received inquiries from corporate businesses and the public to find artists fitting very specific parameters. Depending on the need of the client, Quad City Arts will place a public call for an RFP, or reach out to specific artists that we know in the community that fit the requested criteria. But, artists move, some decide not to continue creating artwork, and there are many new artists who have moved to the community seeking a smaller city to reside in after the pandemic. We would like to welcome those artists to our community and connect them to our resources and opportunities.

The index has been a project crafted by long-time art supporter, Twin State Technical Services. A project that has taken roughly nine months to complete between developing, testing, and further alternations. Quad City Arts hopes that this platform is as inclusive as it can be to all artists in the region. Creating a robust index will allow them to be better advocates for creatives in the area, connect artists with clients, and show off the creative backbone that makes our region unique!
 
The public can access the platform directly by going to: 
quadcityarts.com/artist-index
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49TH VISITING ARTIST SERIES SEASON CONTINUES WITH AWARD-WINNING PERFORMERS AND A BARGE PARTY

1/11/2023

 
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​Quad City Arts announces the spring semester of artists in residence for the 2022-2023 school year. The 49th season of the Visiting Artist Series will resume with a weeklong visit from trans-Atlantic band Skye Consort and Emma Björling Jan. 23-27. Residencies will continue through May 2023 and will focus on presenting outreach engagements in schools and community sites in and around the Quad Cities.
​
  • SKY CONSORT ​AND EMMA BJÖRLING - Trans-Atlantic band 
    In residence January 23-27 
  • BROKEN BOX MIME THEATER - Physical theater company  
    In residence February 6-10 
  • ALLA ​BOARA​ - Modern Italian folk 
    In residence February 27- March 3 
  • EISENHOWER ​DANCE DETROIT - Contemporary dance
    In residence March 20-24 
  • DESSA ​​- Singer, rapper, and writer 
    In residence April 10-14 
  • Special guest NGAIIRE, R&B/future soul singer/songwriter
    In residence May 1-3
  • MARTHA ​REDBONE - Native American & African American vocalist/songwriter 
    In residence May 8-12
    ​
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PASS: Performing Arts Signature Series intimate VIP experience provides the opportunity for Q&A with artists, drinks and hors d'oeuvres are served

​January artists in residence Skye Consort and Emma Bjorling perform arrangements of songs & tunes from Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, England, Québec, Acadia, the USA, as well as original compositions. Each musician brings their own individual interpretation to these traditions to create this extraordinary collaboration, consisting of voices, fiddle, nyckelharpa, cello, bouzouki, banjo, and percussion.

During their residency, they will give informal performances open to the public 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the Moline Public Library, and then two performances Thursday, Jan. 26, the first at 2:30 p.m. as part of the Jackson Concert Series at Wesley United Methodist Church, Muscatine, Iowa, and then at 7 p.m. at the Bettendorf Public Library.
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Accessible FREE performances at multiple locations
Three residencies include full-length concerts. Modern Italian folk band Alla Boara will perform 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 3, at First Presbyterian Church, Davenport. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and are available by calling the church at 563-326-1691. Together with Common Chord, Quad City Arts will present two concerts.

R&B/future soul singer/songwriter Ngaiire will perform in the Redstone Room, 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. Native American and African-American vocalist/songwriter Martha Redbone will perform 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Tickets for both Redstone Room performances are $10 in advance and available online at Eventbrite, https://bit.ly/3X7k6Ke
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This engagement of Ngaiire is made possible in part through the Performing Arts Global Exchange program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts with assistance from the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and the Embassy of Australia in Washington, D.C.
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Partnering with Common Cord to present Ngaiire at the Redstone Room

Four of this spring’s artists are featured in Quad City Arts’ Performing Arts Signature Series. Attendees can enjoy a spotlight performance from an artist in residence along with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. An event with Skye Consort and Emma Björling is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Rogalski Center, St. Ambrose University, Davenport. Broken Box Mime Theater will perform at a PASS 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at The J Bar, Davenport. Eisenhower Dance Detroit is featured at an event 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at the Figge Art Museum, Davenport. The PASS season ends with a barge party on the Mississippi River featuring Martha Redbone 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 10. For more details and ticket information, visit https://www.quadcityarts.com/pass.html.

For more information on our upcoming events, visit our calendar at  www.quadcityarts.com/events.  
 
The series serves students and community members in Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine Counties in Iowa, and Henry, Rock Island, and Mercer Counties in Illinois. Residency host sites can sign up for outreach engagements ranging from all-school performances to hands-on workshops or performance opportunities with artists in residence.


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The 2022/23 PASS season will close out with a barge party and performance by Martha Redbone on the Mississippi River

Since 1974, the Visiting Artist Series has engaged Quad City residents of all ages in quality arts experiences with professional performing artists. Artists of various disciplines present demonstrations, workshops, and master classes at pre-K sites, elementary, intermediate, and high schools as well as college campuses and community organizations.

For more information on this residency program, visit https://www.quadcityarts.com/vas.html.  
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