The Moline Public Art Commission (MPAC) recently commissioned the largest mural project in the City of Moline, and quite possibly the Quad Cities. This mural project has garnered a lot of coverage from local media, and has started a great conversation around public art, which we LOVE! Some commenters have been vocal about their disappointment that this project did not go to a local artist, and some believe this is a sign that the Quad Cities does not support local artists. While we understand the frustration, we also believe this cannot be further from the truth. Quad City Arts' role in most projects is not to choose the artwork, it is to facilitate and help the organization to reach its goals. This means we are uniquely situated to see the bigger picture, and in this instance support the choice made by MPAC. The Moline Public Art Commission operates from a Public Art and Placemaking Plan developed by the organization Renew Moline which was adopted by City Council. The negative comments have allowed Quad City Arts to see the validity of some comments and look at future projects and goals for our organization. Most importantly though, it is creating a bigger conversation around public art in the Quad Cities, and the more attention we can bring the more we can do! (Learn more about more than 50 public mural projects that we have facilitated by local artists or completed through our Metro Arts Murals projects: quadcityarts.com/public-murals) This blog post will not spend time comparing non-local mural artists to non-local performing artists or the sentiment to support locals while doing most of the shopping at “big box stores” because much like those scenarios, there is room for both. First, we need to start thinking about our public art as a collection. Much like an art museum does or you do with your personal collection. Art museums are great to visit because they have exhibits from around the world, and some have pieces from local artists as well. You may not think of the art you own as a collection, but it is. Think of what is on the walls in your home, some are from local artists and photographers, some come from your travels, and some may even come from Target. In both cases, these were curated by someone to be diverse in style, messaging, and themes. Some additional reasons why it's important to diversify a public art collection:
There should be a balance of local and non-local artwork and there is space in the Quad Cities for both! Thankfully, there are several projects that are currently in the works from cities in the Quad Cities Region. The conversation does not end here, come back next month for a post on how you (and your business) can support local artists! Quad City Arts announced that the Quad Cities nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $29,030,438 in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. That economic activity of $16,253,537 in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $12,776,901 in event-related spending by their audiences supported 712 jobs and generated $6,169,570 in local, state, and federal government revenue. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce for local merchants, a value-add that few other industries can compete with. Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 uses a rigorous methodology to document the economic and social contributions of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study demonstrates that, locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are a critical economic driver of vibrant communities. “At Quad City Arts, we see firsthand the social impact of the arts on our community and on individuals, and we know that the arts have a significant impact on our local economy. With this study, we can put numbers to that impact. It is also worth highlighting that this study collects the impact of only non-profit arts and culture organizations in Scott and Rock Island Counties, it does not include the large number of for-profit arts and culture organizations,” said Kevin Maynard, Quad City Arts, Executive Director. Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue. “Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.” AEP6 represents a reset from its previous versions, establishing a new benchmark in the AEP study series. ● Social Impact: For the first time, AEP6 expands beyond the economic and financial data to include social impact measurements of arts and culture’s effect on the well-being of communities and residents. ● Equity and Inclusion: AEP6 broke new ground by prioritizing equity, community engagement, and inclusivity. With the goal of reducing systemic bias, Americans for the Arts transformed its approach and expanded the inclusion and participation of organizations serving or representing BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA- (African, Latine, Asian, Arab, Native American) identifying communities. Nationally, the extensive research reveals proportional economic and community impacts among attendees at BIPOC and ALAANA organizations to the overall national average. These findings should initiate new, and escalate existing, critical funding conversations about BIPOC and ALAANA organizations receiving fair and proportional financial support. Key figures from the Quad Cities AEP6 study include:
AEP6 demonstrates the significant economic and social benefits that arts and culture brings to their communities, states, and the nation. To amplify the study results and raise awareness of these widespread benefits with public and private-sector leaders, seventeen national organizations partnered with Americans for the Arts on AEP6:
The full report, a map of the 373 study regions, and a two-page economic impact summary for each, can be found at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org. For more information, follow us @Americans4Arts The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. It was supported by The Ruth Lilly Endowment Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts' 297 study partners contributed both time and financial support to the study. For a full list of the communities who participated in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, visit AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org. The Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts proudly announce that work will begin today on the mural at 1405 5th Ave, Moline IL. The Moline Public Art Commission has chosen Brooklyn-based artists, Jari “WERC” Alvarez and Gera “GERALUZ” Lozano for a transformative public art project that will breathe new life into the heart of our community. WERC and GERALUZ will begin by projecting the design on the evening of Tuesday, October 17. The official ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on October 25th at 1405 5th Avenue, Moline, at 4:30 PM with an artist reception to follow inside Analog Pizza and Arcade. All are welcome to join! This exciting addition to the mural collection in Moline contributes to the well-being and vibrancy of the community, fostering cultural richness, and creating spaces that engage, educate, and inspire both residents and visitors. By incorporating public art into the fabric of our city, we strive to enhance the quality of life and promote Moline as a thriving cultural destination. Additionally, murals by non-local artists introduce a diversity of artistic styles and can attract attention on a broader scale, potentially drawing tourists and art enthusiasts to the area. This increased visibility can boost the city's reputation as a destination for art and culture. The Moline Public Art Commission is excited to have secured these artists with exceptional talent for this monumental project. Werc and Geraluz have the ability to transcend cultural boundaries and provoke dialogue through their art. Their work also aligns with the Moline Public Art Commission’s vision of fostering a more vibrant and culturally inclusive community. This is the commission’s first public art mural since it was formed in late 2021, and the commission is excited to provide additional mural and art opportunities throughout the city of Moline, including both local and non-local artists as placemaking plans continue to develop. BACKGROUND: GERALUZ Gera Lozano was born in the Amazon jungle of Peru and was raised in Newark, NJ from the age of 9. She has an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute in New Genres. Gera Lozano is a conceptual artist based out of Brooklyn, New York. Using photos, video, artist books, and public art in her process, Lozano’s practice intentionally beautifies and brings to light both sacred patterns and the patterns woven into our social fabric. Both her studio and public artwork carry the energy of cultures’ dreams, that transform the ethnography and the current zeitgeist into abstract geometric designs. GERALUZ, as she is also known in the street art world, projects designs of living cultures that reflect the energetic fields of optical perception. Lozano‘s artwork has been funded by the Creative Work Fund, the Zellerbach Foundation, the NEA; and is part of the Smithsonian American Art Archives. GERA’s public artwork can be seen throughout the Americas, in collaboration with agencies such as; The Washington State Arts Commission, The New York City Department of Transportation, The New York City Economic Corporation, The Trust for Public Land, The Municipality of Asuncion Paraguay, City of El Paso Museum Cultural Affairs Department, Sun Metro Rapid Transit System, Lower East Side Partnership, The Rockefeller Group & Creative Art Works. GERA’s art has been featured in Interior Design, Art Practical, The Manhattan Times, NJ monthly magazine, Street Art New York City, CBS, NJTV NEWS, and Univision. (www.geralozano.com) WERC Jari WERC Alvarez was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. (1980) and grew up in El Paso TX. It is on this border where it all began for Werc; 21 years ago, he became part of the graffiti movement and began his artistic career. WERC’s work is an aggregate of culture, symbols, graffiti, and design. WERC’s work brings wonder into the urban environment with a free-flowing aesthetic, inspired by the dream-like nature of surrealism and grounded in geometry. WERC explores the balance in the aspects of duality and the politics of identity and believes art can weave communities' thoughts and aspirations. WERC’s is a public artist currently based out of NYC, who paints murals throughout the world; His studio-based works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, such as Musée de Aquitaine, MCASD, CAMLA, MOM, and are part of the Getty's special collections, the Smithsonian American Art Archives & the Cheech Marin Chicano Art Collection. WERC has participated in several mural festivals and initiatives such as the UK's See No Evil 2012, MX Color Walk 2014, & Peru’s Latido Americano 2016. In 2014 & 2015 WERC’s murals made the Top 10 murals of NYC and has been named one of the Top 10 most talented Street Artists in New York City. WERC’s client list includes Sony Pictures, Google, Heineken, PANTONE, BULGARI, and the San Diego International Airport, amongst many others, and has been published in various books, magazines, and media such as; Mural Art, Artillery Magazine, Graffiti Planet, and others. (www.wercworldwide.com) About the Moline Public Art Commission The Moline 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. About Quad City Arts Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad Cities region through the arts. Their contribution can be seen in providing public art installations through the Public Sculpture Program, providing arts and culture programming through the Visiting Artist Series, involving residents in the decision-making process related to public art in the Metro Arts Program, encouraging economic development through arts and tourism, and collaborations and partnerships throughout the Quad Cities Metro Area. For media inquiries and further details, please contact: Kevin Maynard, Quad City Arts Executive Director, KMaynard@quadcityarts.com, 309.793.1213 ext. 101 Jeffrey S. Dismer, Moline Public Art Commission Chair, jdismer@studio483.com, Cell: 309-269-2301 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
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:
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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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! 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. Below is a little insight into what the sculptures are about from the artists who created them:
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! You might have seen a new face around the office 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. 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! 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! ![]() 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:
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. 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. Below is a listing of the organizations and projects funded through Arts Dollars:
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! |
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