At Quad City Arts, we believe that the people behind the scenes are just as inspiring as the work we do in the community. In this edition of In the Spotlight, we’re featuring our Executive Director—a creative thinker, arts advocate, and all-around interesting human! From career highlights to favorite pizza spots, get a glimpse into the personality and perspective of the person helping guide our organization forward. 

Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities?
I am from the Chicago suburbs. My wife and I met at Illinois State University in the middle of the state. At the time we were working on small organic farms, so we chose her side of the state to start our future. Hello Quad Cities! We now live in the small town of Orion.

What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional?
My biggest achievement is 16 years of marriage to the most wonderful woman on the planet. Together we have three beautiful children who are eleven, nine, and seven. My wife teaches elementary music and each of our kids are engaged in the arts, be it music, dance, art, or theater.

How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? 
I first learned about Quad City Arts through the Rock Island gallery. After I moved here, I wanted to see what local artists were doing, and Quad City Arts was and is the place to do that!

What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? 
I am most excited to work alongside the amazing staff at Quad City Arts. I am looking forward to empowering and enabling area artists and enriching the lives of all people in the Quad Cities through the arts – all the arts! In schools, on sidewalks, in parks, on the sides of buildings, in the airport, in the gallery, and on a stage near you – Quad City Arts brings art and culture to the community and truly meets people where they are. I am excited to be a part of that!

What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities?
When I was working at the Figge Art Museum, we hosted an exhibition by Vanessa German called Miracles and Glory Abound. We received an Arts Dollars grant from Quad City Arts to work with Colleen Tomlinson as an artist and as a teacher. I worked with Colleen, Heidi Hernandez, and the Creative Arts Academy of the Quad Cities to create an installation of a front porch covered in mosaics in our Studio 1 space. The day when Vanessa German came to visit with the students was magical. She related to the students on a whole other level, not just about going to an arts magnet school, but they even sang together. I still get chills thinking about it.

What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities?
My favorite arts experience is visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago with my brother to see a Richard Tuttle exhibition. He doesn’t pay attention to visual art, but when we left, he said, “I like that. It’s cool.” I don’t think Tuttle is the easiest artist to enjoy for someone new to art. I like the memory of sharing that experience with my brother.

Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.)
Historically, I am fascinated by the works of Giotto. I need to visit the Arena Chapel in Padua, Italy before I die to see the Lamentation and the other amazing frescoes painted within. More recently, I am a fan of Thomas Nozkowski and his small non-objective paintings that create fun and quirky worlds for the viewer. I am sucked into the paintings, and they make me think of the fantastical worlds of Dr. Seuss that I grew up looking at. Reading Dr. Seuss with my mother was definitely the reason I wanted to draw. My left-brained, accountant mother loved his absurd language and characters, and I did too.

What is one thing that might surprise people about you? 
My wife and I once owned a 1980 Volkswagen Vanagon. We named the van Double Fantasy in honor of the John Lennon and Yoko Ono album that came out in 1980. We drove it across the country twice – stopping only for friends, breweries, and national parks.

​What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV?
I just finished The Residence. I am a sucker for those Sherlockian characters that have above average intelligence and problem-solving skills.

Star Wars or Star Trek? 
Sherlock (The BBC Version with Benedict Cumberbatch)

Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)? 
I am from the Chicago area, but I love Quad Cities style pizza. Living out in Orion, we usually find ourselves at Benny’s in Milan or Bad Boy’z in Moline.

What is your favorite book? 
For all of the sentimental value of my childhood and that I am passing on to my kids – anything by Shel Silverstein. Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic are our favorites.

Where is your go-to place for inspiration? 
Outside.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? 
I would love to work in a library or to write and illustrate children’s books.
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If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead who would it be?
What about a drink and a game of cards? I’d like a bourbon and a game of euchre with Charles Bukowski, Tom Waits, and Philip Guston. After winning, I’d move on to face Miranda July, Joni Mitchell, and Sylvia Plath.

From cross-country road trips in a vintage van to collaborative arts experiences that spark lasting memories, our Executive Director brings both heart and a hands-on approach to his work at Quad City Arts. He’s driven by a belief that the arts should be accessible to all—whether in schools, parks, galleries, or unexpected places. Now 85 days into the role, he’s already making meaningful connections and setting the stage for what’s next. If you see him at an event or in the gallery, be sure to stop by and say hello!
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This year’s session features four bold projects that speak to the heart of community:

• Good Neighbor Project Mural (416 N Harrison St, Davenport, IA)
  Led by Sarah Robb, this mural near the Davenport Police Department (SW corner of 5th & Harrison) celebrates connection, trust, and neighborhood pride.
  Funded by Downtown Davenport Partnership, Quad City Bank & Trust, and the Davenport Noon Optimists.
  
  
• Lonnie Ray’s Academy Mural (815 9th street , Rock Island, IL)
  Also led by Sarah Robb, this mural honors the history and future of Rock Island’s West End through the lens of youth empowerment.
  Funded by the City of Rock Island and the Rock Island Arts & Beautification Commission.
  
  
• Buckrop Chiropractic Mural (331 4th St W, Milan, IL)
  Led by Heidi Sallows, this vibrant, nature-inspired mural with patriotic themes is transforming downtown Milan.
  Funded by the Quad Cities Community Foundation – Grant W. Brissman and Virginia M. Brissman Foundation.
  
  
• Documentary Filmmaking Project
  Led by Stacy Barton of Augustana College, this team is capturing the 25-year legacy of Metro Arts through film—highlighting voices from past and present.
  
  

“These apprentices aren’t just painting walls—they’re building the creative backbone of the Quad Cities,” says Ben Gougeon, Director of Community Engagement at Quad City Arts. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone year—having completed roughly 113 community-based projects—and to work alongside amazing community partners who make it all possible.”

The program will be celebrating with a special Metro Arts 25th Anniversary Showcase on Tuesday, July 15 at the Figge Art Museum. Sponsored by MetroNet, the evening will feature finished projects, alumni reflections, and a celebration of the mentorship, creativity, and youth voice that have defined Metro Arts for a quarter century. 
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When you support Quad City Arts, you’re not just funding programs—you’re investing in the creative heart of the Quad Cities. 
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Here are five reasons to give today through Birdies for Charity, where your gift will be matched 5–10% for even greater impact: 

1. Art is Work. ​

Art isn’t a hobby—it’s a career. Through our Artist Index, rotating exhibitions, mural projects, festivals, and more, we connect regional artists with paid opportunities that sustain their livelihoods and showcase their talent. Your support makes it possible for creativity to be a viable profession in our community. 

2. Art is Opportunity

Through Quad City Arts programs like Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program and High School Art Invitational, we offer professional mentorship, job training, and creative validation during critical stages of artistic development. These programs turn passion into purpose and often into a career. 

3. Art Shapes Young People ​

Our Visiting Artist Series brings professional artists from around the world directly into local schools--enhancing the curriculum, broadening cultural awareness, and exposing students to artistic forms they may never encounter otherwise. In 2024, we reached 40,126 students K-12. 

4. Art Builds Cities ​

Whether it’s a dramatic mural, a metal sculpture, a light installation, or otherwise -- our public art and placemaking initiatives help each of our cities express their unique identity. Art creates belonging, pride, and a sense of place. 

5. Art Powers the Economy ​

Art isn’t just beautiful; it’s a powerful economic engine. Creative placemaking increases tourism, strengthens small businesses, and attracts new residents and talent. According to Americans for the Arts, every dollar invested in nonprofit arts organizations generates $5–7 in local economic activity. 

Will you join us? Give by June 26 and your support will be matched between 5-10% through Birdies for Charity! ​

The Quad City Arts Public Sculpture Program prepares for it's largest year of installations, reflecting our commitment to fostering cultural engagement and enhancing the urban environment.

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 34 sculptures. Sculptures are chosen by committees representing each city or venue and are leased for one year from sculptors living throughout the country. All the sculptures are for sale and can be purchased by individuals, businesses, or a city for permanent installation after June of 2026. All newly installed sculptures, along with permanent sculptures purchased from past exhibits, can be viewed on Quad City Arts’ website as well as the websites of the sponsors after the installation of new sculptures.

The most exciting part of the process is watching a Hampton Cranes 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.) 

Due to the large number of sculptures rotating, the process began in May and will continue through June 26, with most installations occurring between June 3-13th. If the press would like to watch an installation and interview a sculptor, please contact Dawn Wohlford-Metallo @ 309-793-1213 X108. (The only day installations will utilize Hampton Cranes is June 3rd.)

Rock Island will lease 4 sculptures to enhance two parks and two libraries. The Moline Public Art Commission has chosen 5 sculptures that will be placed along 5th Ave. in Moline, plus one for the site near the Kone Building. Bettendorf will be renting 10 sculptures to draw attention to local businesses, including 3 for the Geifman First Equity business park and two new locations: one near the base of the I-74 bridge multi-use path, and the other at Be the Light Park. (1104 State St.) The Downtown Davenport Partnership has chosen 5 sculptures to bring new interest to their collection of 10 permanent sculptures along 2nd Street between Western Ave. and Pershing. New this year is the addition of a sculpture in front of the downtown Davenport Library. The DeWitt Fine Arts Foundation and the DeWitt Community Library are partnering to bring sculpture to the garden area outside the library featuring 2 sculptures this year. The City of Clinton joined the program last year with the selection of 6 sculptures. With positive feedback from the public, Clinton has purchased a bronze sculpture by James Haire for their public library and will be leasing 6 new sculptures to be placed near the riverfront.

We encourage everyone to share their experiences and interactions with the sculptures on social media using #QuadCityArts on Instagram or by tagging @QuadCityArts on Facebook. 
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​Complete list of sculptures with installation location:

​Rock Island (Rock Island Public Art Commission)

1. Listen by Chris Wubbena (Jackson, MO). Five Points. 18th Ave. and 17th Street
2. Bloom by Hilde DeBruyne (Winterset, IA). Southwest Branch Library: 9010 Ridgewood Rd.
3. Learning to Fly by Frederick Napoli (Lake Zurich, IL). Longview Park. 1300 17th Street
4. Text Pods by V. Skip Willits (Comanche, IA). Downtown Public Library, 401 19th St.

Moline (Moline Public Art Commission)

1. Prioritizing by Matt Miller (Cape Girardeau, MO), Kone Building, 1 Montgomery Drive
2. Sum Pig by Kyle Fokken (Minneapolis, MN) 14th St. and 5th Ave.
3. Athena by Sam Spiczka (Apex, N.C.) 1605 5th Ave.
4. Magnify by Kirk Seese (Lutherville, MD). 1801 5th Ave.
5. Cohesive Narration by Kristin Garnant (Camanche, IA) Heritage Place Plaza
6. Angles, Shadows, Reaching by Bill McGrath (Batavia, IL) 504 17th St.

​Bettendorf (The City of Bettendorf and the Downtown Bettendorf Organization)

1. Icosahedron by Kirk Seese (Lutherville, MD). Veteran’s Memorial Park entrance
2. Farmhouse Toadstool Town by Anna Modeland (Somers, IA). Faye’s Field. 2850 Learning Campus Dr.
3. Miscanthus by Tim Adams (Webster City, IA). Waterfront Convention Center
4. “Reflective” by Tim Adams (Webster City, IA). Build to Suit (River’s Edge Business Park) 1805 State St.
5. Dendrite by Sam Spiczka (Apex, N.C.) Community Center lawn. 2204 Grant Street
6. Objects in the Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear by Chris Plaisted (New Milford, CT) Base of the I-74 bridge multi-use path, 1308 State St.
7. Starburst by Tim Adams (Webster City, IA) Be the Light Park (1104 State St./Scuba Adventures)
8. The Catch by Anna Modeland (Somers, IA). Geifman First Equity, 2172 56th Ave. W. (leased for the 3rd year)
9. Twist by Michael Young (Chicago). Geifman First Equity, 2172 56th Ave. W. (leased for the 3rd year)
10. Bench, Please by Ben Pierce (Cape Girardeau, MO) Geifman First Equity, 2172 56th Ave. W. (leased for the 2ndyear)

Davenport (The Downtown Davenport Partnership & Public Library)

1. Focal Point by Paul Bobrowitz (Colgate, WI). Parking Ramp on W. 2nd Street.
2. Tree by Sunghee Min (Saint Paul, MN). Current Hotel, entrance. 2nd & Main.
3. Dance Diagram Kristin Garnant (Camanche, IA). 126 Main St., Common Cord Courtyard
4. Ascending Perspectives by Craig Snyder (Plymouth, MN), Figge Art Museum Plaza, 225 W. Second St.
5. Fowl Play by Tim Adams (Webster City, IA), RiverCenter, east entrance, 2nd St.
6. Multi-Purpose Assist Droid, (M.P.A.D.) by Kirk Seese (Lutherville, MD). South side of RiverCenter, (across the street from Major Art & Hobby, 201 E. 2nd St.)
7. The Wind in the Waves by Chris Plaisted (New Milford, CT) Public Library, 321 N. Main St.

City of Clinton

1. Collaborative Community by Paul Bobrowitz, (Colgate, WI). Riverview Drive
2. Flight by Hilde DeBruyne (Winterset, IA). across from RV campground and marina parking lot on river front
3. Tree Branches by Kirk Seese (Lutherville, MD). Riverview Drive
4. The Feather by Kirk Seese (Lutherville, MD). Riverview Drive
5. Skudelev #37 by Chris Plaisted (New Milford, CT) Riverview Drive
6. A Book for Everyone by James Haire (Ft. Collins, CO) 306 8th Ave. S. (Public Library)

​DeWitt Community Library (DeWitt Fine Arts Foundation)

1. Agua Dorada by Peter Gray (Chicago, IL)
2. Drip-Drop by Peter Gray (Chicago, IL)

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Be Part of the Art — Chalk Art Fest is Back!
May 31–June 1 | Schwiebert Riverfront Park, Rock Island, IL
🎨 FREE Admission | Live Art | Family Fun | $2,000+ in Prizes!

Quad City Arts’ 9th Annual Chalk Art Fest returns May 31–June 1, transforming downtown Rock Island into a vibrant, temporary art gallery. Watch incredible chalk masterpieces come to life on the pavement, enjoy live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages—and even get creative yourself!

Inspiring and engaging for people of all ages, this free, two-day sidewalk chalking festival brings together hundreds of local and regional artists that spend hours transforming blank pavement into a museum of chalk art, while competing for cash prizes. The festival starts at 10 a.m. on both days and goes until 7 pm on Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday. Visitors strolling by can see the wonderful works of art as they come to life, vote for their favorite, and even do some chalk art of their own by taking part in the collaborative community piece. 

A full line-up of live music, food trucks, concessions, craft brews, face painting, a bounce house, the Kaleidoscope Bus, and a kid’s chalk zone are all part of the festivities. In addition, on Saturday, May 31, people will be able to participate in Art for the Spirit’s ‘Have a Heart for Kidneys’ community art project, and the Rock Island Public Library’s Library2Go will be on site from 10am-2pm. Over $2000 in prizes will be awarded including a People’s Choice award, and youth category awards for ages 12-17. The artworks are temporary, lasting only until the next rainfall, so you’ll want to catch a glimpse before they are gone!  

Festival Hours:
Saturday, May 31: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, June 1: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Awards announced at 4:30 p.m. Sunday

Bring the Whole Family – Free fun all weekend!
- Chalk artists in action
- Food trucks & craft brews
- Bounce house & face painting
- Kid’s Chalk Zone
- Kaleidoscope Bus
- Live music all day (View the full lineup)
- Community chalk piece (you can help fill it in)
- Rock Island Library’s Library2Go and Art for the Spirit's Have a Heart for Kidneys project on Saturday

The art is temporary—catch it before it washes away!
Get all the details on our website: quadcityarts.com/chalk-art-fest

We can't wait to see you at Chalk Art Fest! Share with friends and RSVP on Facebook!
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​The Arts Are Essential — To Our Culture, Our Communities, and Our Economy
Quad City Arts receives annual support from the National Endowment for the Arts ($36,000 on average) which helps fuel programs that reach over 436,000 each year—through public art, school residencies, cultural festivals, and more. These funds don’t just support creativity—they drive real impact.

Now, that impact is under threat.

The proposed elimination of the NEA would dismantle programs that create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and ensure the arts are accessible to everyone—regardless of income or zip code. In 2022 alone, the nonprofit arts and culture sector in the Quad Cities generated over $29 million in economic activity, supported 712 local jobs, and returned more than $6 million in government revenue. NEA grants deliver a 9-to-1 return in private and local funding. That’s not waste—it’s one of the smartest investments we can make.

With NEA support, Quad City Arts empowers artists, activates public spaces, and builds bridges across communities. These are the very outcomes that make our region thrive.

We can’t afford to lose this momentum.

Call your representatives. Share your story. Make your voice heard.

Creativity isn’t expendable—it’s essential. For our economy. For our identity. For our future.
Let’s stand up for what we’ve built—and keep the arts thriving in the Quad Cities for generations to come.

Use these resources to help spread the message:
Americans for the Arts: Protect the NEA
Americans for the Arts: Letter template for contacting representatives (Download)
Iowa Cultural Coalition: Advocacy Resources
NEA Grant Termination Tracker

Thank you for your continued support, 

As we look back on 2024, we are grateful for the community support that has allowed Quad City Arts to foster creativity, connection, and transformation in our region. The generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners has enabled us to expand accessibility to the arts and make a lasting artistic impact on our cultural landscape!

Leading The Way:  As a resource for public art, Quad City Arts works with city officials to facilitate murals, sculpture installations, and placemaking initiatives. In 2024, we helped launch the RFQ for the multimodal station in Moline and played a key role in the Bass Street Landing mural and Rock Island Arts Alley renovation. Through Metro Arts, we completed murals at the Putnam Museum and the Goodyear Building in Rock Island. These efforts beautify our community, improve the quality of life, and drive economic impact, as showcased by the Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 study from Americans for the Arts.

Art is for Everyone: Quad City Arts is committed to ensuring everyone has access to creative expression. In 2024, our public performance series, Quad City Arts Presents, introduced tiered ticketing to make performances more accessible. We also facilitate free opportunities to experience art, from daily gallery access to shows in libraries and community centers. Through Arts Dollars, we also provide grants that help artists and small arts organizations execute their visions. 
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Events You Love: Even if you’ve never been to our galleries, we know you love our annual arts programming. Chalk Art Fest brought over 120 youth and adult artists to Schwiebert Park, Rock Island. Riverssance welcomed 87 fine artists to Lindsay Park, Davenport. More than 800 people danced the night away at the SkyBridge in Davenport for Silent Disco during Alternating Currents. Festival of Trees wrapped the RiverCenter in holiday decor, with nearly 2,445 artists performing, creating, and celebrating Quad City Arts’ annual programming.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated supporters, volunteers, artists, and partners. Your belief in the power of the arts fuels our mission and keeps creativity thriving in the Quad Cities. 
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Looking forward to 2025, we anticipate a year of transitions. This year we will onboard nine new Board Members and a new Executive Director. With new leadership, Quad City Arts will be well positioned to scale up arts and culture programming for the Quad Cities.

Simultaneously, we are thrilled to celebrate two major milestones that have shaped the arts in our region:
Celebrating 40 Years of Festival of Trees: This beloved holiday tradition continues to unite the community, bringing together thousands to celebrate creativity and raise funds to bring Visiting Artists into local schools. We look forward to honoring the legacy of Festival of Trees while introducing new and exciting experiences for all to enjoy.

25 Years of the Metro Arts Apprenticeship Program: For twenty-five years Metro Arts has provided young artists with paid opportunities to develop their skills, work on public art projects, and gain professional experience in their creative field. This program remains a vital part of our mission to nurture the next generation of creatives.
With the support of our community, we look forward to a year of growth, inspiration, and impact. Together, we will continue to enrich the Quad Cities through the arts and ensure that creativity remains at the heart of our region!

Learn more about Festival of Trees sponsors and volunteers who supported the arts in 2024, visit: www.quadcityarts.com/annual-report-2024


Get Involved!
As we embark on an exciting year ahead, we invite you to join us as a volunteer! Volunteers support Quad City Arts’ staff and bring our activities and events to life. Share your interests and join us in shaping a vibrant year ahead!

Quad City Arts Unveils 2025 Arts Dollars Grant Awardees, Empowering Artists and Organizations with nearly $150,000 in Funding

Quad City Arts is pleased to announce 2025 Arts Dollars grant awards to 29 organizations and 9 individual artists. Since 1990, Quad City Arts has supported the local art community by awarding more than $1,600,000 in grants to local artists, non-profit organizations, and schools. 

Funding Sources
Arts Dollars funds are generously provided by the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. In total, Quad City Arts granted almost $150,000 to local artists and organizations during this grant cycle, up from $115,000 in the 2024 cycle. 

Grant Recipients
The 2025 Arts Dollars grants encompass a wide array of projects, each uniquely contributing to the cultural tapestry of our community. This complete list of recipients showcases the breadth of creativity and commitment to community enrichment among Quad Cities' artists and organizations

Capacity Building Grants: 

• MC Art Collective—Art Week in Aledo 
• WVIK—Community Content Studio 
• Seton Catholic School Art Club—Smartboard for Arts Classroom 
• Together Making a Better Community—Sound Equipment for their new auditorium 

Education Grants: 

• Amber Dale—Pinhole Photography Workshops 
• Crossroads Cultural Connections—Visiting Artist School Program 
• Junior Theatre Inc—Affordable Arts for All: Production Rights for Junior Theatre 
• Muscatine Art Center—Summer Enrichment Series 
• Spring Forward Learning Center—Painting Classes w/Zay Williams 
• United Township High School—Creation of High School Mariachi Band 

Project Grants: 

• Antonio Varela—Generaciones; photo/video project on Latin leaders of the QCA 
• Autistic & Loved Foundation—Mural for Sensory Gym 
• Azubuike African American Council for the Arts—Pulling Focus Film Festival 
• Ballet Quad Cities—Creation of a new Dance Me A Story program 
• Black Box Theatre—Solo Fringe Festival 
• Bix Beiderbecke World Museum & Archives—100th Anniversary of ‘Davenport Blues’ concert feat. Gunhild Carling 
• Curtis Lewis—Development and Production of one-act play ‘The Half’ 
• Daniel J. Flosi—Printing of fine arts chapbook ‘Riverend Series’ 
• Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre—North Meets South Festival 
• Fresh Films—Summer Film Intensive 
• Gaye Shannon-Burnett—Story Quilts for African American Fiber Arts Exhibition 
• Greg Hipskind—Summer Kickoff Concert for QC Rock Academy 
• Haus of Ruckus—Funding for 4th Season 
• Her Voice Media—Fireside Stories 
• Hot Glass Inc.—Glass Sculpture for Moline Public Library Garden 
• Jessica Beshears—Creation of Undercurrent Magazine 
• Lucas Berns—Development of ‘Artifical and Still’ collection of digital weaves 
• Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center—Photo Voice photography project 
• Mercado on Fifth—Dia de los Muertos cartonería workshops 
• Narratives—Narratives QC Spoken Word Poetry Program 
• Opera Quad Cities—Production of Die Fledermaus 
• OUTLETProgramme—OUTLETProgramme Concert Series 
• Polyrhythms—Third Sunday Jazz Series 
• Quad Cities Pride Alliance—Performers for Pride Festival 
• Rock Island Public Library—Art Literacy art exhibitions 
• Shellie Moore Guy—The Family Tree writing/family history workshops 
• Vince Jetter Community Center—Cultural Arts programming 
• World Relief Quad Cities-- Arts in English Summer Camp for Refugee Youth

Quad City Arts is committed to advocating for the arts as a vital component of a vibrant community. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, supporters, and the talented grant recipients of 2025. Together, we continue to make the Quad Cities a place where art and culture flourish!

​Brian Allen has been named the new Executive Director of Quad City Arts. Allen joins the organization from the German American Heritage Center, where he served as Executive Director, bringing experience in arts administration, cultural programming, and community engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brian Allen to Quad City Arts,” said Nate Augustine, Board Chair of Quad City Arts. “His passion for the arts, deep commitment to community collaboration, and leadership make him the ideal choice to guide our organization into its next chapter.”

Allen has a strong background in cultural programming and nonprofit management, having successfully led initiatives that celebrate heritage, arts, and education. Most recently, as Executive Director of the German American Heritage Center and Museum, he launched innovative programs and exhibitions designed for children and families, expanded audience engagement, and forged impactful partnerships throughout the Quad Cities. His leadership helped grow the organization’s reach and deepen its connection to the community.

Previously, at the Figge Art Museum, Allen managed the Studio School and education galleries, where he successfully led the merger of the studio program with the Bereskin Academy, streamlining arts education opportunities for local students. He also curated community-driven exhibitions in collaboration with area school districts, colleges, and organizations, reinforcing the museum’s role as a hub for creative learning.

“I am honored to guide Quad City Arts into its next chapter, where creativity and purpose collide to create a vibrant future,” said Allen. “The arts have played a vital role in my career, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to foster new opportunities for artists. I look forward to working with the talented team at Quad City Arts to continue making an impact in the Quad Cities region.”

Throughout his career, Allen has championed relevance—ensuring that art and cultural experiences are accessible, engaging, and meaningful to people from all walks of life. He looks forward to leading an organization that not only embraces relevance but also integrates art into the very fabric of the community.

A passionate advocate for community engagement, Allen has a long-standing commitment to service. A former AmeriCorps member (2008), he currently serves on the boards of Arts Basics and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Quad Cities Chapter) and volunteers with his local Cub Scout committee.

Allen holds an MA in Museum Studies from Western Illinois University (2013) and a BFA in Painting and Drawing from Illinois State University (2008). His studies in San Francisco and Tokyo have broadened his global perspective, influencing his approach to arts enrichment. A recognized leader in the field, he has presented at national and regional conferences, including the Association of Midwest Museums (2025, 2018) and the National Art Education Association (2021).

As Executive Director, Allen will oversee the organization’s programs, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives, ensuring that Quad City Arts remains a hub for creativity and cultural enrichment. His leadership comes at an exciting time as the organization continues to grow its offerings, including public art projects, programming, and signature events such as Festival of Trees.