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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. 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!  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  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:
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:  49TH VISITING ARTIST SERIES SEASON CONTINUES WITH AWARD-WINNING PERFORMERS AND A BARGE PARTY1/11/2023
 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.
 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.
 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.
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.
The Performing Arts Signature Series, (PASS), is the Quad City Arts’ premier subscription series featuring world-class performing artists from the Visiting Artist Series. Enjoy a range of musical talent, theater and dance with complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at unique venues throughout the Quad Cities, all for just $37 per person when you subscribe to all six parties. At PASS, you’ll get to see these incredible artists in an intimate setting and hear about their experiences in schools. Perfect for a date night or mingling with friends, each party is held on weekday evenings at unique venues throughout the Quad Cities, so no two events are alike. At PASS, you’ll get to see these incredible artists in an intimate setting and hear about their experiences in schools. Perfect for a date night or mingling with friends, each party is held on weekday evenings at unique venues throughout the Quad Cities, so no two events are alike. Get your tickets today!
Kicking off PASS, we welcome The ReMINDers at Mississippi River Distillery Celebration Center, October 6 at 7 pm! The ReMINDers will also have a public concert Saturday, October 8 at 8pm at the Racoon Motel. Having toured with Lauryn Hill and opened for Snoop Dogg, Big Boi and other big acts, you won’t want to miss this lively show with Big Samir and Aja Black on vocals, rapping and singing (including some lyrics in French) while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres, beer/wine and signature drinks included from the Distillery. Rooftop will be open during cocktail hour.
Just two weeks after The ReMINDers, we welcome LADAMA to the Quad Cities! LADAMA will at The Outing Club in Davenport, Thursday, October 27 at 6. pm.
LADAMA is a group of four women, virtuosic musicians, and educators— Lara Klaus, Daniela Serna, Mafer Bandola and Sara Lucas— from different countries and cultures of the Americas, who are sisters in song, rhythm, and spirit. Harnessing music from their respective countries of origin, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and the United States, the group utilizes traditional and non-traditional instruments from across the Americas, but with a modern twist to produce Latin Alternative music.  .Quad City Arts is again collaborating with the Alternating Currents Festival in downtown Davenport Aug. 19-21 to present three events: performances by Squonk, two nights of Silent Disco, and public art project “Before I Die”. After a successful 2021 Alternating Currents debut, Silent Disco will return to the Skybridge on Friday night and Saturday night from 9 PM to 11 PM. Come party on the Skybridge as three DJs battle it out. Attendees will be provided headphones and are able to switch between the DJs to enjoy a variety of music. It is a unique experience where you determine the music and you determine the volume. It’s easy to be social because there is no music to talk over. This is an 18+ event that requires an ID to participate. DJ’s include DollMiiite, Nozco, DJ Shane Brown, DJ Yesi, V3, and DJ Genesiis.  Progressive rock meets puppetry group Squonk, from Pittsburg, Pa., performed at last year’s Alternating Currents festival for two days. This year’s visit from Squonk expandeds the number of performances by the group to six, including evening performances with illumination. All performances will be Friday, Aug. 19, Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21, in downtown Davenport in the parking lot beneath the Skybridge. Composer Jackie Dempsey and artist Steve O’Hearn work with an ensemble of 10-20 artists to create post-industrial performances with original music, design, and staging. Their current show, “Hand to Hand” is propelled by two giant puppet hands, each the size of a house and rigged like a sailing ship. The Squonkers, dwarfed by the hands, climb a multi-tiered stage. Squonk's original chamber rock drives a journey that is spectacular, plaintive, and comic. Audience members come together to grab the rigging, each individual powering a larger movement of giant fingers. For more information, visit https://squonk.org/hand-to-hand. The show schedule for Squonk is as follows: Friday, August 19 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday, August 20 at 11:30 a.m., 7 p.m., 10 p.m. Sunday, August 21 at 1 p.m. Each show is 1/2 hour long followed by a "backstage tour" for audience members. Backstage tours follow each performance and are coordinated and led by members of Squonk. Don't forget to download the Alternating Currents App to stay updated with times and locations on all events and performances! DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE https://bit.ly/AC22APP
Quad City Arts is also placing two sets of Before I Die walls in the City of Davenport. One set in front of the Figge Art Museum and one in Kaiserslautern Square. Before I Die is a global participatory public art project that reimagines our relationship with death and with one another in the public realm. Originally created by artist Candy Chang in New Orleans after the death of a loved one, the public artwork invites people to reflect and share their personal aspirations in public. The Atlantic called it, “one of the most creative community projects ever.” People are encouraged to use the provided chalk to finish the statement, “Before I die I want to…” This interactive piece will change throughout the weekend and cause thought-provoking conversation.  All events are free and open to the public. No reservations or tickets required. Squonk and Before I Die is open to all ages, Silent Disco is an 18+ event. Volunteers are needed in several roles to assist with these events. We will need people for multiple events and roles here: Load in/load out and daytime info tent/set chaperons for Squonk; set up/tear down, guest registration and headset distribution for Silent Disco. Visit https://bit.ly/3JL7IJR  The 2022 Quad City Arts Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program has wrapped up. This year the program provided over fifty area youth ages 15-21 with a five-week paid summer apprenticeship. These apprentices are created art that positively impacts our community. These projects included mural painting, graphic design, film, and poetry. These projects were made possible through generous support from Black Hawk College, Downtown Davenport Partnership, Modern Woodman of America, and Chris and Mary Rayburn. Two new murals were completed in Davenport at the intersection of 4th and Pershing led by lead artists Sarah Robb and Heidi Sallows. These murals were designed by the apprentices who wanted to highlight the diversity in our communities. One mural depicts an indigenous person from the Sac and Fox tribal nation who once inhabited these lands. Imagery in the mural includes animals and vegetation that was important to the Sac and Fox people. The original design also featured a tattoo on the arm of the indigenous person, but after a conversation with Juaquin Hamilton the Historical Researcher with the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma, it was removed. Hamilton appreciated the attention to detail in the mural overall, but explained the tattoo was the tribal symbol for a tribe in Oklahoma. He also explained that selecting another symbol would leave out some of the tribal nations that occupied these lands.
Across the street the other mural group used a different approach to highlight diversity and encourage interactivity. Wings were incorporated to encourage people to stop and interact with the mural, and if you look a little lower, the apprentices even included some for our furry friends. At first glance the mural looks to be made of random patterns, but a closer inspection will show this was well thought out. Each pattern represents a different culture through the fabrics that they wear.
 In Rock Island, Modern Woodmen of America has a new mural outside of their Print Shop and Mail Distribution Office that highlights historical aspects of their history, as well as its relationship to Rock Island and the river. Apprentices were given a tour of the printshop including images of one of their oldest printers, the MWA logo, and the axe symbol. At a time when parades were more prevalent and more involved, MWA used to have a marching axe troupe to participate in parades.
The Graphic Design program, in partnership with Black Hawk College, met at the college with lead artist and BHC faculty member, Annie Oldenburg. The program teaches elements of graphic design and created a vinyl window art project. The project is intended to be installed on a building in Downtown RI later.   From the Graphic Design Group for the above image: "For our cityscape, we included buildings that are significant to the quad cities area and make the skyline as distinctive as it is, as well as including fictional buildings to inspire the growth of our cites in the future." Notable buildings include: Wells Fargo building, the Figge, the botanical center, both the new and old Kone buildings, the skybridge, hotel Blackhawk, Peterson paper building, Quad Cities art building, as well as the John Deere home and Butterworth home.
From the Graphic Design Group for the above image: A link to the significance of all the figures and displays: Ghosts of the Past. Poetry was led by emcee, poet, author, and educator, Aubrey “Aubs.” Barnes. Barnes most recently published book titled “It is Good, It is Written.” is available now. Apprentices learned how to write poetry and the many mechanisms used to do so, they also learned about poetry’s intersection with music and culture. Apprentices presented their work throughout the program at community sites including coffee shops and libraries.
Film was led by Jonathan Burnett an independent filmmaker and educator. Burnett is also the Creator, Director, and Lead Instructor of the Urban Exposure Independent Film Program through Azubuike African American Council for the Arts. This program taught students the basics of filmmaking culminating with the creation of a short film written and directed by the apprentices titled, Charlie.
Since the summer of 2000, Metro Arts has provided area youth 15-21 years old with paid summer apprenticeships in various arts disciplines.
For five weeks, area youth work together in groups to complete projects that enhance the community through the arts. Participants learn the artistic techniques and applications of their genre while developing personally and professionally. This program allows young adults to build career and artistic skills, as they work under the supervision and mentorship of professional artists. Their mentors are accomplished, local artists who are passionate about teaching and encouraging creativity.  The 2022 Quad City Arts Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program is underway and providing over forty area youth ages 15-21 with a five-week paid summer apprenticeship. These apprentices are creating art that positively impact our community including projects in mural painting, graphic design, film, and poetry. These projects were made possible through support from Black Hawk College, Downtown Davenport Partnership, Modern Woodman of America, and Chris and Mary Rayburn. Two new murals are coming to Davenport at the intersection of 4th and Pershing lead by lead artists Sarah Robb and Heidi Sallows. These murals were designed by the apprentices who wanted to highlight the diversity in our communities. One mural depicts an indigenous person from the Sac and Fox tribe, and the other showcases cultures through the fabrics and patterns they wear. In Rock Island, Modern Woodmen of America will have a new mural outside of their Print Shop and Mail Distribution Office that highlights historical aspects of their history, as well as its relationship to Rock Island and the river.
The Graphic Design program is a partnership with Black Hawk College and meets at the college with lead artist and BHC faculty member, Annie Oldenburg. This program teaches elements of graphic design and will culminate with a vinyl window art project on a building in Downtown Rock Island, that location will be announced later.
Film is lead by Jonathan Burnett an independent filmmaker and educator. Burnett is also the Creator, Director, and Lead Instructor of the Urban Exposure Independent Film Program through Azubuike African American Council for the Arts. This program teaches students the basics of filmmaking culminating with the creation of a short film the apprentices will have written, filmed, and edited.
Poetry is lead by emcee, poet, author, and educator, Aubrey “Aubs.” Barnes. Barnes most recently published book titled “It is Good, It is Written.” is available now. Apprentices are learning how to write poetry and the many mechanisms used to do so, as well as poetry’s intersection with music and culture. Apprentices periodically present their work throughout the program at community sites including coffee shops and libraries.
This year’s program started on June 6 and will be completed on July 8. The program will end with a final showcase held in Arts Alley in Rock Island at 6 PM on July 8th. Attendees will hear from apprentices and lead artists about their projects, be the first to see the short film, and hear poetry. This event is open to all.  About the Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program Since the summer of 2000, Metro Arts has provided area youth 15-21 years old with paid summer apprenticeships in various arts disciplines. For five weeks, area youth work together in groups to complete projects that enhance the community through the arts. Participants learn the artistic techniques and applications of their genre while developing personally and professionally. This program allows young adults to build career and artistic skills, as they work under the supervision and mentorship of professional artists. Their mentors are accomplished, local artists who are passionate about teaching and encouraging creativity. About Quad City Arts Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees, Quad City Arts Partners, and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs. If you would like to interview the Lead Artists or the Apprentices please contact Kevin Maynard (kmaynard@quadcityarts.com or 309.793.1213x101) and he can provide you a work schedule. The Quad City Arts team is growing and we are happy to welcome to our team the new Festival of Trees Administrator! Kim is a ball of energy and she's so passionate about Festival of Trees. You'll be seeing lots of her at this year's festival. Kim comes to us from Eldridge Preschool, she has over a decade of teaching experience and can keep a classroom on track! She'll be keeping Festival of Trees moving forward at a steady pace.
Are you a Quad Cities native? What brought you to the Quad Cities? Born and raised here. Grew up in Dixon, Iowa. Lived here my entire life. Graduated from St. Ambrose University. Go Fighting Bees! What is your biggest achievement/goal/moment of success to date – personal or professional? Personally, I have been plant based for many years. Trying to do my part to save the world! Professionally, exposed an entire decade of preschoolers to the world of veganism. How did you first learn about Quad City Arts? I was looking for a new chapter in my work life and found this incredibly cool job with cool people! So happy to be a part of this team of talented and interesting humans. What are you most excited for in your role at Quad City Arts? Seeing behind the curtain. Watching this group of dedicated volunteers bring together one of the most exciting and beloved QCA event! It is amazing to experience all that goes into the festival. I am in awe! What is your favorite arts experience in the Quad Cities? Blues Fest. My husband and I are lifelong members of the Quad City Blues Society. What is your favorite arts experience outside of the Quad Cities? Laumeier Sculpture Park in Kirkwood, Missouri. It is an incredible space. We stumbled on it one year and we go back every summer and spend a morning. My son knows that when the end comes for me, he is to dedicate a bench or a bird feeder in my name, so I can always be a part of this park. Who is your favorite artist? (This can be any artist – visual, performing, etc.) Michelangelo. I did a paper on him in college and was intrigued by his story. I have been lucky enough to see some of his work. The David is everything you would expect and more. The Sistine Chapel was awe inspiring. What is one thing that might surprise people about you? I ran a half marathon and didn’t pass out. I did get lapped by the full marathon winner. Exhilarating and humbling all at the same time. What are you currently watching on Netflix or TV? My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. Love that David Letterman. Star Wars or Star Trek? Star Wars, though Star Trek is epic. I had a small crush on Captain Kirk, but Star Wars is my families jam! Where is the best pizza in the Quad Cities (or where you are from)? Lopiez, not only is the pizza superb, but the experience of dining or carrying out from their downtown location is a great and super interesting experience. I recommend the Mayor. Best darn pizza in town. What is your favorite book? Alas Babylon by Pat Frank. I tend to be a little on the fatalistic side, so this book dovetailed well into my slightly off psyche. Where is your go-to place for inspiration? Treadmill. There is nothing like clearing the cobwebs with an hour of sweating. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I would love to run a farm sanctuary. But to be honest, the only way this would work is if I would win the lottery. I have been told by the lovely couple who run the Iowa Farm Sanctuary in Marengo, Iowa, that the charitable farm life is not for everyone. Money absolutely makes a difference. It can not run on love and good will. If you could have a drink with any artist living or dead, who would it be? Orson Wells. Every college kid that watched Citizen Kane in their film class can agree…Orson Wells is the man!
Next time you seem Kim around, stop by and give her a warm welcome! 🎄We're so glad she's on team Festival!🎄
Quad City Arts has facilitated the leasing and installation of public sculptures in the Quad Cities since 2002. The City of Rock Island has participated in the program, yearly, since 2007 and Bettendorf, since 2008. Seven sculptures have become part of Rock Island’s permanent collection, while Bettendorf has added six. Davenport purchased nine sculptures in the early years of the program. Sculptures are chosen by appointed committees and leased for one year. 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 sculptures currently on exhibit, along with permanent sculptures will be able to be viewed on Quad City Arts’ website www.quadcityarts.com/public-sculpture as well as the websites of the sponsors. All participating sculptors live in the midwest region.
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). If the press would like to watch and interview artists, the best opportunity is Tuesday, June 8th beginning at 11:15 am in front of the Figge Art Museum. Nicole Beck will install a stainless steel, mosaic, and stained-glass sculpture with solar lighting that was inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. A crane will then move down the street, just past the Redstone Building to install a stainless-steel sculpture suggestive of feathers or leaves twisting and reaching toward the sky, by Michael Young. Next, a 15’ tall, red steel sculpture called “Wending” created by Ted Sitting Crow Gardner, will be installed in front of the parking garage at 2nd, between Ripley and Harrison. All three artists are from Chicago. As part of the Downtown Davenport Partnership’s plan to make downtown Davenport more walkable, the new sculptures provide opportunities to slow down and look at the art. Selfies are encouraged and visitors can tag #QuadCityArts to tag us on Instagram, or @QuadCityArts to tag us on Facebook.
Over the next two weeks, Quad City Arts is facilitating the replacement of five public sculptures in Bettendorf, sponsored by the City of Bettendorf; four in Moline, sponsored by Moline Center; and three in Rock Island, sponsored by the City of Rock Island. Four new sculptures will be added along 2nd Ave. in Davenport, sponsored by The Downtown Davenport Partnership. Rock Island has purchased two previously rented sculptures for their permanent collection: “Moon Shadow” by Peter Gray of Chicago will be moved from Five Points to Weber Park and “Growing Up” by Ben Pierce of Cape Girardeau, MO will remain in front of the Centennial Bridge Visitor’s Center. Geneseo Public Library has purchased “Just Visiting” by Donald Horstman, of Fenton, MO to remain in the library entrance area. Complete list of sculptures with installation location: Moline:
 Micki LeMieux, "Expands and Go" at 9010 Ridgewood Road, Rock Island, IL |
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