 Metro Arts is Underway—Celebrating 25 Years of Youth Creativity in Action! This summer marks a major milestone: 25 years of the Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, one of Quad City Arts’ most impactful and beloved initiatives. Since its start in 2000, Metro Arts has empowered young creatives across the region with a powerful message: art is work, and young artists are essential to the vitality and creative backbone of our communities. Open to youth ages 15 to 21, Metro Arts is a paid, five-week summer apprenticeship where participants work side-by-side with professional artists on real, public-facing projects. From murals and mosaics to poetry, live performances, and digital storytelling, apprentices shape the creative landscape of the Quad Cities while gaining invaluable professional experience. This year’s session features four bold projects that speak to the heart of community:
The program will be celebrating with a special Metro Arts 25th Anniversary Showcase on Wednesday, 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. Metro Arts Alumni
We’d love to hear your stories. If you’ve participated in Metro Arts over the years, send photos or reflections to [email protected] to be featured in the upcoming showcase and documentary. To learn more about the program or apply for future sessions, visit: quadcityarts.com/metroarts Special Thanks to our 2025 Program Supporters: MetroNet, Modern Woodmen of America, the Morency Family Foundation, Quality Control Restoration, and many other generous sponsors who help make this work possible.  When you support Quad City Arts, you’re not just funding programs—you’re investing in the creative heart of the Quad Cities. 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.  Complete list of sculptures with installation location: Rock Island (Rock Island Public Art Commission)
Moline (Moline Public Art Commission)
Bettendorf (The City of Bettendorf and the Downtown Bettendorf Organization)
Davenport (The Downtown Davenport Partnership & Public Library)
City of Clinton
DeWitt Community Library (DeWitt Fine Arts Foundation)
 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!  Volunteer – Help us make magic happen! Volunteers help with setup, artist support, chalk voting, and more. You’ll get a free Chalk Art Fest t-shirt and the chance to be part of one of the most colorful weekends in the Quad Cities. Sign Up To Volunteer  Community Collaboration Piece Join the Fun! Participants will have chalk available to help fill in a 2’ x 2’ portion of a larger collaborative image. Once complete, the full artwork will come to life as a vibrant community masterpiece! (Chalk will be provided for use on-site only.) When you attend Chalk Art Fest, you're doing more than just enjoying a weekend of creativity—you’re actively supporting local artists, fueling cultural vibrancy in the Quad Cities, and helping us demonstrate the power of public art. Your participation shows that our community values the arts, which strengthens future programming and ensures events like this continue to thrive. Plus, every smile, photo, and vote adds energy and momentum to the festival—proving that art truly comes alive when shared. Let's keep being creative together, Quad Cities! P.S.–You can help us keep this event free for the community with a special donation to Quad City Arts through Birdies for Charity. When you give, Quad City Arts receives 100% of your donation, plus a guaranteed 5–10% bonus, making your support go even further. THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
 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,  Brian Allen,
Executive Director Quad City Arts As we close the chapter on 2024, we’re reflecting on a year of creativity, connection, and impact made possible by supporters like you! From expanding public art initiatives to making the arts more accessible through grants and programming, your involvement has fueled our mission. With major milestones ahead—including 40 years of Festival of Trees and 25 years of Metro Arts—we’re excited for what’s to come. Read our 2024 Annual Report below to see the highlights, the impact, and how you can be part of another inspiring year ahead!  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. 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.  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:
Education Grants:
Project Grants:
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.  Get ready for an electrifying evening of dance as Darrah Carr Dance, a Bessie Award-nominated Irish dance company, takes the stage at the Capitol Theatre in Davenport on Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m. This one-night-only performance, part of the Quad City Arts Presents series, blends the rich traditions of Irish step dance with contemporary movement, offering a performance that’s both dynamic and deeply rooted in cultural heritage. A Must-See PerformanceFounded by Artistic Director Darrah Carr, the company is renowned for its vibrant choreography and masterful technique. Featuring Trent Kowalik, Tony Award winner and original star of Billy Elliot on Broadway, and Timothy Kochka, a two-time World Irish Dancing Champion and former Riverdance cast member, this performance promises an unforgettable showcase of Irish dance at its highest level. Darrah Carr Dance has captivated audiences across the country, with appearances on NBC’s The Today Show, Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops, and annual performances at the NYC Irish Dance Festival. Now, they’re bringing their signature blend of tradition and innovation to the Quad Cities. 🎟️ Tickets are available now for $25 per person. Secure your spot at AXS.com. ☘️ EXCLUSIVE $15 REDUCED TICKET PRICE FOR QUAD CITY ARTS FRIENDS Select "FRIENDS AND FAMILY" More Than a Performance: A Week-Long ResidencyDarrah Carr Dance isn’t just stopping by for a show—they’re immersing themselves in the Quad Cities community through Quad City Arts’ Visiting Artist Series residency program, March 10-14. Throughout the week, the company will engage with 12 local schools across six school districts, as well as the LeClaire Community Library, introducing students and families to the history, costumes, and traditions of Irish dance. Since 1974, the Visiting Artist Series has brought world-class artists to local schools, providing over 29,000 K-12 students annually with live, interactive arts experiences. These residencies support school curriculums, student engagement, and community outreach, ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all. More Upcoming Events in the Quad City Arts Presents SeriesDarrah Carr Dance is just one of the incredible performances in this year’s Quad City Arts Presents series. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
📍 Learn more about the Visiting Artist Series and upcoming performances at www.quadcityarts.com/vas.  The 2025 Quad City Arts Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program is accepting applications through Friday, April 11. This program provides area youth ages 15-21 with five-week paid summer apprenticeships. These apprentices will create community arts projects that positively impact our community. This year’s projects include mural painting, mosaics, documentary filmmaking, and pop-up street performances. Interested applicants can apply online at www.quadcityarts.com/metro-arts. This year’s Metro Arts program will start on Monday, June 9 and end on Thursday, July 10. Apprentices will meet for up to four hours Monday through Thursday. This year’s programs are meant to highlight accessibility in the arts with most of the programs geared toward entry level artists, where all supplies and equipment is provided by Quad City Arts and its partners. “The Metro program strives to teach our apprentices both business and artistic skills, and to create works of art that engage the community in a meaningful way,” says Ben Gougeon, Events Coordinator at Quad City Arts and the Metro Arts administrator. “With a focus on public art, we can instill a sense of civic pride in our community and give our apprentices a lasting sense of ‘I made that. I have a stake here.’” Metro Arts is also celebrating its 25th year in 2025, and plans are underway to celebrate the program on July 9th, including current students and alumni. “I talk with so many people around town who say, ‘I was in Metro! I did the mural on…’ The experience stays with our apprentices, and they will always leave a piece of themselves in the Quad Cities, even if they move away. It really does help to breed more engaged citizens who are willing to do the work to make their communities a better place.” More details about the Metro Arts 25th Anniversary Celebration and the specific projects will be available at a later date.
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