 The Friends of MLK, Downtown Davenport Partnership, and Quad City Arts are seeking the design and installation of a public mural to be created in Davenport, Iowa. The mural will be on the north-facing wall of the train bridge on the southeast corner of Brady St. and E. 5th St., across from the MLK Interpretive Center. This mural will be the first installation in a series of installations around the Center and park. This mural project seeks to honor the resilience and vibrancy of Black Davenport in the late 1880’s through the early 1900s, focusing on the intersection of race, community, entertainment, and labor. Using archival imagery from the era, the artist should highlight daily life, entrepreneurship, and social gatherings in a style that emphasizes warmth and dignity for all. This mural project is jointly undertaken by the Friends of MLK (FOMLK), Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), and Quad City Arts (QCA). TIMELINE
TO APPLY Email a PDF to [email protected] including the following information or submit online at form.jotform.com/260627026956159
   2025 was a year of collaboration. Working together with our patrons, our cities, our artists, our youth, the Cultural Trust and its Legacy Partners, many exciting projects and events came to fruition for Quad City Arts. Our Mission remains the same: Quad City Arts is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City Region through the arts. Our Vision is to foster a thriving arts community by intentionally building our role as an arts presenter, advocate, connector and resource hub. Both our Mission and Vision helped foster and further artistic growth in our community this past year. In 2025 alone we:
Our schools continue to enjoy sharing the Visiting Artists programs with their students and staff . The public performances allow students to share their excitement of these shows with friends and family-building that connection with art and collaboration with our school communities. As we look forward to 2026, we see more growth, innovations, and artistic celebrations with all those who continue to support Quad City Arts. We are looking forward to the Leading Light project with Moline, gallery openings with new artists, and many more exciting projects. Thank you for your patronage, your support and investment in Quad City Arts. Sincerely, Quad City Arts’ Board of Directors   METRO ARTS YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 PROGRAM OPEN THROUGH APRIL 12, 2026.Metro Arts provides area youth ages 15-21 with a five-week paid summer apprenticeship. These apprentices will create community arts projects that positively impact the community, including mural and street painting as well as poetry. MURAL PAINTING & STREET ART Under local professional muralists, apprentices collaborate with clients to design and paint vibrant murals or street art around the Quad Cities. Apprentices will get feedback from clients on design elements, then work as a team of artists to create two or more concepts to be presented. Once a design has been approved by the client, the apprentices will spend 4 weeks painting the mural or street art installation on-site. Note: these projects are likely to be outdoors, and require apprentices to spend extended time in the elements, including direct sun, extreme heat, humidity, rain, etc., and involve lifting and possible work on scaffolding or lifts. POETRY Apprentices will work closely with a professional poet and educator to learn the art of poetry, both on the page and the stage. This year’s poetry group will be two-pronged, as apprentices will learn the craft of poetry writing for both posterity and performance. Under the guidance of our lead artist, poets will collaborate with our Murals/Street Art team to create pieces that will be incorporated into the public art being created. They’ll also create pieces for spoken word performance at venues throughout the Quad Cities. This year’s Metro Arts program will start on Monday, June 8 and end on Thursday, July 9. Apprentices will meet for up to four hours Monday through Thursday. The program is meant to provide access to the arts, accepting entry level artists, with all supplies and equipment provided by Quad City Arts and its partners. To date, this year’s partners include the Illinois Arts Council, the City of Rock Island, and the Brissman Foundation. Lead artists for this year’s program include Sarah Robb (Murals/Street Painting) and Aubrey Barnes (Poetry), and projects will be happening in Rock Island, Davenport, and Milan. In addition to honing apprentices’ artistry, Metro Arts teaches applicants the beginnings of the business skills needed to succeed in the arts. From a competitive interview process to client proposals and pitches, Metro Arts can be the start of a young artist’s pipeline into the professional world. Quad City Arts’ Director of Community Engagement Ben Gougeon sites that a number of Metro apprentices go on to have showings around town or receive Arts Dollars grants as they continue their work in their chosen field. Gougeon states that in addition to Metro’s impact on young artists, it has also “…been a study in collaboration with non-profits, municipalities, and the private sector for over 25 years. Public art doesn’t happen by magic. It takes a lot of people working together to manifest a vision. Time, interest, funding; these all need to align to get a Metro Arts program off the ground. But, as Sarah [Robb] and I like to say, ‘Where there’s a wall, there’s a way.’” Metro Arts is celebrating its 26th year in 2026, and the ripples from 2025, the program’s silver anniversary, are still reverberating. Art is Work, the documentary film created by Documentary Filmmaking apprentices and lead artist Stacy Barton, is currently appearing in film festivals around the region. It also had multiple airings on WQPT.   Do you enjoy fostering community partnerships, have a passion for the arts, & experience in fundraising and development? This could be the role for you! Quad City Arts seeks a collaborative and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and execute our annual fundraising efforts in partnership with the Executive Director. This is a hands-on role for a development professional who enjoys building meaningful donor relationships, managing grant activity, and strengthening community partnerships within a small nonprofit environment. The Director of Development will oversee the annual fundraising plan, manage donor engagement strategies, secure institutional and corporate support, and help ensure sustainable revenue aligned with organizational priorities. The position plays a key role in advancing Quad City Arts’ mission while working closely with leadership and staff in a team-oriented setting. Key Responsibilities Fundraising Strategy & Execution · Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the Executive Director. · Secure financial support from individuals, corporations, and foundations. · Identify and cultivate prospective donors and sponsors. · Manage a portfolio of annual and mid-level donors. · Assist with major donor cultivation efforts in partnership with the Executive Director. Grants & Institutional Support · Identify grant opportunities aligned with programs and strategic priorities. · Prepare and submit grant proposals and required reports. · Maintain accurate grant tracking and reporting systems. Campaigns & Donor Engagement · Oversee annual giving campaigns and donor appeals. · Collaborate with the Marketing & Design Director on digital and print fundraising initiatives. · Strengthen donor stewardship and ongoing communication efforts. Events & Community Engagement · Partner with staff to support fundraising events. · Secure sponsorship support for programs and special events. Data & Reporting · Maintain and utilize development software for donor tracking and reporting. · Analyze fundraising data to inform strategy and provide regular updates to leadership. Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, nonprofit administration, or related field (or equivalent professional experience). · Minimum of three years of professional fundraising experience. · Demonstrated experience in grant writing and donor relationship management. · Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills. · Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the Executive Director and staff. · Experience in a small nonprofit environment is preferred. What We’re Looking For · A proactive, relationship-focused fundraiser. · A team-oriented professional who values collaboration. · Someone comfortable working in a small organization where flexibility and initiative are essential. · A development professional who enjoys both strategy and hands-on execution. Working Environment This is a full-time position based in a professional office setting. Some evening and weekend work may be required for events. Occasional regional travel may be necessary. Know someone who may be a good fit? Help us spread the word and share this blog.  Tickets are on sale now for an exclusive evening performance by Visiting Artist Barron Ryan, featuring There Arises Light in the Darkness, a moving work for piano, violin, and cello that brings hope to the memory of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The performance will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, in the newly renovated auditorium at the TMBC Lincoln Resource Center. EVENT DETAILS: 📅 Date and Time: Friday, February 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. 📍 Location: TMBC Lincoln Resource Center, Davenport, IA 🎟 Ticket Price: Starting at $10 (Tiered Ticketing) Ryan will be in residence in the Quad Cities February 23–27 through Quad City Arts’ Visiting Artist Series. During his weeklong residency, he will visit nine local schools across five school districts, as well as several community sites, including the Butterworth Center and Wesley United Methodist Church in Muscatine, Iowa.
Quad City Arts is committed to making live performances accessible through tiered ticket pricing that helps reduce financial barriers and welcomes community members of all backgrounds. 🎟 Patrons may choose from four ticket levels:
The Full Roster of Visiting Artists From hip-hop to folklórico dance, the 52nd season of the Visiting Artist Series offers students meaningful opportunities to connect with artists as cultural practitioners, mentors, and role models. Each residency includes educational activities designed to complement school curricula while supporting student engagement and community connection. Artists in residence during the 52nd season include:
Continuing a Legacy of Artistic Engagement
Since 1974, the Visiting Artist Series has connected Quad City residents of all ages with high-quality arts experiences led by professional performing artists. Through demonstrations, workshops, and master classes at early childhood sites, schools, colleges, and community organizations, Quad City Arts continues its commitment to enriching lives and expanding access to the arts. The Visiting Artist Series is made possible with support from Illinois Arts Council, Modern Woodmen of America, the National Endowment for the Arts, Rock Island Community Foundation, Scott County Regional Authority, and Quad City Arts donors.
 Quad City Arts is thrilled to announce the opening of the 2026 Arts Dollars grant cycle, offering $129,150 in funding to support local artists, K-12 schools, and nonprofit organizations partnering with artists. Since 1990, Quad City Arts has helped invest over $1.75 million in the regional arts community, empowering creativity and fostering meaningful connections through the arts. In 2024 alone, Arts Dollars supported 33 projects reaching more than 136,856 people across the Quad Cities, demonstrating the program’s broad community impact and reach.  Grant Overview
Arts Dollars grants are open to all artistic disciplines and focus on enriching the Quad Cities region through community engagement, arts education, and organizational development. The application process is competitive, and Quad City Arts staff are available to provide guidance and support to applicants. Grant Categories
How to Apply Detailed guidelines, category descriptions, and application materials are available online at: https://www.quadcityarts.com/arts-dollars-grants Impact Arts Dollars is more than a grant program—it’s one of the most direct ways we invest in the people, stories, and creative ideas that shape the Quad Cities. Each year, these grants empower artists, teachers, and nonprofits to bring projects to life that might not otherwise have the resources to move forward. In 2024 alone, Arts Dollars supported 33 projects that reached more than 136,856 people across the Quad Cities region, demonstrating the program’s broad community impact and reach. Arts Dollars funding strengthens our region in three key ways:
For Quad City Arts, the goal is simple: to keep creativity thriving across the region through opportunities that strengthen artists, schools, and communities year after year. Funding Funding for the 2026 Arts Dollars cycle is provided by the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council Agency (a state agency), and the Quad Cities Community Foundation--Isabel Bloom Art Education Fund. All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by Festival of Trees, individual donations, and operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. For more information or assistance with Arts Dollars applications, contact Ben Gougeon at [email protected] or 309-793-1213 ext. 100.  Quad City Arts announces the 2025–2026 Visiting Artist Series lineup, continuing a five-decade tradition of bringing world-class performers and creators into classrooms and communities across eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Like many arts organizations, Quad City Arts is navigating funding challenges that require thoughtful adjustments to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. This year’s series is not about doing less — it’s about focusing on what the organization does best: connecting people to extraordinary artists who spark curiosity, creativity, and connection through the arts. In addition to school and community workshops, each artist will present public performances, giving audiences across the Quad Cities the chance to experience these incredible talents live on stage. Performance dates and ticket information will be announced soon on the Quad City Arts website and social media channels. The season offers a vibrant mix of artists who honor traditional forms while bringing them into the present with fresh, relevant interpretations. Whether it’s classical piano infused with jazz and pop, cultural dance reimagined for today’s stage, or centuries-old musical traditions blended with modern rhythms, each artist bridges the past and present in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences. The 2025–2026 lineup includes:
In addition to performances, each artist will lead school and community workshops, giving audiences of all ages the chance to engage with their craft. Quad City Arts will also host a series of community listening sessions this fall to gather ideas and feedback for a reimagined Visiting Artist Series that remains both artistically vibrant and financially sustainable. These sessions are a unique opportunity for community members, arts supporters, and educators to help shape the series for decades to come. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Executive Director Brian Allen to be included in the conversation. Through intentional planning and community dialogue, the community can help ensure that the Visiting Artist Series continues to connect people of all ages. We are confident that together we can reshape this program to not only be financially sustainable but also responsive, relevant, and inspiring for years to come. “This is a moment of reflection, and more importantly, a moment of collaboration,” Brian Allen, Executive Director of Quad City Arts, noted. “The Visiting Artist Series has always been about more than performances — it’s about opening doors to new perspectives, cultures, and possibilities.” School staff can schedule residency engagements for this fall and next spring by visiting https://www.quadcityarts.com/vas-scheduling. 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. The 2025-2026 season of Visiting Artist Series is supported by Scott County Regional Authority, National Endowment of the Arts, Rock Island Community Foundation, and Quad City Arts' Annual Fund. For Programming Questions Please Contact: Ben Gougeon, Director of Community Engagement, [email protected] or (309) 793-1213, ext. 100 For Additional Questions Please: Brian Allen, Executive Director at Quad City Arts, [email protected] or 309-793-1213, ext. 101.   Starting this Thursday, August 14, Quad City Arts will bring vibrant color, community connection, and creative energy to Alternating Currents, the Quad Cities’ can’t-miss summer celebration of music, art, film, and comedy. From large-scale murals to interactive art experiences, we’re making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mural Fest: August 10–17 In partnership with the Downtown Davenport Partnership, Downtown Bettendorf Organization, and the Downtown Rock Island Alliance, Quad City Arts is facilitating Mural Fest, a weeklong showcase of creativity as artists from near and far transform walls across Bettendorf, Davenport, and Rock Island into stunning works of public art. Murals will take shape from August 10–17, with locations listed below—keep your eyes peeled for the reveal!
Festival Weekend: August 14–17 Once the weekend hits, the creativity continues with multiple ways to join in the fun:
“Alternating Currents is all about celebrating the talent and creativity of our region,” said Brian Allen, Executive Director of Quad City Arts. “From murals to music to interactive art, we’re proud to help make downtown come alive for locals and visitors alike!” Stay Connected The Alternating Currents app is the best way to stay up to date with all the latest information and changes. Download the app to explore the festival's lineup, get directions, and create your own unique experience.
The Quad City Arts Public Sculpture Program has finished 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 facilitated 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 continued through June 26, with most installations occurring between June 3-13th. A final sculpture in Rock Island will be installed July 25. 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.  Sculptures by CityBettendorf, IA
The City of Bettendorf rented 10 sculptures this year introducing two new locations: one near the base of the I-74 bridge bike path and the other at Be the Light Park.
Clinton, IA
With positive feedback from the public, Clinton has purchased a bronze sculpture by James Haire for their public library and has leased these 6 new sculptures placed near the riverfront.
Davenport, IA
The Downtown Davenport Partnership has chosen 5 sculptures to bring new interest to their collection of 10 permanent sculptures along 2nd Street. New this year is the addition of a sculpture in front of the downtown Davenport Library.
DeWitt, IA
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.
Moline, IL
The Moline Public Art Commission has chosen 5 sculptures placed along 5th Ave. in Moline, plus one near the Kone Building along the Great River Trail.
Rock Island, IL
The City of Rock Island leased 4 sculptures to beautify their parks and libaries.
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All Quad City Arts programs are funded in part by operating grants from the Illinois Arts Council, Iowa Arts Council, National Endowment of the Arts, Regional Development Authority, Scott County Regional Authority and The Cultural Trust
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