The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) announced last week awards of $1,678,389 from seven grant programs to strengthen the arts, culture and creative industries across the state and provide Iowans with access to enriching cultural experiences.

IEDA approved 173 awards to Iowa organizations and Iowans in more than 60 communities from the Art Project Grant Program, Cultural Capacity Building Grant Program, Cultural Leadership Partners Program, Greenlight Grant Program, Iowa Artist Fellowship Program, Iowa Community Cultural Grant Program and Iowa Screenwriters Grant Program.

Mount Vernon Lisbon Community Theatre was awarded a Cultural Capacity Building Grant for operating support in the amount of $5,000 a year for three years to fund their new Elliott Studio Series project.

“The Corridor is full of talented art- ists and creators. The Elliott Studio Series opens the door for those same artists to pursue projects that otherwise may be unattainable,” said Trevor Baty,
MVLCT president. “We’re able to create smaller, more intimate productions that are more challenging and introspective, as well as support passion projects or scratch a show off a ‘bucket list.’ This series aims to let our art be about the art and share unique experiences with our audience.”

More information about the series and how to apply to direct a show can be found at www.mvlct.com.

The grants are administered by the Iowa Arts Council and Produce Iowa, the State Office of Film and Media, both part of the IEDA. Funding is made possible by an appropriation from the Iowa Legislature and a matching state partnership grant from the federal National Endowment for the Arts.

Projects awarded funding range from arts and cultural festivals and live theatre performances to exhibitions, film productions and community public art projects.

“Arts and culture are integral to economic vitality,” said IEDA director Debi Durham.

“They not only drive growth within our communities but also enhance the quality of life, making our state a more attractive destination for both visitors and new residents.”

Iowa’s leading arts, cultural and heritage venues also serve as tourism attractions and anchors to vibrant downtowns, generating local spending and supporting Iowa companies in their efforts to attract talent by enhancing Iowans’ quality of life.

Learn more about the IEDA and Iowa Arts and Culture at culture.iowaeda.com.