​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

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Artists and supporters of the arts, non-profit organizations and businesses have come together as the Ames Community Arts Council since 1976. We are dedicated to building a sense of community and helping artists succeed. We believe that participating in the arts--as audience members, musicians, actors, dancers, writers, makers, volunteers, and more--enriches our lives and our community. 

What we do:
The Ames Community Arts Council is a non-profit 501(c)(3) funded through memberships, donations, and grants, including the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA). The Arts Council is dedicated to celebrating the arts and serving the community. 

Here's a quick look at some things we do:
  • connect you to vocal and instrument concerts, dance and theater performances, visual arts exhibits, unique shopping, cultural events, arts classes and more through our free weekly on-line newsletter and on-line calendar. 
  • organize a monthly “gathering of artists” for local artists of all kinds. 
  • recognize excellence in the arts through the annual Arts Awards Celebration.
  • give you a behind-the-scenes look at local artists' studios with the Ames Artists' Studio Tour.
  • support opportunities that expand learning outside the regular classroom and utilize partnerships with artists / arts organizations through Arts in Education Grants. 
  • provide free art activities for the community.
  • make it easy to find an artist. Member artists are listed with links to their websites and social media pages.
  • provide special benefits for artists, art organizations and businesses and promote arts events of the members through traditional and social media.
  • We collaborate with Ames area organizations to support community activities, like ArtWalk, MusicWalk and more. 

News of the Day

Watch here for the 2022 Arts Awards Winners!

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2022 Ames Artists' Studio Tour

The Ames Community Arts Council is seeking local artists to participate in the 2022 Ames Artists’ Studio Tour. Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on Mon., June 13.

This year’s tour will be Saturday, October 1 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) and Sunday, October 2 (noon – 4 p.m.). The public will be invited to a behind the scenes look at how art is created in this self-guided tour. If you are an artist in the greater Ames area with a working studio and you are looking for ways to showcase your work, this event may be perfect for you!

Application deadline: Monday, June 13, 2022

Fees: $75 for Ames Community Arts Council members; $125 for non-members.
Payment is due at the time of acceptance.
Notification: Applicants will be notified no later than Monday, June 20, 2022.

Artists may choose to participate in either one or both days of the tour. [Full fee required regardless of level of participation.]
A full application can be found HERE. 

The Ames Artists’ Studio Tour is hosted by the Ames Community Arts Council and made possible with the support of the City of Ames Commission on the Arts [COTA].