​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

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:

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Muralist Chosen for Downtown Ames Mural
 
The mural is done! See the work of Des Moines-based muralist ASPHATE on the for the east facing wall of Morning Bell Coffee Roasters (111 Main St., Ames).

As a member the national recognized Scarce Elementz Mural Crew, ASPHATE has been creating large-scale murals throughout the U.S. for the last 12 years. In addition to murals in Des Moines and Ankeny, his work had appeared in Phoenix, AZ, Denver, CO, and other cities.
 
A known supporter and practitioner of graffiti writing in all of its forms, ASPHATE’s work focuses on commissioned production and mural work. The Des Moines’ native’s medium of choice is the spray can and surface of choice remains anything that will hold pigment, from freights to concrete.
 
Watch for details about the dedication ceremony.
 
This project is sponsored by the Ames Community Arts Council and is made possible in part through funding from the City of Ames Commission on Arts (COTA).

​Thanks to the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau for supporting the Inaugural performance in the Goldfinch Room!  
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