​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 Area 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:

The Gathering of Artists are set! 

Find the schedule here.  
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The Ames Community Theater (ACTORS), a local live theater organization, will host the Ames Community Arts Council’s monthly Gathering of Artists on Tuesday, June 19 from 6 - 8 p.m. The gathering will be held at the Ames Community Theater, 120 Abraham Dr., Ames.
 
ACTORS has been providing live theater for central Iowa for the past 62 years. During that time, ACTORS has staged more than 280 productions to over 160,000 audience members.
 
ACTORS’ member Stan Rabe said, “ACTORS is pleased to be hosting this month's Gathering of Artists. It gives ACTORS a chance to show off what has to happen to put on a big musical.  “9 to 5 The Musical” is great fun with lots of moving pieces, costumes, and music.” ACTORS’ will offer eight performances of “9 to 5 The Musical,” June7, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and June 24 at 2 p.m. at the Ames Community Theater.
 
The gatherings, held on the third Tuesday of each month at various locations, showcase local artists from around the Ames area. Artists and art enthusiasts of all types are invited to meet other artists, get feedback, get inspired and have fun. The events are free and open to all.
 
Upcoming gatherings include:
July 17 – University Museums, 603 Morrill Rd., Ames
There will not be a gathering in August. The Gatherings will return in September.
 
The monthly Gathering of Artists is hosted by the Ames Community Arts Council and made possible with the support of the City of Ames Commission on the Arts. If you would like more information about participating in or hosting a gathering, please contact the Ames Community Arts Council by e-mailing info@amesart.org, visiting the website at www.amesart.org, or calling 515-233-6110. 

​Thanks to the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau for supporting the 2018 Studio Tour!
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