​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

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   Registration for the 2025 Business of Art Conference is open!
   Reduced rates available until January 1, 2025, so sign up to join us today!
​   Click HERE to learn more.

Who we are:

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. 
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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. Let us know how we can partner with you!

News of the Day

The next Gathering of Artists, hosted by the Ames Community Arts Council, will be held on Tues., Nov. 19 from 6 - 8 p.m. Join us at 612 Fifth St., Ames, to learn more about Fifth Street Writers, a brand new co-working space designed exclusively for writers.
 
Artists and art enthusiasts of all types are invited to the Gatherings, where they can meet other artists, get feedback, get inspired, and have fun. The Gatherings are free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.

Launched by the Ames Writers Collective and fully opening later this year, Fifth Street Writers is a physical workplace and community built by writers for writers. With a no-phone-call policy, writers can focus on their work without distraction. Members are encouraged to gather for lunch and conversations daily at 12:30 p.m., creating a space for connection and collaboration. The space also features free Wi-Fi, monthly happy hours, public readings and craft groups led by members.

In addition to a physical place to gather and network, Fifth Street Writers will offer regular meetings, social media initiatives, and a Writers’ Resource Library. Members will also have access to a shared online platform to support one another, relay announcements, and communicate in writing groups.
 
Join us on Tues., Nov. 19 to be one of the first to explore this exciting new opportunity for creatives in Ames. To learn more about joining the Fifth Street Writers, visit the website ameswriterscollective.org and click “Fifth Street Writers” at the top of the page.

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 [COTA]. If you would like more information about participating in or hosting a gathering, please contact the Ames Community Arts Council by e-mailing [email protected], visiting the website at www.amesart.org, or calling 515-259-0494.