​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

Join the Ames Community Arts Council in illustrating the economic impact of the arts in Ames!

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Ames Participating in the American's for the Arts "Art and Economic Impact Study 6"

SMALL INVESTMENTS. BIG RETURNS.
THE ARTS MEAN BUSINESS.
The arts bring us inspiration and joy, and make our communities beautiful places to live and work. But the arts do so much more.
 
Economic impact studies like the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) will expand the conversation about how many people view the arts. While most appreciate the cultural benefit provided to our community, few realize that our local arts industry supports jobs, generates government revenue, and is a cornerstone of tourism.
 
Let’s change the conversation. The arts mean business.
 
If you are a non-profit in Ames hosting a performance or festival and would like to be a part of measuring the arts economic impact on the city, contact us at info@amesart.org or (515) 259-0494 about having surveys available. If you are a patron at an event where the surveys are available, please take 3 minutes to complete the survey. Thank you!

Learn more about AEP6, and the Americans for the Arts, HERE.