​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

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We're seeking presenters for the 2021 Business of Art Conference ​
Deadline: August 21, 2020
Calling all creatives — art professionals, teachers, coaches, and entrepreneurs! The Ames Community Arts Council and The Octagon are seeking presenters for the 3rd annual Business of Art Conference, to be held at the Octagon on the afternoon of Friday, March 5 and all day Saturday, March 6, 2021. If you are interested in being considered as a presenter, please complete the application and tell us more about yourself and your idea. We are looking for sessions that are practical, informative, and interactive and appeal to artists/creatives at all levels. Find the application HERE.

Special considerations for 2021: We will be making a decision regarding how we will be holding the conference (live, virtual, or a hybrid) by Saturday, October 31, 2020. ​
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

The 2020 Arts Awards Celebration can be seen on YouTube. Find the stories of this year's winners HERE.