Frequently Asked Questions

Membership

Who can be a member of the Arts Council? How can I join?
Anyone with an interest in the arts is welcome to join! Check out our membership page to learn more about the categories. Click here to go straight to the application. You can join at any time. Memberships are valid for one year and begin when the membership fees are received.

Who may join as an artist?
We define "artist" broadly. For example, if you call yourself a maker, writer, performer, floral designer, or culinary artist, you may join as an artist. Please take a look at the application to see all the artist mediums. You need not be working full-time as an artist to join in this category.

Who are the "Friends of the Arts"?
"Friends of the Arts" (as well as, Patrons, Advocates and Benefactors) are supporters. They are the folks who want to see art thrive in our community--they believe that the arts make Ames an even better place to live. They understand that it can take extra support of all kinds to make that happen, so you might see them volunteering with their favorite organization, sitting in the audience, buying a piece of artwork, or donating funds. If you are a supporter of the arts, your membership with the Arts Council will help make lots of things happen and will give artist, organization, and business members a better chance to be successful. We couldn't do it without you.

Contact

How can I contact the Arts Council?
After some careful thinking about the best way to use our resources and serve our members, we decided to close our office on Douglas Avenue. We are now mobile! We’ll be more accessible to you than ever. We’ll have weekly office hours out in the community—at our member organizations, in coffee shops, and in public spaces around Ames—giving us more opportunities to connect with you. We’ll be looking forward to more amazing conversations with you all— hearing more about what you doing, what you are dreaming about doing, what you are struggling with; thinking about how we can work together; and just sharing a laugh. The office hours schedule will be posted on here and in social media. So, stop by and chat with us during office hours or make an appointment for a time that suits you. We're always happy to hear from you!
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Ways to contact us:
Where can I find you online?
We would love to connect with you online!
  • Facebook. To get the latest updates and info from the Arts Council, please "like" us! If you hover over the "Like" button on our cover photo, you can click on "get notifications."
  • Instagram. We are new to Instagram and looking forward to having fun while we learn more about this platform. Check us out at instagram.com/ames.arts/. Please note that Instagram works best on mobile devices.

Events Promotion

Who can submit events info for promotion? What kind of events can be submitted?
Members! Because the Arts Council is a member-based organization, we can promote any of the arts and cultural events of our members. (Note: we cannot promote events that members submit on the behalf of non-members.) "Events" can be classes, workshops, concerts, plays, special shopping events, auditions, and more. Notices for workshops or auditions, calls for artists, and other types of announcements can also be promoted.

How do I submit events info?
  • Please send all info for promotion to [email protected] OR click the "submit events" button on the Community Calendar page and follow the directions.
  • Be sure to complete the subject line so that the info can be found and sorted easily (e.g., Fall classes at Reiman Gardens). 
  • Wherever possible, please include images (event posters, good quality photographs, etc.). 
  • Events info can be sent at any time. It will be added to the Community Calendar soon after it is received.

Newsletter

How can I sign up for the free e-newsletter?
We would be happy to send you the newsletter! Here are the ways you can sign up:
  • Go to our Facebook page and click on the "sign up" button. Put in your email address. Super simple.
  • Go to the Contact page on this website and fill out the form letting us know. We'll add you to the list.
  • Email us at [email protected] and let us know. We'll take care of it.

Just so you know...we value your privacy. We would never share your email address with anyone. We also believe that it is a privilege to be in your inbox. You may cancel the newsletter at any time and/or email us with any concerns.