​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

Ames Community Arts Council celebrates those who celebrate the arts!
Join us for the 2026 Arts Awards Celebration on Sun., May 17 at 1:30 p.m. at Reiman Gardens. Help us honor the individuals, organizations, and businesses that have contributed exceptional energy to the Ames arts community throughout the year.
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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

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Celebrate World Collage Day with Us!
To mark World Collage Day, a hands-on collage event will be offered Sat., May 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ames Public Library in the Farwell T. Brown Auditorium, 515 Douglas Ave., Ames. This event, suitable for ages 14 and up, is free, but advanced registration is preferred to ensure your spot. Visit the APL calendar or call the adult services desk at 515-239-5646, ext. 4 to register. Find more here.
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Ames Community Arts Council celebrates those who celebrate the arts!
The Ames Community Arts Council will hold its annual Arts Awards Celebration on Sunday, May 17 at 1:30 p.m. at Reiman Gardens [1407 University Blvd., Ames]. The public is invited to join the Ames Community Arts Council in honoring those who have supported and encouraged the arts through their extraordinary actions and exemplary service to the Ames community. This event is free and open to everyone. Refreshments will be served. Watch here for this year's awardees!
 
The Ames Community Arts Council and this event is supported in part by the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA).