​Welcome to the Ames Community Arts Council

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We're excited to host keynote speaker Chad Elliott and an amazing lineup of presenters for the eighth annual
​Business of Art Conference on March 6 - 7, 2026. Click HERE ​for for the agenda and to register to attend!

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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Ames Community Arts Council celebrates those who celebrate the arts!

Nominations for the 2026 Arts Awards Celebration are due Friday, March 13, 2026. Ames Community Arts Council members are invited to nominate an individual, organization, or business for outstanding effort in the Ames arts community throughout the year.
 
Awards will be given to honor volunteers, arts advocates and entrepreneurs, board members, art educators, and others. There are awards for artists and art supporters alike, and for individuals and organizations that support the arts as an integral part of the community. A person must be a member of the Ames Community Arts Council to submit a nomination, but it is not necessary to be a member to receive an award.
 
The nomination form is HERE. See descriptions of the various awards below. Contact the Arts Council [[email protected] or 515-259-0494] of you would rather not submit online.
 
“As the Ames Community Arts Council marks its fiftieth year, we’re thrilled to make this year’s Arts Awards an especially meaningful celebration,” says Arts Council Director Jennifer Brockpahler. “It’s a chance to recognize those who strengthen our community through their creative contributions.”
 
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.
 
The Ames Community Arts Council and this event is supported in part by the City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA).