$250,000 in Inspire Iowa grants have been awarded to six projects.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has announced $250,000 in Inspire Iowa grants to six projects across Linn, Polk, Scott, Shelby, and Woodbury counties. This announcement was made on May 9, 2024, with the funds aiming to elevate the perception of Iowa as a cultural destination and promote out-of-state visits.

The Inspire Iowa program was launched by the Iowa Tourism Office and the Iowa Arts Council, both divisions of the IEDA, with a focus on driving additional local spending and supporting economic growth. The projects receiving grant funding cover diverse cultural aspects and are designed to attract both residents and out-of-state visitors.

Among the awardees is Orchestra Iowa, which is set to receive $80,000 for the presentation of the beloved film “Field of Dreams” with a live symphony orchestra, a first-of-its-kind event that will take place at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids in June 2025. The Figge Art Museum in Davenport has been awarded $35,000 to host the Hidden Wonders Exhibit and Community Activations, featuring the popular “I Spy” series.

Other projects include the Alphonse Mucha Exhibit at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, which received $30,000 in funding; the Firelei Baez Exhibition at the Des Moines Art Center, awarded $40,000; the Danish Ceramics: Beyond Blue and White Exhibition at the Museum of Danish America, receiving $25,000 and the Razzle Dazzle building art wraps for ArtSplash anniversary by the Sioux City Art Center, awarded $40,000.

Tourism in Iowa generated $6.9 billion in expenditures in 2022, with more than $1.1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 68,607 people statewide. The state’s nonprofit arts and cultural organizations contribute more than $750 million of economic impact annually. These grants will further enhance Iowa’s reputation as a thriving cultural destination.