The Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) has announced awards totaling $7,000 for four public art projects through its Matching Grant Program, which matches funds up to $2,000 for local visual, audio, or performance-based art.
Proposals are submitted by artists, and members of PAAC make final award selections. The program, which was initiated in the fall of 2015, has provided over $25,000 in funds for local arts opportunities.
Additional funds through the Matching Grant Program are currently available. Artists interested must apply by 5 p.m. August 21, 2020. The application form can be found at icgov.org/publicart.
The most recently approved projects include:
Wild Prairie Winds Music in the Park Concert Series – The Wild Prairie Winds, a profession Wind Quintet, will perform four chamber music concerts in various City parks to promote environmental awareness in the Midwest. Concerts will be scheduled in the Spring 2021 and updates will be provided via wildprairiewinds.com.
Bloomington Street Head Start HACAP Mural Project – Iowa City artists Thomas Agran and Sayuri Sasaki Heman will create a mural on the west facing wall of the building at 318 E Bloomington Street featuring colors and designs inspired by the children who participate in the Head Start Program in that building. The mural is set to be completed in September of 2020.
Sprites – Jason Snell, a multidisciplinary artist, will install a motion sensor system that detects pedestrian traffic in the alley between S Dubuque and S Linn Street /Washington St and Iowa Avenue. The motion will trigger a lighting response as if a ”sprite” entity is coming to welcome the visitor. The installation will complement a permanent art exhibit in the alley created by the Iowa City Downtown District and Slingshot Architecture.
Open Air Media Festival – Public Space One Media Arts Coop will create a video art projection performance in several locations throughout Iowa City. The series will activate spaces not usually inhabited with visual art creating a sense of surprise but also safe accessibility for viewers. The performances are expected to occur Saturdays, July 25 and August 15 – both 9:00 – 11:00 PM. For updates and specific location information, go to publicspaceone.com.
For more information on these projects, the Matching Grant Project, or the Iowa City Public Art program, visit www.icgov.org/publicart or contact Marcia Bollinger at 319-356-5237 or Marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org.