Colts Continue As Iowa Arts Council Cultural Leadership Partner With FY2020 Operating Support Grant

July 21, 2019

The Colts Youth Organization was recently honored to receive a Cultural Leadership Partner Operating Support Grant from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. The organization received a grant award of $20,000. This is the second year of a three-year grant cycle.

Cultural Leadership Partners demonstrate their investment in a rich cultural environment that improves the quality of life for all Iowans. Partners are selected every three years and receive grant funds to support operating costs throughout the three-year cycle. The Colts were selected because of their exemplary record of programming, managerial excellence and community service on a year-round basis to the citizens of Iowa.

“Iowa is becoming known as a culturally vibrant state with world-class arts and cultural offerings, where engaging experiences revitalize communities with unique characteristics and local charm,” said Chris Kramer, director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. "These projects represent Iowa as a place that values the creative sector as an economic driver, contributing to a productive business climate and a diversified economy."

Research shows that investments in arts and culture — in museums, performances and historic buildings, for example — help communities boost tourism, attract businesses, retain workers and improve the overall quality of life for residents. Accordingly, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs helps Iowans invest in the people, places and points of pride that define our state.

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs announced in late June that it has awarded more than $2.1 million in grants for art, film, history and culture. The state agency also designated or redesignated 22 communities as Iowa Great Places or Cultural and Entertainment Districts.

Colts programs serve young people who desire high levels of challenge, achievement and success and they carry an expectation that members are committed to hard work and dedication. The organization has been in continuous existence since their founding in 1963. The Colts are proud to represent Iowans across the country each summer as "Iowa's Ambassadors of Music."

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