Location: Iowa

From teams of co-workers and family events to simple merriment, the love of games is creating community in a time of pervasive loneliness and disconnection.

These state-specific gatherings are essential to capacity-building and connection in the arts field.

At LIAL, a hodgepodge of letters, diaries, doodles, recipes, magazines and 'GAY ART' is an ever-growing archive of distinctly Iowan queer materials.

From catsup bottles and coffee pots to pumpkins and ears of corn, the Midwest skyline is dotted with uniquely industrial artistry.

In the 1980s, Horn Elementary School students in Iowa City kindled a pen pal relationship with Keith Haring. In 1989, the artist visited Horn to paint a mural, which remained untouched at the school for 35 years. Beginning on May 4, the public will be able to view the work for the first time alongside other memorabilia from Haring's time in Iowa City.

How Jordan’s “Musical Ambassadress” teamed up with Oskaloosa’s local choir for a week of cultural exchange and learning.

From 2019-24, we supported six partners as they created unique artist residencies with their communities. Here’s what we learned along the way.

During 2020, spoken-word-artist Akwi Nji couldn't get on stage anymore to express herself in front of live audiences, so she turned to visual art. It led to a complete overhaul of her artistic mindset — one that included shredding (literally) her early material.

Trappist Caskets, located near the New Melleray Abbey in northeast Iowa, prayerfully serves families and the land.

Marissa Hernandez invited young people from this small-town community to help paint murals that amplify culture and representation.