The Iowa Arts Council strengthens and connects Iowa’s creative community through regional and statewide convenings that enable arts leaders to more effectively serve their communities.
Statewide Conferences
The Exchange
The Exchange is an annual gathering for Iowans working to enhance community and economic development through arts, culture and creativity. Attendees will come together to share ideas, discover resources and explore solutions for building stronger communities through cross-sector partnerships, placemaking and place keeping.
The Exchange
The 2026 Exchange is presented in partnership with Pottawattamie Arts, Culture and Entertainment (PACE) and will highlight recent placemaking initiatives in the Council Bluffs area.
Iowa Fine Arts Education Summit
Held every other year, the Iowa Fine Arts Education Summit is the premiere statewide conference for K-12 fine arts teachers; nonprofit, college and university arts educators; and teaching artists to network, learn and explore ideas through Iowa’s Fine Arts Education Standards.
It is presented in partnership with the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Alliance for Arts Education.
Iowa Artist Retreat
Through the Iowa Artist Retreat program, the IEDA provides targeted inquiry-based programming to support the financial knowledge, habits, and self-efficacy of Iowa artists. The two-day, in-person professional development experience is designed to support Iowa artists in strengthening their creative practices, building meaningful connections across disciplines, and increasing their professional sustainability.
Iowa Artist Retreat
A comprehensive educational program for Iowa Artists will be held over a two-day period in Grinnell, Iowa.
Contact the Arts & Culture Team
Have a general question? Email artscouncil@IowaEDA.com
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