Eastern Iowa Arts Academy

The Eastern Iowa Arts Academy aims to accomplish several goals beyond the issues of equity and access to the arts by breaking financial barriers. We work to promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that our curriculum and programming reflect diverse perspectives and experiences that reflect our community and world. We also aim to help children develop their creativity and self-expression by providing opportunities to explore different art forms and express themselves through art. Many times children will have the opportunities for mentorship, training (such as in our recording studio), and resources to help them develop their skills and pursue careers in the arts. And finally, we provide a safe space for children to be themselves and have a place where they feel they can belong. A safe space is crucial for the success of our programming. It promotes participation, fosters creativity, builds trust, enhances learning, and promotes inclusivity. By creating a safe space, we are able to better achieve our mission, while also creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for our participants.

Develop an Inclusive Curriculum: To promote diversity and inclusion, the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy would develop a curriculum that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences. This would include working with artists and educators from different cultural backgrounds and incorporating diverse art forms into their programming.

Celebrate Diversity: Celebrating diversity and different perspectives can help promote creativity. By recognizing and valuing different cultural backgrounds and experiences, participants can draw inspiration from each other and create new and unique works of art.

Encourage Self-Expression: To help children develop their creativity and self-expression, the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy would provide opportunities for children to explore different art forms and express themselves through art.

Encourage Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration among participants and leaders can lead to new ideas and perspectives. By providing opportunities for participants to work with professional artists and musicians on a regular basis where they can and share their thoughts and ideas, the students gather creativity, innovation, and self-confidence.

Provide Resources: Providing resources, such as materials, tools, and technical equipment that children don't regularly use in schools or home, can enable participants to experiment and try out new ideas. This can help spark creativity and lead to new artistic endeavors.

Create a Safe and Welcoming Environment: To provide a safe space for children to be themselves and feel like they belong, the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy would create a welcoming environment, as well as providing resources and support for children who may need it.

At the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all. Our range of programs caters to participants of all ages, and we make it a point to offer financial aid to anyone who needs it, no questions asked. Our team is comprised of professional artists and musicians, who bring their expertise and passion to every aspect of our organization. From our band directors, who are all professional musicians, to our artists leading our classes, we ensure that participants receive top-notch guidance and instruction.

We take pride in offering a wide variety of supplies and equipment to our participants, including printmaking, papermaking, acrylic paints, bookbinding, watercolors, glass, and more. We also have a fully functioning darkroom, recording studio, rehearsal spaces, a variety of instruments, and digital art supplies, allowing participants to experiment and explore their creativity in many different ways.

At the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy, we recognize the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. We have Teen Hang nights designed specifically for teenagers interested in connecting with other like-minded individuals in our community. We also actively participate in LGBTQ+ events and strive to create a space where all students feel seen and valued. We are continually growing and evolving to meet the needs of our community and participants, and we are proud to offer a space where creativity and self-expression can thrive.

Our progress at the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy has been exceptional, and we are proud to report a significant increase in participation, even surpassing pre-pandemic levels. We are thrilled to see our students finding a safe haven within our walls, where they feel comfortable to be themselves and are encouraged to explore and express their creativity. Our staff is committed to working as a cohesive unit, taking the time to understand the unique needs of each student in order to better support their artistic development.

We have forged valuable partnerships with the Cedar Rapids Community Schools, the College Community School District, and other communities in the region, establishing ourselves as a hub for artistic excellence and community engagement. In addition, we have been building relationships with non-profits such as the Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, further embedding ourselves in the community as a valuable resource. Our unwavering commitment to our students and our community has been the driving force behind our success, and we look forward to continuing to grow and expand our impact.

Our future plans include:

Conducting further community outreach and increasing awareness of the programs and services the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy offers.

Offering new programs, evaluating current programs and exploring new areas where the Academy can offer opportunities for participants to develop their artistic skills and explore different forms of self-expression.

Improve our marketing by developing a comprehensive marketing strategy to better promote the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy and its offerings to the community.

Engaging more volunteers to help with programming, outreach, and other activities that can help the Academy expand its reach and impact. Volunteers can bring new skills and perspectives, and help build a stronger sense of community around the Academy's mission.