Arts Center at Iowa Western

Youth Series Field Trips for Thousands of K-12 Students

When the two performers walk out onto the stage at the Arts Center, a hush falls over the crowd of hundreds of excited 3rd and 4th graders, from the bus ride from their elementary school and filing down the steps to the auditorium, they are finally in their seats for a memorable field trip experience to see a unique musical percussion performance by Collision of Rhythm. Before the Arts Center opened in 2000, the Iowa West Foundation supported the facility and its programming for southwest Iowans of all ages. This year, IWF is the sole Youth Series sponsor. By focusing on school outreach, youth in the community can take advantage of what is available in their own backyard at no cost to their families. 

“Each year we bring more than 4,000 students from Council Bluffs and surrounding communities to see the Omaha Symphony or a nationally touring performing artist, free of charge. These unique arts experiences help to develop well-rounded students and we simply could not provide these opportunities without the Iowa West Foundation.”

Tim Dickmeyer, Director, Arts Center at IWCC

Grant Details

Iowa West Foundation has awarded $30,000 yearly for the past eight years to support the general operations of the Arts Center at Iowa Western. When bus availability and costs were challenged, the Foundation granted an additional $4,000 to cover the students’ transportation costs. Since the facility’s grand opening, Foundation grants toward Arts Center programming have totaled approximately $766,000, in addition to the $2.8 million spent on building it.

Grant Outcomes

Performances at venues in southwest Iowa provide students from the region the opportunity to experience the arts within their communities. Research has shown participation in the arts to positively affect wellbeing. By participating in these field trips alongside their peers as part of a curriculum, students gain a sense of belonging to and in the arts community.