Iowa Arts Council Grant Received For New Auditorium And Bandshell Programming In Ames

Press release from the City of Ames:

February 23, 2021

The Ames City Auditorium and Durham Bandshell received a grant of $5,000 from the Iowa Arts Council and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs at the end of last year as part of the Iowa Arts and Culture Emergency Relief Fund. The award was established to cover unbudgeted expenses due to the coronavirus public health emergency. Part of the grant was used to pay artist fees for the “Muni Band and More” concert series. The remaining funds were used to purchase livestreaming equipment so the facilities could begin offering virtual programming.

“Having this equipment allows us to serve our community in a new way, and that’s really exciting,” said Auditorium, Bandshell and Community Center Manager Craig Kaufman. “It also gives us a chance to reach those who may not have been to one of our events before.”

The Auditorium is currently presenting a virtual concert series utilizing local musicians and plans are underway for future online programming. For more information, please contact Craig Kaufman at 515.239.5365 or craig.kaufman@cityofames.org

The Parks and Recreation Department manages 38 parks and offers approximately 180 athletic, aquatic, instructional, and wellness programs. Indoor programs are provided year-round at the Community Center, Ames/ISU Ice Arena, and Municipal Pool. For more information on Ames Parks and Recreation, please call the Community Center at 515.239.5350.

This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author’s own.