In 2023, Quad City Arts soared to new heights, driven by our community's steadfast support and our commitment to fostering the arts. Here's a snapshot of what we achieved together. Thank you to everyone that supported us in 2023, your support fueled significant innovations and growth. Key Milestones
Our Impact By Numbers
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion We continued our dedication to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion, seeing notable increases in the representation of BIPOC and female artists in our programs. Looking Forward We're profoundly grateful for the support from our donors, partners, and volunteers. Your contributions have been crucial in our mission to enrich the Quad City region through the arts. As we look to the future, we're excited about the possibilities and invite you to join us through our many events! Quad City Arts Unveils 2024 Arts Dollars Grant Awardees, Empowering Artists and Organizations with $115,000 in Funding In a significant boost to the Quad Cities' vibrant art scene, Quad City Arts is thrilled to announce the distribution of Arts Dollars grants for the year 2024. A total of $115,000 has been awarded, benefiting 24 esteemed organizations and 9 visionary individual artists. This initiative underscores Quad City Arts' commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering cultural enrichment within the community since its inception in 1990. Funding Sources This year's grants have been made possible through the generous support of the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency. Their commitment to the arts plays a critical role in sustaining and expanding the creative landscape of the Quad Cities. Grant Recipients The 2024 Arts Dollars grants encompass a wide array of projects, each uniquely contributing to the cultural tapestry of our community. This complete list of recipients showcases the breadth of creativity and commitment to community enrichment among Quad Cities' artists and organizations. Education Grants:
Project Grants:
Quad City Arts is committed to advocating for the arts as a vital component of a vibrant community. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, supporters, and the talented grant recipients of 2024. Together, we continue to make the Quad Cities a place where art and culture flourish! Sample organizational projects, clockwise from top left MLK Jr. Center, Mural by Mya Diabira, East Moline Main Street Window Holiday Art, Girl pARTs.
About Quad City Arts Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. Quad City Arts is supported by operating support grants from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, and the Quad City Cultural Trust. Quad City Arts, in partnership with Macerich NorthPark & Macerich SouthPark Malls, proudly announces the talented winners of the first 'Mini Murals at the Mall' competitions, held at NorthPark and SouthPark Malls on January 27-28 and February 17-18, respectively. These events not only showcased local artistic talent but also fostered community engagement and creativity. NorthPark Mall Winners: 1st Place: Mya Diabira—‘Untitled’ 2nd Place: Kyleigh Green—‘Community Colors’ 3rd Place: Amanda Stout—‘Synchronized Currents’ SouthPark Mall Winners: 1st Place: Jae Corales—‘The Indomitable Spirit: Urduja of Pangasinan’ 2nd Place: Laila Colleen Haley—‘Princess & the Pirate (& the Giant Sea Monster)’ 3rd Place: Laura Warner—‘Two States of Sunshine’ During these vibrant events, artists commenced their creations at 10 am on Saturday and worked until 5 pm on Sunday, transforming 3’ x 4’ canvases into captivating murals. Participants were provided with acrylic paint and brushes. Winners were determined through online People’s Choice voting via the Quad City Arts Facebook page, providing accessibility and the power of community involvement. The outpouring of support and engagement was astronomical! Reflecting on the experience, Mya Diabira, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to public art: "An art pieces' story that often remains hidden to the viewer is the process of building it. This community interactive event unveiled creation in the making. Everyone walks around with their own inner world. I'm thankful North Park mall allowed the diverse inner imagination that lives among others to be shared." Jae Corales, the winner of the SouthPark competition and a student at Western Illinois University, embraced the communal aspect of the event: "This was my first time painting a mural in a public place. It was challenging and I was so nervous the whole time. People sometimes stop by to ask questions about my piece and someone asked for advice to give their granddaughter who was 8, wondering how they can improve. I believe the only way to improve is to love what you’re doing. One can practice everyday for 10,000 hours but if they don’t enjoy their craft, they won’t reach their potential." Corales further highlighted the significance of infusing his Filipino heritage into his art, exemplifying Quad City Arts' commitment to celebrating diverse cultural narratives through artistic expression. The participating artists at NorthPark Mall included Catlynn Byrd, Dana Cabrera, Jesse Coughlin, Mya Diabira, Kyleigh Green, Reagan Harrington, Jessica Jenkins-McPeek, Snehal Nerpagar, Edward Nunn, Carlin Peterson, Sophia Putnam, Amanda Stout, and Megan Wassom. At SouthPark Mall, the competitors included Jae Florence Corales, Nelly Cortez, Laila Colleen Haley, Payton Hayward, Lauren Lamourt, Emma Reidhead, Caleb Roe, Dannielle Torres, Laura Warner, Joshua Whitaker, and Isaiah ‘Zay’ Williams. Quad City Arts envisions a future where the creation and celebration of art are woven into the fabric of our community. Events like the 'Mini Murals at the Mall' competition not only showcase the incredible talent of local artists but also foster a sense of belonging and cultural enrichment for residents and visitors alike. By providing platforms for artistic expression and engagement, we hope to inspire the emergence of more events that celebrate creativity and promote the vital role of the arts in enhancing our collective well-being. Thanks to Macerich, NorthPark and SouthPark Malls, who helped support our vibrant and inclusive arts community which enriches the lives of all who call the Quad Cities home. View the social media posts below to see all the entries for SouthPark Mall and NorthPark Mall! For more information about Quad City Arts and upcoming events, visit www.quadcityarts.com. The Rock Island Downtown Alliance and Quad City Arts are seeking two artists (or artist teams) for the design and installation of two public murals on exterior walls in Rock Island, Illinois. The murals will be created on separate concrete walls (one east-facing and one west-facing) in Arts Alley, a pedestrian area at 1719 2nd Avenue in the core of downtown. Together, the walls encompass more than 4,000 square feet.
“It’s hard to convey in digital renderings the impact these large-scale murals will have on both the downtown streetscape and the downtown economy as well,” said Jack Cullen, Executive Director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. “We believe these improvements, paired with plans to program Arts Alley, will bring more foot traffic downtown, and we are thrilled to take this next step with Quad City Arts and the City of Rock Island.” Interested and qualified artists are encouraged to complete the Request for Qualifications by Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 5:00 pm. Finalists will be selected based on qualifications and invited to submit designs. The Downtown Alliance and Quad City Arts will work with the building owners in Arts Alley and the City of Rock Island’s Arts & Beautification Commission to review proposals and seek public input during the selection process. “Nationally, cultural tourism is on the rise,” said Kevin Maynard, Executive Director of Quad City Arts. “We are happy to help organizations in the Quad Cities bring more art to our community. This project is extra special because it is literally right outside our door. We are excited to focus on creative placemaking with the Rock Island Downtown Alliance and the City of Rock Island.” The renovation of Arts Alley is one major component of the larger Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project with work slated to begin this spring. Other planned improvements to Arts Alley include a decorative walkway, lighting and signage; space for social gatherings and performances; weatherproof vendor stalls for seasonal pop-up shop programs; and additional art installations. The total budget for the improvements to Arts Alley is just over $534,000, with half of the project’s costs being funded by a $267,000 State of Illinois Tourism Attractions grant. The City of Rock Island is primarily funding the remaining costs with a combination of Downtown Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District funds and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. About Quad City Arts Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. About the Rock Island Downtown Alliance The Rock Island Downtown Alliance formed in 2023 as a joint effort between the public and private sectors to strengthen livability and quality of place in downtown Rock Island. The Downtown Alliance, an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber, partnered with the City of Rock Island to staff, manage and implement Downtown Special Service Area (SSA) programs. For media inquiries please contact: Kevin Maynard Executive Director, Quad City Arts kmaynard@quadcityarts.com 309.793.1213x101 Quad City Arts, in conjunction with Macerich NorthPark & Macerich SouthPark Malls, will be hosting two “Mini Murals at the Mall” competitions, January 27 and 28 at Macerich NorthPark Mall in Davenport, and February 17 and 18 at Macerich SouthPark Mall in Moline. A total of 19 emerging artists, 13 at NorthPark and 6 at SouthPark, have been selected to compete for $2000 in prizes. The artists will create 3’ x 4’ pieces on the walls in the mall, and winners will be selected via online voting.
At both events, artists will begin painting at 10am on Saturday, and have until 5pm on Sunday to complete their works. Artists are provided with acrylic paint and brushes by Quad City Arts, and may also supplement with their own materials. Contest winners will be determined by online People’s Choice voting conducted via the Quad City Arts Facebook page. 1st Place winners at each mall will receive $500, with 2nd and 3rd place winners taking home $300 and $200, respectively. Artists competing at NorthPark Mall will be Catlynn Byrd, Dana Cabrera, Jesse Coughlin, Mya Diabira, Kyleigh Green, Reagan Harrington, Jessica Jenkins-McPeek, Snehal Nerpagar, Edward Nunn, Carlin Peterson, Sophia Putnam, Amanda Stout, and Megan Wassom. At SouthPark, the competitors will be: Jae Florence Corales, Laila Haley, Lauren Lamourt, Emma Reidhead, Dannielle Torres, and Laura Warner. Quad City Arts Events Coordinator Ben Gougeon is excited to be bringing this new event to life. “It’s an opportunity for artists to bring their work to a new audience, and to bring public art into a new space. Especially for some of our local emerging artists, this provides them the opportunity to get their work seen by people who may not have otherwise been exposed.” He also noted that, organizationally, Quad City Arts is working on increasing attendance at arts events, which brings more visibility to the talent of local artists, and that this event checks all those boxes. He hopes folx will come out, support the artists, and get the chance to watch the process that goes into creating these beautiful works. Join us in celebrating emerging community artists through this painting competition. Discover the incredible talent within our local art scene and witness the transformation live in person! The Moline Public Art Commission (MPAC) recently commissioned the largest mural project in the City of Moline, and quite possibly the Quad Cities. This mural project has garnered a lot of coverage from local media, and has started a great conversation around public art, which we LOVE! Some commenters have been vocal about their disappointment that this project did not go to a local artist, and some believe this is a sign that the Quad Cities does not support local artists. While we understand the frustration, we also believe this cannot be further from the truth. Quad City Arts' role in most projects is not to choose the artwork, it is to facilitate and help the organization to reach its goals. This means we are uniquely situated to see the bigger picture, and in this instance support the choice made by MPAC. The Moline Public Art Commission operates from a Public Art and Placemaking Plan developed by the organization Renew Moline which was adopted by City Council. The negative comments have allowed Quad City Arts to see the validity of some comments and look at future projects and goals for our organization. Most importantly though, it is creating a bigger conversation around public art in the Quad Cities, and the more attention we can bring the more we can do! (Learn more about more than 50 public mural projects that we have facilitated by local artists or completed through our Metro Arts Murals projects: quadcityarts.com/public-murals) This blog post will not spend time comparing non-local mural artists to non-local performing artists or the sentiment to support locals while doing most of the shopping at “big box stores” because much like those scenarios, there is room for both. First, we need to start thinking about our public art as a collection. Much like an art museum does or you do with your personal collection. Art museums are great to visit because they have exhibits from around the world, and some have pieces from local artists as well. You may not think of the art you own as a collection, but it is. Think of what is on the walls in your home, some are from local artists and photographers, some come from your travels, and some may even come from Target. In both cases, these were curated by someone to be diverse in style, messaging, and themes. Some additional reasons why it's important to diversify a public art collection:
There should be a balance of local and non-local artwork and there is space in the Quad Cities for both! Thankfully, there are several projects that are currently in the works from cities in the Quad Cities Region. The conversation does not end here, come back next month for a post on how you (and your business) can support local artists! Quad City Arts announced that the Quad Cities nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $29,030,438 in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts. That economic activity of $16,253,537 in spending by nonprofit arts and culture organizations and $12,776,901 in event-related spending by their audiences supported 712 jobs and generated $6,169,570 in local, state, and federal government revenue. Spending by arts and culture audiences generates valuable commerce for local merchants, a value-add that few other industries can compete with. Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 uses a rigorous methodology to document the economic and social contributions of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study demonstrates that, locally as well as nationally, arts and culture are a critical economic driver of vibrant communities. “At Quad City Arts, we see firsthand the social impact of the arts on our community and on individuals, and we know that the arts have a significant impact on our local economy. With this study, we can put numbers to that impact. It is also worth highlighting that this study collects the impact of only non-profit arts and culture organizations in Scott and Rock Island Counties, it does not include the large number of for-profit arts and culture organizations,” said Kevin Maynard, Quad City Arts, Executive Director. Nationally, the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) study reveals that America’s nonprofit arts and culture sector is a $151.7 billion industry—one that supports 2.6 million jobs and generates $29.1 billion in government revenue. “Arts and culture organizations have a powerful ability to attract and hold dollars in the community longer. They employ people locally, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses, and produce the authentic cultural experiences that are magnets for visitors, tourists, and new residents,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “When we invest in nonprofit arts and culture, we strengthen our economy and build more livable communities.” AEP6 represents a reset from its previous versions, establishing a new benchmark in the AEP study series. ● Social Impact: For the first time, AEP6 expands beyond the economic and financial data to include social impact measurements of arts and culture’s effect on the well-being of communities and residents. ● Equity and Inclusion: AEP6 broke new ground by prioritizing equity, community engagement, and inclusivity. With the goal of reducing systemic bias, Americans for the Arts transformed its approach and expanded the inclusion and participation of organizations serving or representing BIPOC- (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and ALAANA- (African, Latine, Asian, Arab, Native American) identifying communities. Nationally, the extensive research reveals proportional economic and community impacts among attendees at BIPOC and ALAANA organizations to the overall national average. These findings should initiate new, and escalate existing, critical funding conversations about BIPOC and ALAANA organizations receiving fair and proportional financial support. Key figures from the Quad Cities AEP6 study include:
AEP6 demonstrates the significant economic and social benefits that arts and culture brings to their communities, states, and the nation. To amplify the study results and raise awareness of these widespread benefits with public and private-sector leaders, seventeen national organizations partnered with Americans for the Arts on AEP6:
The full report, a map of the 373 study regions, and a two-page economic impact summary for each, can be found at AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org. For more information, follow us @Americans4Arts The Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study was conducted by Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. It was supported by The Ruth Lilly Endowment Fund of Americans for the Arts. Americans for the Arts' 297 study partners contributed both time and financial support to the study. For a full list of the communities who participated in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study, visit AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org. The Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts proudly announce that work will begin today on the mural at 1405 5th Ave, Moline IL. The Moline Public Art Commission has chosen Brooklyn-based artists, Jari “WERC” Alvarez and Gera “GERALUZ” Lozano for a transformative public art project that will breathe new life into the heart of our community. WERC and GERALUZ will begin by projecting the design on the evening of Tuesday, October 17. The official ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on October 25th at 1405 5th Avenue, Moline, at 4:30 PM with an artist reception to follow inside Analog Pizza and Arcade. All are welcome to join! This exciting addition to the mural collection in Moline contributes to the well-being and vibrancy of the community, fostering cultural richness, and creating spaces that engage, educate, and inspire both residents and visitors. By incorporating public art into the fabric of our city, we strive to enhance the quality of life and promote Moline as a thriving cultural destination. Additionally, murals by non-local artists introduce a diversity of artistic styles and can attract attention on a broader scale, potentially drawing tourists and art enthusiasts to the area. This increased visibility can boost the city's reputation as a destination for art and culture. The Moline Public Art Commission is excited to have secured these artists with exceptional talent for this monumental project. Werc and Geraluz have the ability to transcend cultural boundaries and provoke dialogue through their art. Their work also aligns with the Moline Public Art Commission’s vision of fostering a more vibrant and culturally inclusive community. This is the commission’s first public art mural since it was formed in late 2021, and the commission is excited to provide additional mural and art opportunities throughout the city of Moline, including both local and non-local artists as placemaking plans continue to develop. BACKGROUND: GERALUZ Gera Lozano was born in the Amazon jungle of Peru and was raised in Newark, NJ from the age of 9. She has an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute in New Genres. Gera Lozano is a conceptual artist based out of Brooklyn, New York. Using photos, video, artist books, and public art in her process, Lozano’s practice intentionally beautifies and brings to light both sacred patterns and the patterns woven into our social fabric. Both her studio and public artwork carry the energy of cultures’ dreams, that transform the ethnography and the current zeitgeist into abstract geometric designs. GERALUZ, as she is also known in the street art world, projects designs of living cultures that reflect the energetic fields of optical perception. Lozano‘s artwork has been funded by the Creative Work Fund, the Zellerbach Foundation, the NEA; and is part of the Smithsonian American Art Archives. GERA’s public artwork can be seen throughout the Americas, in collaboration with agencies such as; The Washington State Arts Commission, The New York City Department of Transportation, The New York City Economic Corporation, The Trust for Public Land, The Municipality of Asuncion Paraguay, City of El Paso Museum Cultural Affairs Department, Sun Metro Rapid Transit System, Lower East Side Partnership, The Rockefeller Group & Creative Art Works. GERA’s art has been featured in Interior Design, Art Practical, The Manhattan Times, NJ monthly magazine, Street Art New York City, CBS, NJTV NEWS, and Univision. (www.geralozano.com) WERC Jari WERC Alvarez was born in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. (1980) and grew up in El Paso TX. It is on this border where it all began for Werc; 21 years ago, he became part of the graffiti movement and began his artistic career. WERC’s work is an aggregate of culture, symbols, graffiti, and design. WERC’s work brings wonder into the urban environment with a free-flowing aesthetic, inspired by the dream-like nature of surrealism and grounded in geometry. WERC explores the balance in the aspects of duality and the politics of identity and believes art can weave communities' thoughts and aspirations. WERC’s is a public artist currently based out of NYC, who paints murals throughout the world; His studio-based works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, such as Musée de Aquitaine, MCASD, CAMLA, MOM, and are part of the Getty's special collections, the Smithsonian American Art Archives & the Cheech Marin Chicano Art Collection. WERC has participated in several mural festivals and initiatives such as the UK's See No Evil 2012, MX Color Walk 2014, & Peru’s Latido Americano 2016. In 2014 & 2015 WERC’s murals made the Top 10 murals of NYC and has been named one of the Top 10 most talented Street Artists in New York City. WERC’s client list includes Sony Pictures, Google, Heineken, PANTONE, BULGARI, and the San Diego International Airport, amongst many others, and has been published in various books, magazines, and media such as; Mural Art, Artillery Magazine, Graffiti Planet, and others. (www.wercworldwide.com) About the Moline Public Art Commission The Moline Public Art Commission, formed in 2021, advises the City’s Corporate Authorities in all matters pertaining to City-sponsored art in the Downtown Moline Public Art Program Area, as identified in the Public Art Master Plan approved and adopted by the City Council. The Commission’s primary goal is to increase the public’s awareness of all visual arts, including, but not limited to, the exhibition of sculpture, paintings, mosaics, photography, and video. The Public Art Commission is responsible for interpreting and reviewing proposed Public Art projects in Downtown Moline, Cultural Corridors, and Public Art Program areas. About Quad City Arts Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad Cities region through the arts. Their contribution can be seen in providing public art installations through the Public Sculpture Program, providing arts and culture programming through the Visiting Artist Series, involving residents in the decision-making process related to public art in the Metro Arts Program, encouraging economic development through arts and tourism, and collaborations and partnerships throughout the Quad Cities Metro Area. For media inquiries and further details, please contact: Kevin Maynard, Quad City Arts Executive Director, KMaynard@quadcityarts.com, 309.793.1213 ext. 101 Jeffrey S. Dismer, Moline Public Art Commission Chair, jdismer@studio483.com, Cell: 309-269-2301 The Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts are seeking the design and installation of a public mural for an exterior wall in Moline, Illinois. The mural will be on the west-facing brick wall of 1405 5th Avenue and will be above the patio of a popular local restaurant. The mural will be highly visible as 5th Avenue is a heavily used downtown Moline corridor only blocks away from Mercado on Fifth. This addition to the collection of public art in Moline is intended to enhance community pride, local quality of life, beautification, and creative placemaking, as well as increase the public’s awareness of visual arts in Moline. This mural project is jointly undertaken by the Moline Public Art Commission and Quad City Arts. The Moline Public Art Commission is excited to begin the process of finding a mural artist and believes this is an excellent partnership between two entities that share a similar goal. “We are excited to implement this major art installation to be funded by the City of Moline through our commission,” said Jeff Dismer, Moline Public Art Commission Chair. “Earlier this year we sponsored the installation of four public sculptures through the rotating sculpture program with Quad City Arts, and the 5th Avenue Mural will build on our goals to enhance the richness of character and make our downtown a more vibrant place to live, work, play, visit and learn.” The Public Art Commission, formed in 2021, advises the City’s Corporate Authorities in all matters pertaining to City-sponsored art in the Downtown Moline Public Art Program Area, as identified in the Public Art Master Plan approved and adopted by the City Council. The Commission’s primary goal is to increase the public’s awareness of all visual arts, including, but not limited to, the exhibition of sculpture, paintings, mosaics, photography, and video. The Public Art Commission is responsible for interpreting and reviewing proposed Public Art projects in Downtown Moline, Cultural Corridors, and Public Art Program areas. “Nationally, cultural tourism is on the rise,” Kevin Maynard, Executive Director of Quad City Arts. “We are happy to help organizations in the Quad Cities to bring more art to our community. This is an exciting project and an excellent placemaking step for the city of Moline, and for the Quad Cities to grow our community collection of public art.” Quad City Arts is a nonprofit local arts agency dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the Quad City region through the arts. For more information about the open call, and to apply visit https://www.quadcityarts.com/moline-mural Learn more about the Moline Public Art Commission: https://moline.il.us/1794/Public-Art-Commission
The Visiting Artist Series is turning 50 this year, and schools are invited to schedule engagements for the next school year with these artists. Schools will have access to professional performing artists who celebrate the diversity of the students and communities we serve as Quad City Arts also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the season. The series will provide outreach visits featuring music from Sweden, Japan, Quebec, Ireland, and Middle Eastern/American jazz, plus a bilingual children's theatre production, a female Muslim hip-hop dancer accompanied by a DJ, Native American music and dance, and a visual arts experience. As a keystone program of Quad City Arts, the Visiting Artist Series, which started in 1974 to present multi-disciplinary performing arts residencies in schools and community sites, has brought in 476 residencies, more than 830 artists, over 10,400 school visits, more than 450 concerts, and just over 2.73 million reached. In the 2022-2023 season alone, the series impacted 29,352 K-12 and college students. The 2023-2024 season is filled with music, dance, and theater from diverse cultures presented by acclaimed artists. Native Pride Productions, founded by Larry Yazzie, will visit in December 2023 to share stories and teaches about traditional Native American as well as contemporary styles of dance blended with traditional Native American and mainstream music during his solo and troupe performances. Internationally recognized hip-hop dancer, choreographer, and teacher, Amirah Sackett will be in residence February 2024. She explores and embodies her Muslim American identity through combining hip-hop movement and Islamic themes. She reached viral video fame after being featured on POPSUGAR Celebrity, The Huffington Post, AJ+, and Upworthy. Visiting in April 2024, Wanees Zarour is an award winning Palestinian-American composer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist steeped in maqam and jazz music. Zarour directs the Middle East Music Ensemble at the University of Chicago, co-directs the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra, and leads 'East Loop,' a septet that explores the intersections between the maqam and jazz traditions. As a passionate origami artist and teacher, Kuniko Yamamoto enchants audiences of every age with dramatic storytelling using myths and fables from ancient and modern Japan, spiced with social revelations to educate and amuse. Her residency will include a Japanese tea ceremony at Quad City Arts in May 2024. The 2023-2024 series celebrates the impact of both arts in schools and arts experiences for the Quad Cities community. The full roster of artists in residence is as follows:
Teachers and principals of all Quad City Area schools are invited to schedule an arts engagement for their students from a professional performing artist during the upcoming school year through Quad City Arts’ Visiting Artist Series. Residency host sites can sign up for visits ranging from all-school performances to hands-on workshops or performance opportunities with artists in residence hosted by Quad City Arts. School staff from public and private schools can schedule residency engagements for this fall and next spring by visiting www.quadcityarts.com/vas-scheduling. Community sites will be able to schedule engagements for their patrons and clients in the coming weeks through the same website. More details will be posted on www.quadcityarts.com/vas. The series serves students and community members in Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine Counties in Iowa, and Henry, Rock Island, and Mercer Counties in Illinois. Since 1974, the Visiting Artist Series has engaged Quad City residents of all ages in quality arts experiences with professional performing artists. Artists of various disciplines present demonstrations, workshops, and master classes at pre-K sites, elementary, intermediate, and high schools as well as college campuses and community organizations. For more information on this residency program, visit www.quadcityarts.com/vas. |
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