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Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, is pleased to receive a Cultural Leadership Partners Grant for $20,000 in support of the museum's work to advance arts and culture in Iowa. "It is very gratifying to receive this generous support from the Iowa Arts Council in recognition of the important role arts and culture play in economic development," said Chris Johnson, Vesterheim President. "We appreciate the work of the legislators in making this possible." Funding for the program is made possible by annual appropriations from the Iowa Legislature to the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). Vesterheim will use the funding for the 2024 "National Norwegian-American Folk Art Exhibition." This annual exhibition is a collection of amazing artwork entered by fantastic contemporary artists from all over the country. The exhibit celebrates the past, present, and future of folk art by encouraging and inspiring emerging and established folk artists to develop their craft. In all, Vesterheim was one of 131 Iowa organizations and Iowans to be approved for funding through IEDA grant programs. More specifically, Vesterheim is one of 77 leading arts, cultural, and heritage organizations to receive the Cultural Leadership Partners grant – a program that supports Iowa organizations that maintain high standards, attract tourists, generate economic activity, and sustain high-quality jobs. The state's investment in the arts, culture, and creative industries is enhanced by funding from two federal agencies, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and administered by the Iowa Arts Council, which became part of the IEDA on July 1 along with Produce Iowa, the State Office of Film and Media, and the State Historic Preservation Office. Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org and Vesterheim social media. For more information on exhibits, classes, programs, tours, membership opportunities, and ways to donate and volunteer, connect at vesterheim.org, (563) 382-9681, and Vesterheim, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.

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Vesterheim Funds Annual Folk Art Exhibition with Grant Awarded from the Iowa Arts Council