Civic Center Receives Funding For Family Programming

The Civic Center of Greater Des Moines announces the receipt of two new grants supporting new programming initiatives in the Civic Center's 2009-2010 season.

Iowa Arts Council grant helps civic center reach families with young children
The new Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series will provide age appropriate professional theater programs and educational opportunities for families with children ages 4-10. This will be the first time the Civic Center has offered a theater series specifically for families. The 2009-2010 Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series include A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD, THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR AND OTHER ERIC CARLE FAVOURITES, and CREOLE FOR KIDZ AND THE HISTORY OF THE ZYDECO. To make these experiences accessible, the Family Series performances will be offered at a price of $10 per ticket, similar to that of a movie ticket.

The Civic Center received vital support from an Arts in Education Major Grant from the Iowa Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. This grant will help underwrite artist fees associated with the Family Series and support educational activities and materials related to the Series.

Arts Midwest Grant Helps Bring Japanese Drumming to Iowa Residents
On Sunday, April 11, 2010, the Civic Center will present San Jose Taiko, one of the premier taiko drumming ensembles in the United States. This presentation will partner the Civic Center with local Asian American groups such as the Iowa Asian Alliance and Japanese American Society of Iowa to market the event and provide unique participation opportunities.

The Civic Center's presentation of San Jose Taiko is being funded in part by Arts Midwest's Performing Arts Fund. The Arts Midwest funding will directly support the artist fee paid to San Jose Taiko. Arts Midwest's Performing Arts Fund is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art, with additional contributions from the Iowa Arts Council, General Mills Foundation, and Land O'Lakes Foundation. You may find out more information about Arts Midwest and its programs at www.artsmidwest.org.

For a complete schedule of family programming at the Civic Center, please visit CivicCenter.org.

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