Northeast Iowa arts crowdfunding initiative aims to raise money for multiple projects

Artistic is the only project requirement. And happening in Allamakee, Winneshiek, Howard, Clayton, Fayette, Chickasaw or Buchanan counties.

A regional crowdfunding initiative is underway to raise $5,000 for each of six arts projects in the seven counties served by the nonprofit Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation and Development Inc. (RC&D).  The projects can be anything from an opera house renovation or a public art installation to a theatrical event, student apprenticeships or a new pottery kiln.

"Imagination is the only limitation," says Lora Friest, executive director of the Northeast Iowa RC&D, based in Postville.

Local artists, art collaboratives, schools, communities and art enthusiasts have until Dec. 31 to apply for funding through IowaART.org, then an RC&D committee of artists and granting experts will select six projects. Each one will be documented and uploaded to that website in February and March, allowing the public 60 days to make tax-deductible donations in any amount toward any of the projects.

"This is the first time we've done it, and as far as I know, the first time anyone in the state has tried this," Friest says of the regional crowdfunding concept. "Of course, it has happened nationally and internationally, but as far as I know, no one has done this for the arts in Iowa yet."

FilmScene in Iowa City launched a similar initiative in August, raising $91,000 in 35 days through Indigogo.com, another online crowdfunding tool. That was the final kick needed to open doors to a new downtown art-house cinema.

"We see more and more that funders want opportunities to donate online," Friest says. "There really is a disconnect between what people want to do in the arts and how the funders find out about those things and how to connect with them. This just opens up a whole new opportunity for both the people who want to advance the arts and the givers."

Friest sees it as the wave of the future for fundraising, especially for donors who don't want to write a check or drive somewhere to give $5, but will click on a website to donate that -- or any amount they can afford. The numbers quickly add up.

Crowdfunding also reaches out to the tech-savvy generation, she says, noting that the volunteer selection committee includes several young adults, as well as established artists and programming professionals.

"To see the energy and the dynamics when you give young people an opportunity to participate in giving, it's really fun," she says. "They are givers also, and I don't think we tap into that. They want to shape their communities. Young people are excited to have trails come in, they're excited to have the arts, music (and) local foods.  Many of them are in a position to contribute, if we can show them and inspire them on how to do that.  Through the Internet, I think we'll be able to do that. We need to be on top of it."

Friest would love to see the program "explode" and spur similar initiatives around the state.

"I hope that other people learn from it," she says. "I would love to try this also with historic sites and other things. If we can get people understanding all the options they have to impact their community through giving, we can get them really excited."

FAST TAKE

• Information: IowaART.org, Northeastiowarcd.org or (563) 864-7112
• Donations: IowaART.org or Northeast Iowa RC&D, P.O. Box 916, Postville, IA 52162