Eastern Iowa Arts Academy receives Variety — the Children’s Charity grant to fund art supplies

CEDAR RAPIDS — Eastern Iowa Arts Academy has received a grant from Variety -the Children’s Charity to fund art supplies for area children.

Eastern Iowa Arts Academy is a nonprofit organization serving Cedar Rapids offering classes in art, music, drama, dance, cultural arts and creative writing for K-12 students at little or no cost.

The Variety grant will be used to relieve financial burdens for area children by supplying art materials for classes, home kits and local "Art Huts" in the community, which are distributed to area schools and neighborhoods, refilled regularly with new art materials by Academy staff.

"The academy is so thankful for these supplies, especially during a stressful time for many children who are suffering mentally from the pandemic. Many of these students do not have the financial means necessary to embrace the emotional outlet that the arts provide," said Heather Wagner, the academy’s director of operations. "This grant from Variety will help kids have the tools to be creative and put those feelings into their art."

About Variety — the Children’s Charity of Iowa

Variety — the Children’s Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill or living with special needs. Grant funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children.

For more information on Variety grants and programs, visit varietyiowa.com.