About

The Dubuque Arts Council was founded in 1969 by a dedicated group of residents whose mission was to bring outstanding performers from many disciplines to perform in Dubuque area schools as an inspiration for young people. 

For 56 years, the Dubuque Arts Council has been bringing arts and education to tri-state students. During the past two seasons, in partnership with the University of Dubuque, Heritage Center, our Artist in Residence program introduced four international artists to area school communities: Manhu, featuring music from China’s Stone Village; the UnniBoksasp Ensemble, a quartet that shares the music and dance of Norway; Sofi and the Baladis, an Israeli folk band that performs ancient Samaritan melodies; and Ondezoka, a Japanese troupe specializing in the powerful sounds and rhythms of taiko drumming. The council has complemented this year’s international artist schedule with Hank Fincken’s one-man show on the life of Thomas Edison and with Fly Dance Company, an all-male theatrical hip hop dance company from Houston, Texas.

Having started off many years ago with limited school participation and students, we now serve some 20,000 students in 31 schools---and that number is growing. For a second season, grant support from The Community Foundation of Jackson County will enable us to deliver programming to the Onward Fine Arts Center in Maquoketa. Approximately 1,600 students from 16 schools in Jackson County will enjoy the Artist In Residence program, a wonderful opportunity to expose this next generation to the Arts.

Because the council believes arts appreciation is a life-long pursuit, we are proud to present Music at the Star in addition to our school programming. Each consecutive Sunday evening for seven weeks, starting on Father’s Day, area residents of all ages can enjoy free musical entertainment at the Alliant Amphitheatre. This is a perfect way to spend a relaxing evening with family and friends.

Dubuque Arts Council’s operations are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Dubuque. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts American Rescue Plan Act Grants to Local Arts Agencies for Subgranting impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. 

Pop artist Romero Britto once said, “art is too important not to share.” All that the Dubuque Arts Council offers is made possible because you have generously shared your resources with us. We are profoundly grateful. We are also hopeful you will continue this wonderful support, helping us to introduce and nurture the numerous benefits of Arts and Education.