OUR MISSION

The Dubuque Arts Council enriches lives by connecting students and communities to the transformative power of the arts.

About Us

The Dubuque Arts Council was founded in 1969 by a group of dedicated residents who believed in the power of the arts to inspire young people. Their mission was simple: to bring outstanding performers from around the world into Dubuque area schools and spark a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

What began with a handful of schools has grown into a vibrant program reaching more than 20,000 students in 31 schools—and that number continues to rise. Support from the Community Foundation of Jackson County has helped us expand our reach to the Ohnward Fine Arts Center in Maquoketa, where roughly 1,600 students from 16 Jackson County schools take part in our Artist in Residence program.

Because we believe arts appreciation is a lifelong pursuit, our work extends beyond the classroom. Each summer, we present Music at the Star, a free concert series held Sunday evenings at the Alliant Amphitheatre beginning on Father’s Day. It’s a community tradition that brings families and friends together for six weeks of live music under the stars.

Our operations are supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the City of Dubuque. To learn more about how the National Endowment for the Arts’ American Rescue Plan Act Grants for Local Arts Agencies impact communities nationwide, visit arts.gov.

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Guided by a shared passion for the arts, our board members dedicate their time, expertise, and energy to supporting the Dubuque Arts Council’s mission. Their commitment ensures that our programs continue to inspire, educate, and entertain the community year after year.

BOARD MEMBERS

  • Michael Coyle

    PRESIDENT

  • Hunter Fuerste

    VICE PRESIDENT

  • Barry Nudd

    TREASURER

  • Lynn Wacker

    SECRETARY

  • Bill Biebuyck

    MEMBER

  • Holly Brimeyer

    MEMBER

  • Matt Diercks

    MEMBER

  • Roberto Dominguez

    MEMBER

  • Colette Downs

    MEMBER

  • Dan Flynn

    MEMBER

  • Dave Grable

    MEMBER

  • Sarah Hasken

    MEMBER

  • Jeanne Kramer

    MEMBER

  • Linda Nudd

    MEMBER

  • Shirley Davis Orwoll

    MEMBER

  • Mantea Schmid

    MEMBER

  • Al Schockemoehl

    MEMBER

  • Hugo Tarquino

    MEMBER

  • Sumit Verma

    MEMBER

  • Dennis Williams

    MEMBER

  • Mark Stewart

    OFFICE MANAGER