ARC 0578D

ARC 0578D

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY[261]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to artist professional development program
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Economic Development Authority (Authority) hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 306, “Operational Support Partnership Program for Major Arts Organizations,” and to adopt a new Chapter 306, “Artist Professional Development Program,” Iowa Administrative Code.

Legal Authority for Rulemaking

    This rulemaking is proposed under the authority provided in Iowa Code sections 15.106A(1)“m” and 17A.7(3).

State or Federal Law Implemented

    This rulemaking implements, in whole or in part, Iowa Code sections 15.106A(1)“m,” 15.436 and 15.467 and 2 CFR Part 200.

Purpose and Summary

    Pursuant to Executive Order 10, the Authority proposes to rescind Chapter 306 and to adopt a new chapter in lieu thereof. The current chapter describes the Operational Support Partnership Program for Major Arts Organizations, which provided financial support for general operational expenses of arts organizations and will be discontinued. 

    This proposed new chapter describes the Artist Professional Development Program (program) that will provide financial assistance to individual Iowa artists to advance their artistic practices and elevate the creative industry in Iowa. The proposed new chapter implements consolidation of arts appropriations and programs in 2025 Iowa Acts, House File 975. The legislation authorized creation of an arts and culture enhancement fund that will be utilized for broad purposes related to the arts, including this proposed program.

Regulatory Analysis

    A Regulatory Analysis for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on June 10, 2026. A public hearing was held on the following date(s):

     ?   June 30, 2026

Fiscal Impact

    This rulemaking has no fiscal impact to the State of Iowa.

Jobs Impact

    After analysis and review of this rulemaking, no impact on jobs has been found.

Waivers

    Any person who believes that the application of the discretionary provisions of this rulemaking would result in hardship or injustice to that person may petition the Authority for a waiver of the discretionary provisions, if any, pursuant to 7—Chapter 2504.

Public Comment

    Any interested person may submit written or oral comments concerning this proposed rulemaking, which must be received by the Authority no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 6, 2026. Comments should be directed to:

Public Hearing

    Public hearings at which persons may present their views orally or in writing will be held as follows:

    Persons who wish to make oral comments at a public hearing may be asked to state their names for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of this proposed rulemaking.

    Any persons who intend to attend a public hearing and have special requirements, such as those related to hearing or mobility impairments, should contact the Authority and advise of specific needs.

Review by Administrative Rules Review Committee

    The Administrative Rules Review Committee, a bipartisan legislative committee which oversees rulemaking by executive branch agencies, may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this rulemaking at its regular monthly meeting or at a special meeting. The Committee’s meetings are open to the public, and interested persons may be heard as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.8(6).

    The following rulemaking action is proposed:

    ITEM 1.  Rescind 261—Chapter 306 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 306

ARTIST PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

261—306.1(15) Purpose. The artist professional development program (program) provides financial support to individual Iowa artists to undertake activities that advance the artists’ artistic practices and elevate the creative industry in Iowa.

261—306.2(15) Definitions. The definitions listed in 261—Chapter 305 apply to this chapter.

261—306.3(15) Eligible applicants. To be eligible for program funding, an applicant must meet the definition of “artist” in rule 261—305.1(15) by creating, practicing, or producing work as a visual or performing artist, filmmaker, musician, or creative writer and must otherwise meet the requirements of rule 261—305.5(15).

261—306.4(15) Eligible projects. Eligible projects are one-time professional development activities that advance applicants’ professional or artistic capacity, enhance their artistic practice, or allow them to learn new or more advanced techniques to support their artistic work. Types of eligible projects include participating in professional development conferences, workshops, courses, apprenticeships, and mentorships.

261—306.5(15) Ineligible projects. Projects that fall outside the scope of rule 261—306.4(15) or can be categorized as follows are ineligible:

    1.   Initiated by, managed by, or that benefit an entity or organization with which the applicant has a formal affiliation such as employment or volunteer service.

    2.   Result in the applicant receiving course credit, a degree, or certification.

    3.   Involve fundraising activities, including benefit events.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code sections 15.436 and 15.467.