ARC 0579D

ARC 0579D

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY[261]

Notice of Intended Action

Proposing rulemaking related to art project grant program
and providing an opportunity for public comment

    The Economic Development Authority (Authority) hereby proposes to rescind Chapter 307, “Project Grant Programs,” and to adopt a new Chapter 307, “Art Project Grant 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 307 and adopt a new chapter in lieu thereof. This proposed chapter describes the Art Project Grant Program (program). The program provides financial support for high-quality and publicly accessible art projects in Iowa.

    This proposed 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 307 and adopt the following new chapter in lieu thereof:

CHAPTER 307

ART PROJECT GRANT PROGRAM

261—307.1(15) Purpose. The art project grant program (program) provides financial support for high-quality and publicly accessible art projects in Iowa.

261—307.2(15) Definitions. The definitions listed in 261—Chapter 305 apply to this chapter.

261—307.3(15) Eligible applicants. To be eligible for program funding, an applicant must qualify either as an eligible entity under subrule 307.3(1) or as an eligible individual under subrule 307.3(2) and otherwise meet the requirements of rule 261—305.4(15).

    307.3(1) Entities applying for an award must fall into one of the following categories:

    a.  Active Iowa nonprofit organization registered with the Iowa secretary of state, exempt from federal taxes under Internal Revenue Code §501(c)(3), and physically located within the state of Iowa.

    b.  Nonprofit organization physically located within a border city and meeting the requirements of 261—subrule 305.4(2).

    c.  Nonprofit organization that has not yet achieved federal tax-exempt status, but otherwise meets the eligibility requirements in these rules, that is applying through a project partner.

    d.  Educational institution, educational organization, or K-12 school whose primary orientation, mission, and purposes are education, awarding academic credits, or both.

    e.  Unit of local, county, state, or federally recognized tribal government physically located in Iowa.

    307.3(2) Individuals applying for an award 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—305.4(15).

261—307.4(15) Funding priorities. Priority will be given to first-time applicants and applicants who have not received funding from any authority arts program in the two fiscal years prior to the application date. The authority places a high priority on projects that include artistic excellence; involve an arts experience, arts learning activity, or arts professional development activity; and are of public value to Iowans through deliberate public engagement and access to project activities.

261—307.5(15) Eligible projects. Applicants must demonstrate broad-based community engagement and programming surrounding their projects. Types of eligible projects include community events, performances, exhibitions, festivals, conferences, or workshops dedicated to arts-related activities. Projects may represent a phase of a larger project with a longer timeline, but all project activities must have a beginning and end date during the program funding period.

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