Explore, Excite, Excel

About the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy

The Eastern Iowa Arts Academy is a nonprofit after school arts organization created for K – 12th grade students in the Greater Cedar Rapids metro area. EIAA offers classes in art, music, drama, dance, cultural arts and creative writing. EIAA’s multidisciplinary and multicultural arts programs enhance the appreciation of the arts, strengthen performance abilities, provide quality after school activities, and celebrate the rich diversity in our community.

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How it all started:

Local music educator David Griffin launched the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy (EIAA) in 2007.

The ambitious idea was to provide after-school arts programs for K-12 students in art, music, dance, drama, cultural arts and creative writing in the Cedar Rapids area, with classes to be taught by professional artists and educators at little or no cost to participants. Since its inception, not only have the original goals been met, EIAA’s outreach has grown to include programs for individuals with a wide variety of special needs, residents of senior living communities, partnerships with area social service agencies, and fine arts opportunities for all ages at its Music and Arts Studios.

While EIAA’s passion and primary goal has always been to provide high-quality opportunities for children to explore, excel at, and develop an appreciation for the visual and performing arts, EIAA’s programs also:

• Keep kids safe and engaged in meaningful and enriching activity.
• Provide an outlet for creative expression, helping kids build self-esteem and a general sense of well-being.
• Focus on providing artistic opportunities for low-income families, low-income neighborhoods and individuals with special needs

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