Since opening their doors in 2007, the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy (EIAA) has been a place where K-12th grade students in the greater Cedar Rapids area can take after school classes in art, music, drama, dance, cultural arts, and creative writing. These programs are designed to help enhance the appreciation of the arts, strengthen performance abilities, provide quality after school activities, and celebrate community diversity. But like many nonprofits, as the country began to deal with the effects of COVID-19, the EIAA found themselves having to quickly modify classes in order to navigate this new and ever-changing landscape.
As an organization that is centered around interactions, one of the biggest challenges they're facing is how to remain connected without being in the same physical space as others. Thankfully through the help of technology, they've been able to offer fun and interactive virtual classes covering art, creative writing, dance, drama, and music, along with hosting regular Facebook Live concerts performed by their students.
How to Help
The simplest way for community members to help is to find and share what the EIAA is offering. Whether it's one of their concerts on Facebook or a video from their virtual classroom, this simple act not only helps them reach new audiences but works to keep them connected with the community. Know a parent who needs to find something for their kids to do this season? Let them know that there are resources available to help keep their kids having fun all summer long (and avoid the dreaded "I'm bored" statement).
Along with spreading the word, another way to help is to choose to donate. Just click on the "Donate" button at the top of their website and you'll be taken to a page where you can give back to this amazing and valuable community organization.
