Dubuque's 2020-21 Art on the River Exhibit Canceled

DUBUQUE, Iowa – The City of Dubuque Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs has announced that the 2020-21 Art on the River public art exhibit has been canceled due to City budget constraints related to COVID-19 revenue impacts.
 
City of Dubuque Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator Jenni Petersen-Brant said that while the decision was difficult to make, she believes the pause in the Art on the River program will result in a more impactful exhibit next year. “Canceling the 2020-21 exhibit provides an unexpected opportunity for the Art on the River Planning Committee and the City to take the coming months to dive deep into an evaluation of the program’s 14-year history,” said Petersen-Brant. “Art on the River has a significant impact on tourism and enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. We look forward to exploring ways we can increase community outreach, inspiring new forms of youth engagement, and expanding collaborations with the business sector to strengthen and amplify that impact.”

In lieu of a new exhibition, several of the current sculptures will remain on display and available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds supporting the program’s future. It is anticipated that the 2021-22 Art on the River exhibit will be held from August 2021 to July 2022 along the Mississippi Riverwalk at the Port of Dubuque. Artist applications submitted for this year’s installment will be held for consideration next year, with additional applications being sought in Spring 2021.

Partnership and sponsorship opportunities to support future Art on the River programming will be announced in the coming months; interested individuals and area businesses should contact City of Dubuque Arts & Cultural Affairs Coordinator Jenni Petersen-Brant at 563-690-6059 or jbrant@cityofdubuque.org. For more information on Art on the River visit www.cityofdubuque.org/artontheriver.

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