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The Iowa Department of Education's Fine Arts Instruction page serves as a central resource for educators across all fine arts disciplines: Music (general, instrumental, and vocal), Visual and Media Arts, Theatre, and Dance. Here's what you'll find there:
Iowa Fine Arts Standards | Standards documents for every discipline, including glossaries, implementation guidance, and early childhood standards (adopted 2017). AEA Learning Online hosts an aligned course with templates, lesson plans, and assessments.
Note: The National Coalition for Arts Standards (NCAS), the alliance of national arts education organizations that developed the National Arts Standards in 2014, launched a review of those standards in 2025. Iowa's 2017 Fine Arts Standards remain in effect.
Free Online Professional Development | Five self-paced modules on Iowa's Fine Arts Standards are available through AEA Learning Online at no cost, with the option to bundle them for one license renewal credit.
Iowa Arts Education Data Project | An interactive dashboard displaying statewide arts enrollment data by discipline, grade level, gender, and school demographics.
Fine Arts Exchange Archives | All past issues of this newsletter are archived on the page. The Exchange moved to a monthly publication schedule in February 2026.
Laws, Festivals, and Professional Organizations | Quick-reference links to relevant Iowa Code, contest and festival information, and professional organizations serving Iowa fine arts educators.
Explore the Iowa Department of Education Fine Arts Instruction page.
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Attention, district-level curriculum and instructional leaders in the arts!
Join the Department’s Fine Arts Education Program Consultant, Diana Hawley, every third Tuesday of the month from 3:30 p.m.– 4:30 p.m.. This is an informal opportunity to drop in and ask questions related to state arts standards and arts education requirements.
Tuesday, April 21 | 3:30 p.m.– 4:30 p.m
Tuesday, May 19 | 3:30 p.m.– 4:30 p.m
Here is a link to the Office Hours meeting.
To be added to the Arts Curriculum Leaders contact list to receive future information and meeting invites, contact Diana Hawley.
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The Iowa Department of Education has begun to create a file of emerging classroom leaders that consists of a cadre of distinguished teachers and principals. The educators in this “Talent Pool” file may be considered for membership on advisory boards and task forces and could be considered as candidates for recognition and award programs. Your recommendations will identify educators who will be of great value to your community and state because of their expertise.
In order to qualify for this specific Talent Pool, educators must have distinguished themselves above and beyond established, top-quality professionals in our schools. They must have a minimum of five, but not more than 18 years of experience in education. Members of this Talent Pool are typically full-time, building-level personnel whose primary function is to directly instruct students (e.g., classroom teachers, related arts teachers, etc.) or principals who are recognized by peers and supervisors as unique in their leadership and results with students. Of special interest are educators who are outstanding and have not received other state or national recognition.
If you know one or more educators who fit these parameters, please fill out the Talent Pool Recommendation Form. We ask that you keep this recommendation confidential; do not share it with the individual or collaborate with colleagues to complete. Recommendations for this teacher talent pool will be open from now until April 30th. Please contact Molly McConnell with any questions.
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Call for submissions from the Iowa Arts Council: Iowa State Fair Statewide Art Contest and Exhibition
As our country and state prepare to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, Iowans are invited to take part in this historic milestone by sharing their creative expression and artistic talents with visitors at the 2026 Iowa State Fair, scheduled for August 13-23, 2026. The Iowa Arts Council, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, is collaborating with the Iowa State Fair on this special opportunity as part of Iowa America 250.
The Student Division is open to any Iowan ages 8-18 during the 2025-2026 school year. Entrants in the Student Division will be grouped in the following age range:
- Elementary (8-11)
- Middle (12-14)
- High School (15-18)
Timeline:
- April 1, 2026: Call for Entries opens
- June 1, 2026, 11:59 p.m.: Deadline for online entries
- June 2026: Online jurying takes place
- Jul 15, 2026: All entrants notified
- August 13-23, 2026: Iowa State Fair
Learn more about the Iowa State Fair Statewide Art Contest and Exhibition.
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First Iowa Orff Chapter Workshop with Jess Dunnick | April 18, 2026 | University of Iowa, Iowa City
Iowa All-State Jazz Band Performance | Jazz Educators of Iowa (JEI) | | May 14, 2026 | Des Moines Marriott, Downtown
Iowa Bandmasters Association (IBA) 2026 Conference | May 14-15, 2026 | Des Moines Marriott, Downtown
Stefon Harris Residency | May 4-8, 2026 | University of Iowa, Iowa City
First Iowa Orff | Orff Schulwerk Teacher Education Course (Level I) | June 15-26, 2026 | Drake University, Des Moines
Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA) Summer Symposium | July 21-24, 2026 | Pella
Reach out to Diana to include your conference or workshop in next month’s Fine Arts Exchange.
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Diana Hawley, DMA
Education Program Consultant, Fine Arts
Bureau of Academic and Learner Supports
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-371-0410
diana.hawley@iowa.gov
https://educate.iowa.gov
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