The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs has awarded 119 grants totaling more than $1.2 million to organizations, people and projects in 40 communities that strengthen quality of life and cultural vitality in Iowa. Grant-supported projects include more than 20 awarded to Greater Des Moines arts and cultural groups, including money for a new Des Moines Jazz Festival. “With these investments, we continue to partner with artists and organizations who are making our communities more culturally vibrant and attractive to people who want to live and work in our state,” Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie said. To view a spreadsheet of all the awards, click here.