More than $2 million in grants for art, history and culture were recently awarded to programs, projects and individuals statewide by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Funding for the grants comes from several programs overseen by the Iowa Arts Council, the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the state’s office of film and media production. In all, 176 grants were awarded for community initiatives, creative projects, cultural organizations, small businesses and individuals. Some examples of grant recipients are a project to help at-risk youths paint murals in Creston, business owners in Ames turning their storefronts into temporary art galleries, and repairs to the historic Madison County Courthouse in Winterset. “These funds are critical to help sustain arts, film, heritage and cultural vibrancy across the state and showcase Iowa’s world-class cultural programs and destinations with help from our state’s hard-working artists, historic caretakers and creative business owners,” Chris Kramer, director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs said in a news release. “It is important that we support our creative economy when this sector needs it more than ever.” More information on the program and a full list of grant recipients can be found here.