Cultural attractions, schools, artists, communities and a host of other arts programs have received more than $2 million in competitive funding, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs announced Thursday. More than 200 programs across the state received grants, with total funding up slightly this year from sources that included the state general fund, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Park Service. For the new fiscal year that started July 1, the department awarded a total of $2,091,162 in 210 grants through two of its divisions, the Iowa Arts Council and the State Historical Society of Iowa. The grants range from a few hundred dollars for individual artists and historians on up to $50,000 for historic preservation projects. In addition, grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 were awarded to 43 Cultural Leadership Partners – anchor organizations across the state that significantly contribute to their surrounding regions. “These grants are catalysts that can spark cultural and economic growth in historic downtowns, concert halls and, possibly, the studio of a future Grant Wood,” said Chris Kramer, acting director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. “We’re proud to help Iowans make our state a culturally vibrant place to live, work and play.” To see a spreadsheet of the awards by county, click here.