The Arts + Culture Alliance is proud to announce the recipients of their 2026 Local Artist Innovation Grant, a program designed to support the bold vision and creative leadership of artists living and working in Marshall County.

As outlined in the Marshalltown Arts & Culture Master Plan, this grant program activates key goals by funding innovative projects that spark community engagement, strengthen cultural identity, and bring unique experiences to life. This inaugural round marks a milestone in our ongoing mission to invest in local creativity and expand access to the arts.

“I am incredibly honored to receive the Arts + Culture Alliance Grant in support of this dance program,” said Kobe Sandoval. “This project is rooted in connection, creativity, and building trust through movement. I’m looking forward to creating a welcoming space where participants can grow in confidence, express themselves freely, and experience the power of dance as both art and community.”

After a competitive application process, seven local artists were selected to receive funding for projects that showcase original ideas, deepen community connection, and celebrate the diverse voices of our region.

2026 Innovation Grant Recipients

• Sarah Knott — Opera & musical theatre performance with community outreach

• Mike Bernard — Completion & Release of Music Album + Performance in collaboration with local musicians

• Kobe Sandoval — Healing through movement + connection featuring dance classes

• Bertha Santillán de Medina — Mexican folk dance classes + performance, expanding for ages 3-5

Austin Chadderdon – Educational photography workshops and classes

Sara Jordan-Heintz – The Write Club

Jon Muller – Rocket kiln workshop & build + community exhibit

Grants were awarded based on artistic merit, originality, and potential for community impact. Throughout the remainder of the year, the selected projects will unfold across the community, culminating in a series of public workshops, exhibitions, performances, and installations.

Bertha Santillán de Medina also expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to expand cultural engagement through dance.

“I’m so excited to be one of the recipients of this ACA grant and for the opportunity to share something that I love with the community,” she said. “With this grant, we are happy to invite others to join us in learning about Mexican folk dance. Our hope is to form a group of participants who want to perform for the community.”

The Local Artist Innovation Grant is a key initiative under the Alliance’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable cultural ecosystem in Marshall County. It is a direct reflection of the vision outlined in the Arts & Culture Master Plan — to invest in artists as community builders and catalysts for creativity.

Those interested in following the progress can find the ACA on Facebook at @ArtsandCultureAlliance or sign up for the organization’s newsletter.