The Public Art by Iowa Artists Passport

How to Use the Public Art by Iowa Artist Passport

Discover Iowa through the work of talented artists from across the state! The Public Art by Iowa Artist Passport is a free digital experience that encourages travelers to explore public art created by Iowa artists while discovering communities, parks, downtowns and cultural destinations throughout Iowa.

Getting Started

Sign up for the free Iowa Artist Passport on your mobile device.
Save the passport to your phone for easy access while traveling.
Visit featured public art locations across Iowa.
Use your phone's location services to check in when you arrive at each site.
Track your progress and discover new artwork, artists and communities along the way.

Passport Guidelines

The passport is free to participate in and available on mobile devices.
Participants must be physically present at a featured artwork location to check in.
Location services must be enabled on your device for check-ins to work properly.
Check-ins are verified using GPS technology. Travel Iowa passports use location-based check-ins to confirm visits.
Please respect all posted hours, rules and accessibility guidelines at each location.
Many artworks are located outdoors and are available year-round, while some may be located in venues with limited public hours.
Help preserve Iowa's public art by viewing and enjoying artworks respectfully. Do not climb on, touch or alter artwork unless signage specifically indicates interaction is permitted.
Featured locations and artwork may change over time.

Explore Responsibly

Public art helps tell Iowa's stories and celebrate the creativity of our communities. As you travel, take time to support local businesses, visit nearby attractions, and share your discoveries with friends and family.

Public Art by Iowa Artist Passport Photo Contest

Capture your journey through Iowa's public art landscape and share your creativity with us!

As you explore featured public artworks through the Iowa Artist Passport, snap photos of your visits for a chance to be featured by the Iowa Arts Council. Whether it's a striking sculpture, vibrant mural, unique installation, or a creative selfie with your favorite artwork, we want to see how you're experiencing Iowa's public art.

Visit a featured Iowa Artist Passport location.
Take a photo of the artwork, your visit or your creative interpretation of the experience.
Submit your photo using the contest submission form or designated hashtag.
Include the artwork location and community where the photo was taken.

Photo Use and Credit

By submitting a photo, participants grant the Iowa Arts Council permission to use submitted images in promotional materials, publications, social media, websites, presentations and other marketing and educational purposes related to the Iowa Artist Passport and Iowa Arts Council programs.

Photographers will be credited whenever reasonably possible. Participants must own the rights to any images they submit and obtain permission from any recognizable individuals appearing in the photo.

Tips for Great Photos

Show the artwork in its surrounding landscape or community.
Be creative! Capture unique angles and perspectives.
Include yourself, friends or family enjoying the artwork.
Highlight how public art connects people and places across Iowa.

Selected photos may be featured on Iowa Arts Council for social media channels, websites, newsletters and other statewide promotional materials.

Get out, explore Iowa's creativity and share your artistic discoveries with us! *

*No purchase is necessary. By submitting a photo, participants affirm they are the creator and copyright holder of the image. The Iowa Arts Council reserves the right to select, publish or decline submitted photos at its discretion.

Happy exploring and be sure to follow the Iowa Arts Council on social media for more updates to the passport!