Investing in Arts and Culture
Discover the heart of Iowa’s artistic community at Brucemore, where creativity knows no bounds. Since its inception, Brucemore has been a haven for the arts, offering everything from intimate concerts to vibrant festivals. While no longer a private family home, the legacy of the people who started it all provides inspiration today.
In 2019, we proudly launched the Brucemore Artisan Studio, expanding our focus towards supporting underserved artists in a variety of mediums and genres. Through access to mentorship, technologies, and trusting audiences, the Studio serves as a hub for community-building and investing in the creative ecosystem.
Follow along with the various projects to celebrate the power of art to inspire and unite.
Our Inspiration
In the early 1900s, Irene Douglas brought a vibrant tradition to Brucemore that still thrives today: championing local art. An avid patron of the arts, Irene infused her home with music and creativity, much of it sourced from Iowa and regional artists. Following Brucemore’s transition from a private residence to a cultural center in 1981, Irene’s legacy endured, shaping the institution’s commitment to honoring local arts and culture. Through countless theatrical performances, concerts, art exhibitions, and tours over the decades, Brucemore has remained a beacon of Irene’s enduring arts legacy.
Who We Thank
A special thank you to the following donors for investment in the Artisan Studio!
- Brucemore Supporters
- Organization Support Grant Fund of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
- UFG Insurance
What We Do
Artisan Development Projects
Artists embark on a journey of growth and inspiration with Brucemore. Each year, arts professionals handpick talented artists eager to expand their horizons. Teaming up with our seasoned creatives and technicians, they craft projects that showcase the transformative power of a fully funded support network. Check our calendar for upcoming Artisan Studio Showcase events, where you can meet the artists, experience their work, and delve into their captivating journeys.
Artisan Studio Online
The Brucemore Artisan Studio YouTube channel provides a digital stage for original performances and creative expression. Celebrating the craft and culture of music, comedy, poetry, theatre, and visual art, each episode offers an entertaining look at the people and processes that bring creativity to life. Authentic and artist-focused, Artisan Studio invites audiences to experience inspiring performances and thoughtful storytelling from a range of creative voices.
Live Events
Live Events bring artists and audiences together for unforgettable evenings of music, poetry, theatre, dance, and more. Each event transforms Brucemore’s historic spaces into vibrant stages—offering performances that are entertaining, inspiring, and filled with creative energy. From soulful songs to stirring spoken word, every event invites you to discover something new and enjoy the artistry that makes each experience one of a kind. Select performances are also filmed and shared online, extending the moment beyond the stage. View our calendar of upcoming events.
Roots and Recipes Online
Roots & Recipes is an approachable, story-driven lifestyle channel rooted in the Midwest. It celebrates the connection between food, place, and people through gardening, cooking, and DIY projects that feel both local and universal. Each episode offers practical inspiration and trustworthy guidance—authentic, informative, and designed to spark lasting engagement. View the Roots and Recipes channel.