Despite the brutal Covid pandemic, film and TV production in Illinois last year spent nearly $362 million, down 35% from about $560 million spent in 2019. Doug Miller of Davenport – who heads the Quad Cities Production Coalition – wants to see some of that money come to the Illinois Q-C area. He is working with state and local officials on establishing a regional film office in Rock Island, and is bringing Illinois Film Office director Peter Hawley to the Rock Island Holiday Inn on Thursday, Aug. 19, to talk about state filming incentives and financing. It’s among first events in the Quad-Cities... Read More

Several Quad-Cities cultural organizations and projects were among 176 grants totaling just over $2 million, announced Friday by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs (IDCA), for works in art, film, history, and culture. The funding comes through programs overseen by the department’s divisions: the Iowa Arts Council, the State Historical Society of Iowa and Produce Iowa, the state office of film and media production. “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... Read More

Another major Quad-Cities cultural event is biting the dust due to Covid-19. Event organizers from Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) on Wednesday announced the cancellation of Alternating Currents, originally scheduled for August 27-30, as a regional event across five Quad-Cities downtown areas. Downtown Bettendorf Organization’s (DBO) “Be Downtown” event — in its third year originally re-scheduled from June to coincide with Alternating Currents — also has been canceled. Both organizations are divisions of the Quad Cities Chamber. “In order to keep Quad Citizens and visitors... Read More