Drew Cameron of Combat Paper was awarded an Iowa Arts & Culture Recovery Program as an Individual Artist.

Support provided by Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, through the federal CARES Act.

This past year was incredibly difficult for many of us in the creative economy. From 2007 until 2020, Combat Paper has found much of its success through in-person workshops and events. In these gatherings we explore the possibilities and process of making military uniforms into handmade paper. It is a generative atmosphere, and inspiring for both the participant and the facilitator alike.

With the social and economic turmoil wrought by the pandemic, Combat Paper was met with a complete cancellation of all events for the year. Through the support of family and friends I have weathered the most intense existential dilemma of my career. Through the support of my state and federal government, I was able to recuperate much needed financial support due to the business interruptions and cancellations I experienced. Without their support: my family, my friends and my government, this past year could have been much more devastating. I am deeply thankful for this recognition and award and look forward to presenting workshops, new works in handmade paper and contributing to the veteran arts community here at home in Iowa and around the country. Thank you so much.

On December 2, 2020, Governor Kim Reynolds allocated $7 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs for the purpose of providing economic relief to Iowa’s arts and culture industry. The funding is administered by the Iowa Arts Council, on behalf of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, through the Iowa Arts & Culture Emergency Relief Fund.