On a bright sunny morning, Santa Fe-based artist Colette Hosmer and Hancher Auditorium’s Executive Director, Chuck Swanson, unveiled a new art installation, titled “Wellspring,” on Sept. 25.

With cuts to funding and its doors closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hancher staff wrestles with what awaits them in the second act of the show.

This semester, students from the UI Department of Dance and School of Music have been taking class in various spaces at Hancher Auditorium. Hancher has long been known as the “largest classroom on campus,” and this collaboration with the Division of Performing Arts is a great example of that.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been financially devastating for Iowa’s Universities. Canceled or modified sports seasons coupled with an additional $8 million in cuts from the State Board of Regents is forcing difficult decisions on each campus.




Budget cuts include a proposed cut President Bruce Harreld’s salary, reduced funding for Hancher auditorium, and hiring and salary freezes.

Facing mounting COVID-19 losses, the University of Iowa on Friday announced sweeping budget cuts that — among other things — temporarily lay off 112 housing and dining workers, freeze pay for about 4,200 other employees, leave 32 positions unfilled and cut President Bruce Harreld’s salary in half

The University of Iowa is announcing additional budget cuts following a reduction in state support.