Kiran Singh Sirah

The Arts + Culture Alliance is proud to announce that internationally renowned storytelling artist, folklorist, and peacebuilder Kiran Singh Sirah has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Community Artist Grant, a flagship initiative aimed at creatively activating the Arts & Culture Master Plan through community-engaged artmaking.

This year’s grant theme, “Build Bridges,” focuses on uniting people, places, and perspectives in Marshalltown through storytelling and creative collaboration. Kiran’s decades-long career using the power of story to foster empathy, spark dialogue, and drive social change made him a natural fit for the initiative.

“Kiran brings a lifetime of experience helping communities find common ground through stories,” said Amber Danielson, Executive Director of the Arts+Culture Alliance. “His approach is rooted in deep listening, inclusive engagement, and an unwavering belief in the beauty and wisdom of everyday life. We are thrilled to welcome him to Marshalltown.”

The $20,000 Community Artist Grant supports artists who engage in social practice art to foster connection and belonging. In addition to funding, the grant includes lodging to support a meaningful residency experience in Marshalltown throughout the eligible funding period, from May 26 to December 1, 2025.

Sirah’s project, titled “Gather ‘Round the Table,” will invite Marshalltown residents to explore their own stories — stories of home, heritage, and hope — through kitchen table conversations, front porch storytelling, town square gatherings, and collaborative creative workshops. The project is expected to culminate in a large scale, interactive, and celebratory community event this fall.

“I see small towns like Marshalltown as sacred keepers of culture and tradition,” said Sirah. “Storytelling is a tool for building bridges–not just despite our differences, but because of them. Through Gather ‘Round the Table, we’ll explore what it means to belong and how our stories can help shape a better future.”

A Rotary Peace Fellow and past President of the International Storytelling Center, Kiran has worked with the United Nations, the White House, NASA, the Smithsonian, and countless communities across the globe. His work has been recognized by UNESCO and Rotary International, where he was honored with the “Champion of Peace” award.

Kiran will begin his engagement in Marshalltown with an introductory residency this summer, focusing on building relationships, researching the community, and collaborating with local artists, organizations, and residents.

To learn more about the Community Artist Grant or the work of the Arts + Culture Alliance, visit www.artsandculturealliance.org. To learn more about Kiran, visit https://www.kiransinghsirah.net/.