First of all, congratulations! I’m sure you’ve sensed the renewed vibrancy and creative energies flowing through Marshalltown – you’ve surely seen the murals, heard the music, played in the parks, enjoyed a lecture, took advantage of the library’s resources, been to an art show (to name a few great things). You might even know an artist and been witness to an increase in their creative output and sense of purpose. These are all hallmarks of a cool art town (plus great restaurants, local shops, vibrant schools, etc).

The arts in Marshalltown (and Central Iowa) are growing exponentially. We are in the midst of a cultural renaissance – reaffirming our cultural roots and recognizing our evolving cultural identity by supporting arts and artists (and musicians/actors/writers/dancers/poets/etc). As a community, we are providing them (and the general public) with opportunities to make art, to learn about art, and to share their art with the rest of us.

That’s not just great for the artists – that’s great for all of us. We all benefit directly and indirectly from the arts. Here’s how:

1. Beautification of our public spaces. Yes, roads and infrastructure are important, but the arts turn bland blank walls into canvases for creativity and turn empty spaces into gathering spots alive with energy. Music floats through our parks and neighborhoods and we are reminded that beauty and community abound within our workaday lives.

2. Fostering community identity. When local artists and community members work together to create art, they make work that is reflective of their experiences within their town. Our artwork is about us because it’s made by us and it strengthens our shared experiences and sense of pride.

3. Encourage public engagement. Art and culture in public spaces encourages people to gather together and dialogue (more critical now than ever) and enjoy and experience their community in new ways together. This is how we build communities – people coming together to enjoy their town and the people in it.

4. Economic development. The Iowa Economic Development Authority reports that the arts and culture sector generates nearly $5 billion in annual economic impact across Iowa. Arts and culture programming attracts tourist dollars, stimulates local businesses, and revitalizes neighborhoods. Property values often increase in proximity to arts and culture investment and neglected neighborhoods and city centers are frequently transformed by artists’ efforts.

You are already reaping the benefits of living in an art town, but there are always more ways for you to get the most out living here. How can you get some direct benefits from living with the arts? The Chamber of Commerce has a great community calendar online with listings for almost all the local cultural opportunities. It’s getting so full with weekly and daily events that it’s almost cumbersome (a good problem).

Do you want to make some art or write something? There are some great workshops coming up this fall. No experience necessary. Have fun and learn alongside other artists and newbies.

Do you want to hear some live music? Marshalltown has great local live music all the time. Have a beer and burger at a local restaurant and hear some music. Or take a lawn chair to the park and enjoy some live music outdoors. The Arts + Culture Alliance hosted a really local songwriters showcase recently, and they want to do another one soon.

Want to see some art in a low-stakes setting? Go to an art show! Everyone is welcome, there’s usually free food (and booze), and you can come and go as you please. You don’t have to buy anything or know anything about art. You can just show up, look around, chat with friends, make new friends, and support local artists.

There are SO MANY ways to enjoy the arts in a direct, fun, meaningful way. If you are grumbling about living in an art town or scowling at the idea of investing in your local arts and culture community, then you haven’t given yourself the opportunity to really enjoy it. You have nothing to lose, be a part of it. All are welcome.

——-

Joshua Cox of Marshalltown is a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service, an artist and gallerist for over 20 years and an ex-officio member of the Arts + Culture Alliance Board of Directors.