Join the Arts and Culture Alliance for a Uniquely Marshalltown Event

The Marshalltown Culture Festival is more than just an event; it is a celebration of Marshalltown’s rich cultural diversity. Different from years past, the 2024 event will transition the location with the goal of highlighting and amplifying our culturally diverse businesses in our Downtown.

The expansion and addition of this year’s event will increase the impact on our community beyond the one-day event and encourage residents and visitors to support our vibrant and cultural businesses in Downtown Marshalltown. In addition to the performances and festivities, walking tours of our cultural businesses and public art in Downtown Marshalltown will be offered.

Arts & Culture Master Plan

In alignment with the City of Marshalltown’s Arts & Culture Master Plan, the Culture Festival seeks to foster meaningful connections and cultivate a culturally vibrant and welcoming community. Formally adopted in 2023, the Arts & Culture Master Plan serves as a 10-year guidebook for accomplishing creative placemaking with an emphasis on developing a unique and distinct community, while authentically reflecting our residents.

The Plan was shaped by the diverse voices and distinct perspectives of Marshalltown residents. It was not created to stand alone as a separate plan. Instead, it was created as a lens to look through as we execute the influential plans already guiding Marshalltown. It aligns with and contributes to those plans, while being the implementation strategy for how we realize priorities and recommendations with a creative approach on the development efforts across our community.

This is a long-term strategy for community pride, engagement and development, which in turn impacts the success in accomplishing the needs and challenges of our community. It is a commitment to creative solutions and creative approaches. Creative placemaking is a proven model used across the world and specifically, all over the state of Iowa to attract, retain and engage residents and newcomers. This is how communities are accelerating goal attainment and growth. And we aren’t just talking about growth in residents. This work results in growth of entrepreneurs, community engagement, business attraction and development, community pride, local investors, unique events, neighborhood development, welcomeness, youth integration and so much more.

Simply put, creative placemaking strengthens the connections between people and the places we share. It aims to increase vibrancy, improve economic conditions and build capacity among residents to take ownership of their community. It goes far beyond murals, sculptures and even events; it’s about creatively addressing challenges and opportunities together with the community. It is weaving and embedding creativity at the core of community building.

 

Locally, in Marshalltown, we can point to our 13th Street District as an example of successful creative placemaking. The revitalization of this district showcases a grassroots effort to enhance a space with a creative approach to foster economic development, recreation opportunities and community pride. A creative approach to the development in this area has led to a thriving and unique experience in our community, filled with people and vibrancy on a daily basis. It is now home to Iowa’s best burger and pork (Flying Elbow), host of Marshalltown’s most favorite events (Harvest Market), Iowa’s first outdoor lit futsal courts, a one-of-a-kind natural playscape, an outdoor gathering space and SO MUCH MORE.

When people feel connected, they engage to make a better place. As seen in the 13th Street District, it is a ripple effect for transformation and growth. Research shows that community attachment brings economic growth and well-being. Residents establish a connection and a commitment to where they live. It is an emotional function that drives behavior — the sense of belonging, the confidence that a person can make an impact and find support in their home community. These feelings fuse people to a place and to each other.

What does this look like in action? It’s volunteering, attending events, voting, sharing positive news, supporting local businesses, picking up trash or weeds, contributing to local causes, giving input on local initiatives and the list goes on and on.

How does creative placemaking tie to community connectedness? When we dedicate ourselves to creating a community that authentically reflects those who call Marshalltown home, we are ensuring the spaces and places we share are ‘uniquely Marshalltown.'

If asked, what are you most proud of in your community, people almost always point to the places that are unique to their town. Just to name a few, Marshalltown residents often point to the 13th Street District, Marshalltown High School Roundhouse, Theravada Dharma Society of Iowa’s Buddha statue, Marshall County Courthouse and Downtown Gallery Garden. These are all examples of places and spaces radiating innovation, creativity and originality. You will not find them anywhere else. They are uniquely Marshalltown!

Our spaces and experiences shape who we are as individuals, families and as a community. Our environments should strive to support positive thoughts and emotions. Placemaking initiatives have resulted in a 63% increase in positive feelings towards the locations, resulting in environments that were more inviting, beautiful, stimulating and comfortable. Not only does placemaking make us think positively and feel good, but it shapes how likely we are to tell others or share information about the place. Research shows a 77% increased likelihood for individuals to recommend the site to friends, family and acquaintances, and a 74% increased likelihood for individuals to share more information about the location. We shape our places and thereafter they shape us.

Furthermore, with remote jobs on the rise, people have an increased ability to choose anywhere to live. Culture is among the top 10 factors considered when deciding where to live. Arts, culture and creativity make communities vibrant, welcoming and desirable. They are the backbone of innovation, prosperity and thriving people and places. Cultural places and events are magnetic, attracting families, travelers, businesses and entrepreneurs. Creative placemaking positively impacts local economies and quality of life.

Cities that weave arts and culture into the fabric of daily life become a destination for visitors, drive economic prosperity and become regional focal points. But most importantly, they flourish into a creative and unique home for their own residents.

We invite you to celebrate, shop, dine and experience our cultural and vibrant community at the 2024 Culture Festival in Downtown Marshalltown on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 1 – 4 p.m. in Downtown Marshalltown. Take pART in an afternoon filled with live performances, art and business tours, food, kid’s activities and festivities and experience the world without leaving Iowa.

The Arts + Culture Alliance, located in Marshalltown, Iowa, invites you to take pART in the 2024 Culture Festival on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 1 – 4 p.m. in Downtown Marshalltown. This year’s event is in partnership with the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA, Marshalltown Central Business District, Marshalltown Public Library and Immigrant Allies.

Established in 2004, the Arts + Culture Alliance is committed to ensuring creativity is at the heart of a thriving and vibrant Marshalltown, accomplishing the mission and vision by connecting, advocating and celebrating.

From Pride to Juneteenth to the Latino Heritage Festival, big, inclusive events are par for the course in Greater Des Moines (DSM). But there are smaller events celebrating diversity here, too. Attend one of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Receptions, an event celebrating veterans or a sensory-friendly event in the region. Learn more here.