Imagine Iowa 2010 Goals and Objectives
Vision Statement
In 2010 Iowa will be distinguished as a national leader in culture with support for an environment that allows the arts, history, humanities and sciences to thrive.
Goals and Objectives (adopted November 8, 2004)
In 2010, Iowa will be distinguished as a national leader in culture with support for an environment that allows the arts, history, humanities and sciences to thrive.
Advocacy & Cultural Leadership
Iowa leadership - elected, corporate and community - demands investment in Iowa’s
cultural resources.
- Conduct a survey of Iowa’s cultural organizations and detail their economic impact – a “cultural scorecard.”
- Authorize a 1 cent increase in the cap for hotel/motel tax with additional revenues exclusively for cultural initiatives.
- Annually publish cultural voting records of elected officials at every level.
Community Development & Cultural Tourism
Iowa communities are experiencing economic vitality driven by a diverse, exciting
cultural environment.
- Create a summit on the importance of arts & culture as economic development engines. Targeted participants would include professional, business, private, and service club sectors.
- Create a new image and brand to identify arts and culture in Iowa (e.g. - "Art grown in Iowa“).
- Expand statewide, culturally dedicated internet and print market penetration, both within (local) and outside (global) each community.
- Establish a "tax-free weekend" for art and cultural purchases, to encourage cultural consumerism.
Cultural Workers as Entrepreneurs
Iowa is a place where cultural workers can be financially successful and are recognized
as a significant part of the economy.
- Cultural worker tax incentives at local & state level by 2008 (e.g. – income tax exemption, property tax abatement).
- Form an association of artists & cultural workers offering group health insurance and other benefits by 2008.
Education
Iowa is a national leader in cultural education.
- At least 50 school districts will establish at least one new school-community collaboration (business-school, arts organization-school, etc.) each year by 2008.
- Establish and implement an Iowa Studies course (including history, arts, culture, diversity, humanities) in 10 new school districts by 2008.
- At least 20 school districts increase funding of arts, music and other cultural opportunities by 20% by 2008.
Financial Planning
Iowa cultural organizations are vigorous, healthy, entrepreneurial and financially
sound.
- Create a dedicated funding stream to achieve a $10 million Cultural Trust in 5 years, to include a component that supports organizational stabilization.
- Create significant financial incentives for at least 100 Cultural & Entertainment Districts, such as sales tax exemptions, rehabilitation tax credits, property tax abatements, hotel/motel tax dedications, and income tax exemptions or credits.
- Create at least 10 additional local "percent for public art" programs.
- Establish a Governor's awards program to recognize local financial support of cultural organizations and endeavors, by corporations, trusts, small businesses and individuals.
Historic Preservation & Documentation
Iowa is recognized for its dynamic, creative approach to the preservation of its
cultural heritage and ease of public access to historic documents, artifacts and
resources.
- Provide state training for local archivists, to establish and support local archives.
- Double allowable historic preservation tax credits, and make them more equitable for both residential and commercial projects.
- Establish an annual public education program to provide training about historic preservation for Certified Local Governments, property owners, real estate firms, lenders and other professionals.
- Implement a "smart" building code for historic structures.
- Lock in full funding for the REAP program, at least through 2010.
Marketing & Audience Development
Iowans of all ages enthusiastically participate in cultural activities.
- Iowa Cultural Coalition designs a blueprint for—and promotes—development of community cultural alliances statewide.
- Develop, promote & secure adequate private funding for a statewide cultural web site, such as the Iowa Cultural Opportunity Network.
- Create a best practices manual for promoting to younger audiences and volunteers.
- Establish a cultural co-op to leverage media purchasing power.
Young Iowans
Young people are involved, engaged and committed to Iowa culture.
- The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs will allocate one dedicated part-time staff person to oversee and reorganize the Young Iowans Cultural Council program, to include a new purpose, membership development, sustainable planning, and an annual networking conference.
- Inventory internship opportunities available at arts and cultural organizations and promote these on the DCA and YICC websites.
- Establish a grant program to support 5 paid internships for applicable organizations yearly.
- 10% of DCA grant funds issued to arts and cultural initiatives will require youth leadership development and involvement.
