Iowans Celebrate Cultural Arts; Set Goals to Make State a National Leader in Arts, History, Humanities & Sciences

For Immediate Release November 12, 2004

DES MOINES— Hundreds of Iowans gathered this week at the State Historical Building to celebrate the arts, culture and historic preservation while 54 cultural caucus delegates mapped out a plan to make the state a national leader in the cultural arts by 2010.

The “Imagine Iowa 2010: Great Places” Cultural Caucus Public Celebration showcased cultural success stories achieved by individuals and organizations across the state during the past four years, and hundreds of participants learned how to incorporate historic preservation, arts, and business in a variety of ways to improve economic development, strengthen cultural & tourist attractions, and develop cultural & entertainment districts to make Iowa a better place to live, work and raise a family.

“It’s exciting when so many Iowans from every corner of the state come together to share a common vision,” said Anita Walker, Director of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. “This is evidence that Iowans are convinced, that in order to grow our state, we need to invigorate our cultural climate.”

The Cultural Caucuses, held every four years as mandated by Iowa Code, are part of the Imagine Iowa 2010 program, which began four years ago. The program is designed to give the state a competitive edge in an economy that is increasingly fueled by creative industries – arts, history, humanities & sciences – that are generating billions of dollars, attracting people and businesses, revitalizing communities and providing a core for quality education.

The 54 state cultural caucus delegates, selected at 11 different regional cultural caucuses during the past two months, created new objectives to advance the eight goals developed four years. The eight goals (numbered) and new objectives (bullet points) are listed below:

1. Advocacy & Cultural Leadership – Iowa’s elected, corporate and community leadership 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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