Master Plan

placemaking themes

HOW DOES A COMMUNITY FORM AND NURTURE AN AUTHENTIC PUBLIC IDENTITY? SOMETHING THAT HARNESSES LOCAL ASSETS AND ASPIRATIONS, WHILE PROMOTING COMMUNITY-LED CHANGE?

The placemaking themes in this plan can provide the blueprint; it is up to all of us to build it.

Throughout this plan, potential partners have been identified. These are organizations and institutions with natural connections to the cultural priorities outlined in the document. Where might you or your organization fit in? We have ideas. Let’s talk. Because making a vibrant and welcoming Marshalltown, alive with arts and authentic cultural opportunities, will take all of us.

Select a placemaking theme below to read more or click next.

REVITALIZE OVER RESTORE

Aesthetics reflect identity, testifying to residents’ imagination and dreams. Marshalltown knows that thoughtful investment strengthens the community. Rather than removing and rebuilding, we can revitalize unused spaces, embrace color palettes that reflect the beautiful diversity of our community, and create plazas and public spaces that spark spontaneous connections.

BUILD BRIDGES

We can foster meaningful connections by building both physical and metaphorical bridges. These are avenues that direct residents and visitors to the unique cultural destination points within our community: events that uplift the contributions of both young people and elders, celebrations that invite us into one another’s cultures, and grassroots cohorts of informal leaders empowered to create vibrant and welcoming spaces and neighborhoods.

ACTIVATE HOPE

Artists and cultural influencers are thought leaders when it comes to expressing what hope looks and feels like within their communities. People look to them for inspiration. Our city abounds with opportunities to celebrate growth and rebirth. We can leverage the insights of our creative community to attract visitors and tourists hungry for distinctive and authentic experiences.

ELEVATE YOUTH

Young people are the future of our community. When we open doors and give them the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive creatively, there are no boundaries to what they can achieve. That’s the moment when passive participation becomes active engagement and produces the creative entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

HERITAGE OF INNOVATION

From Marshalltown’s earliest days as a community, arts and technology have always had a symbiotic relationship. Art attracts innovators, and artists are known to activate innovation. We can incubate small businesses, especially within our immigrant communities. We can reinforce STEAM education within our schools. We can foster hands-on access to the spaces, equipment, and materials necessary to build new things. Opportunities to expand this creative footprint are limitless.

POTENTIAL PARTNERS

All of us are the creative community. Take pART with us.

Arts + Culture Alliance
City of Marshalltown
Connect Marshalltown
Iowa State University
Marshall County Extension
Linn Creek District
Local churches
Local cultural organizations
Marshall County
Marshall County Conservation Board
Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce
Marshalltown Business Community
Marshalltown Central Business District
Marshalltown Community College
Marshalltown Community School District
UnityPoint Health - Marshalltown
Marshalltown Parks & Recreation
Marshalltown Public Library
Social service agencies
Theravada Dhamma Society
YMCA-YWCA
And YOU!