Cultivating a Vibrant & Welcoming Community

Arts & Culture Master Plan Events September 17, 2024

We invite you to take pART in the 2024 Culture Festival on Sunday, September 22nd from 1-4PM 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. The Culture Festival is more than just an event; it is a celebration of the community’s rich cultural diversity. Different from years past, the 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 to 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 will be offered.

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. The Plan was shaped by the diverse voices and distinct perspectives of Marshalltown residents. It serves as a 10-year guide book for accomplishing creative placemaking with an emphasis on developing a unique and distinct community, while authentically reflecting our residents.

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 on 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, host of Marshalltown’s most favorite events, 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 Dhamma 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!

Arts, culture and creativity make communities vibrant, welcoming and desirable. They are the backbone of innovation, prosperity, and thriving places. Cultural places and events are magnetic, attracting families, travelers, businesses and entrepreneurs. Again, look at the attendance of the most recent Harvest Market, people are drawn to unique experiences and spaces.

We invite you to celebrate, shop, dine and experience our cultural and vibrant community at the 2024 Culture Festival in Downtown Marshalltown on Sunday, September 22nd from 1-4PM 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 Marshalltown.

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