10/13/16 Breakout Session III The Importance of Local Context in Rural Placemaking

The Importance of Local Context in Rural Placemaking Next Generation Rural Creative Placemaking Summit – 10-13-16

Jamie HorterSenior SpotlightLyons, NE

Zack JonesProject Art ChurchMalvern, IA

IOWA

Before

After

Fine Arts on 5th Gallery

Before

After

Nishna Heritage Museum MuralOakland, Iowa - 2016

Nishna Heritage Museum MuralOakland, Iowa - 2016

Zack JonesProject Art Churchwww.zjpaintings.com

Michelle Wodtke FranksGolden Hills RC&DSouthwest Iowa

IOWA

USDA Rural Community Development InitiativeGrant award 2014 through 2016

• Inventory art, history and culture amenities in a rural 8 county region

• Develop regional cultural councils and cultivate partnerships

• Assess needs for supporting art, history & culture in small, rural communities

• Conduct visioning and planning based on those identified needs

• Provide backbone support for sustainable regional event

• Provide training & networking opportunities

Omaha Des Moines

Opportunity!

Maximizing what we have

Making unexpected connections & partnerships

Improving rural life

Southwest Iowa – Cultural Destination!

Cultivating Art, History & Culture in SW Iowa

• Formalized in 2015

• Governed by a volunteer Board of Directors

• Organized as a nonprofit

• Just completed 3rd year

• Connecting rural communities through art

• Signature Event for the Southwest Iowa Art Council

12 towns 17 “Gathering Places” Over 100 artists Estimated attendance – 1,000+

2016

What do we want to do?• LINK art & culture with

outdoor recreation, local food, small business, historic preservation

• LEVERAGE resources across multiple placemaking opportunities to be mutually beneficial

• PROMOTE growth opportunities for creatives & entrepreneurs

• CULTIVATE appreciation for art, history & culture in rural communities

• CREATE learning & experience opportunities to foster patronage

• DEVELOP events & partnerships to bring business to small towns

Additional financial & technical support: USDA Rural Community Development Initiative University of Iowa Office of Outreach &

Engagement Iowa Arts Council Iowa West Foundation Red Oak Hotel/Motel Tax Grant County Community Foundations Art Tour Advertising, Sponsorships and

Registrations SO MUCH VOLUNTEER TALENT & TIME

What’s Next for SW Iowa?Fourth Annual Southwest Iowa Art Tour – 2017

Proposed Folk Art Center in Macedonia, IA – Feasibility & Capital Campaign

“Maker to Market” Workshop for Rural Artists & Creatives

WanderLoess.com – an online platform to promote recreation, rural art, history & culture in Western Iowa

Cooperative marketing opportunities for rural artists

Michelle Wodtke FranksExecutive Director

michelle@goldenhillsrcd.org

www.goldenhillsrcd.org