Iowa: Creative Places Accelerator

The Grove in downtown Clinton’s Pocket Park at 125 Fourth Avenue South; artist Gabriella Torres, Clinton, Iowa. Photo by Camryn Simmons

Recognizing the role of the arts and artists in building and strengthening creative places and economic development, the Iowa Arts Council (IAC) is running a multiyear pilot program, the Creative Places Accelerator. Participating cross-sector teams from small to midsize Iowa communities will develop arts based projects to serve as catalysts for livability, economic development and community connectedness. The communities of Clinton, Council Bluffs, Grinnell, LeClaire and Maquoketa were selected for the inaugural cohort.

The Creative Places Accelerator is a multifaceted grant, cohort networking and technical assistance program. Participating communities are expected to form a team that reflects a cross-section of community leadership. Including the lead applicant organization, teams include at least one local artist, one representative from local government, one representative from economic development or the business community, and one representative from a local arts organization.

The first year of the program, which launched in fall 2024, focuses on professional development through three in-person workshops. Workshops are facilitated by outside experts, including Springboard for the Arts, with participation from statewide creative placemaking partners and Iowa Arts Council staff.

The second year focuses on project implementation. Core to the program, and to IAC’s broader creative community development efforts, is an emphasis on developing projects that build upon a community vision plan and local arts, culture and heritage assets and cultivate an authentic sense of place. Grant recipients may receive a total award of $23,000 over the two-year period.

To learn more about the Creative Places Accelerator and other state arts agency community development and creative economy programming, please contact NASAA.