Conference Tracks
Arts & Culture
The economic, social and civic role of arts in Iowa’s cities, small towns, and rural landscapes.
How does creativity drive community?
SESSION 1
Finding funds in a different climate
As the political climate changes, some foundations and donors have pivoted their funding to less controversial causes to avoid scrutiny. What kind of programming has suddenly become “controversial”? How have shifts affected Iowa’s arts and culture nonprofits, and how are they pivoting to survive? How are organizations finding funds for the less attractive things, like HVAC upgrades and payroll, that make attractions possible?
October 01, 2026 at 9:00AM
SESSION 2
Keeping local ownership of theaters
Iowa is fortunate to retain local ownership of many of its most significant arts and culture venues. But with economic pressures facing theaters across the country, trends show that local ownership can’t be taken for granted. What are the challenges of remaining locally and independently owned, and how can Iowa’s theaters keep themselves from being acquired by national corporations? What benefits does local ownership offer, and what happens to local art when it’s lost?
October 01, 2025 at 10:00AM
SESSION 3
Attracting Artistic Talent
Iowa’s arts and culture organizations have plenty of ideas for great programming, but are running into more snags with attracting international talent. How are organizations continuing to attract artists to Iowa and what kinds of obstacles are they facing? How have changes in immigration rules posed barriers to traveling artists from other countries?
October 01, 2025 at 11:00AM
SESSION 4
Counting on a culinary culture
Everybody eats, and food served by restaurateurs underpins the culture of any town, city, state or region. But evolving dining habits plus compounding economic pressures make it more and more difficult for restaurants to stay open. How is Iowa’s food culture evolving as the landscape for restaurants changes? What does it take for restaurant owners to survive amid challenges like inflation, a tight labor market, and supply chain disruptions?
October 01, 2025 at 1:00PM
SESSION 5
Getting large community events off the ground
What does it take to turn a idea into an annual can’t-miss event? Event organizers will share how they’ve built the teams, partnerships, and booking behind Iowa’s most successful community events.
October 01, 2025 at 2:00PM
SESSION 6
Changing public perception of nonprofits
Nonprofits are often seen as charities. But in reality, they operate much like a business. How does the public benefit from a well-funded ecosystem of arts and culture nonprofits and how can nonprofit leaders get better at “tooting their horns”? How can they change the public perception from organizations that “take” to organizations that contribute to their communities economically and culturally in countless ways?
October 01, 2025 at 3:00PM
