Press Release
Date: May 9, 2018
Arts-based Community Development Investment for Marshalltown.
The City of Marshalltown is one of 60 National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Projects Selected Nationwide.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Chairman Jane Chu announced 60 awards totaling $4.1 million supporting projects across the nation through the NEA’s Our Town program. The City of Marshalltown is one of the recommended organizations for a grant of $25,000 to support a Master Planning Project for the Iowa River Trail related to the inclusion of public art, wayfinding and placemaking.
“The variety and quality of these Our Town projects speaks to the wealth of creativity and diversity in our country,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Through the work of organizations such as the City of Marshalltown, NEA funding invests in local communities, helping people celebrate the arts wherever they are.”
Joel Greer responded, “As Mayor of the City of Marshalltown and founding member of TRAILS, Inc., I am excited to accept this grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Bringing art and recreation together improves the quality of life for our residents and encourages tourism in our region.”
The City in partnership with the Marshall County Arts & Culture Alliance, Marshalltown Public Art Committee, TRAILS, Inc. and the Hardin County Trail Commission are looking forward to the opportunity to plan for the future of the Iowa River Trail. The project will include working with a consultant to develop a comprehensive design plan to extend throughout the 34-mile stretch from Marshalltown north to Steamboat Rock. The plan will look at wayfinding, public art opportunities and trailhead identification. With the funding from the NEA a focus on placemaking and public engagement in the process is a priority.
For a complete list of projects recommended for Our Town grant support, please visit the NEA web site at arts.gov. or click here for the NEA press release.
If you have questions please contact Michelle Spohnheimer at 641-754-5756 or e-mail me at mspohnheimer@marshalltown-ia.gov.