north river region of warren county, Iowa - ARTs & Culture plan
The North River region of Warren County isn’t a recognized region (yet!), and the collection of communities on the southern edge of metro Des Moines are not interconnected. Still, they have much in common when it comes to their people, their vision for growth, and their mindset.
Residents have a regional loyalty to Des Moines perhaps equal to their own town. These communities generally lack cultural and racial diversity and are mostly comprised of moderate-income single-family home living; there is relative affluence marked by communities full of automobiles.
There are many commuters from North River to the Des Moines metro. Each town enjoys a diverse local service economy, yet there are few large employers. It is also an area on the rural edge, with agricultural production visible in all directions.
North River’s collective aspirations center on social cohesion, especially community events and other ways of building community.
In this context, there are so many roles for artists – expressing common emotions, revealing hidden truths and sharing novel viewpoints. It is work that interprets the region, aiming for community attachment and growth. Residents are asking for social engagement and artists are well-suited to provide it.
Project
North River region of Warren County, IA
Arts & Culture Plan
assignment
Research & Strategy
PARTNERS
Sponsored by the North River Arts Council with funding from the cities of Carlisle, Indianola and Norwalk.
Cities that integrate art, design, and culture while simultaneously investing in infrastructure and amenities gain the distinction and competitive advantage required for recruitment and retention in workforce and business development.
The Process
The planning process employed a wide range of methodologies to ensure diverse perspectives were included in the vision for the Grimes Arts and Culture Master Plan.Consultants from Group Creative Services conducted dozens of interviews, several focus groups, and an online community survey. Additionally, the consultants looked at existing plans, surveys and other community initiatives to understand the current landscape of the community, its key concerns and swell of opportunities. This plan is poised to be integrated into future capital projects and inform future private development projects.
CONNECTING PEOPLE TO PLACE
The opportunity to create a shared, regional culture is wide open.
Public art can be realized through a variety of installations like murals and sculptures but can also include work on different time scales from temporary to semi-permanent to permanent such as workshops or pop-up activations.
our recommendations
Each community in North River is advancing their own arts and culture initiatives yet there is a benefit in supporting each other as a region. The North River Arts Council could work with Warren County Economic Development to mutually advance community character goals as a region. The North River Arts Council could serve as a convener for the area arts committees as well as the Hometown Pride groups which often have arts and culture related activities.
+ Goal: Creative engagement to support main streets
+ Goal: Create Regional Identity
+ Goal: Placemaking in Parks & Trails
+ Goal: North & Middle Rivers Greenway