ArtsLIVE
Jen Johnson, Executive Director
jen@artslive.com
712.332.6507
PO Box 9
Arnolds Park, IA 51331

What ArtsLIVE is:

ArtsLIVE is a partnership promoting the arts year round in and beyond the Creative Corridor in Northwest Iowa. This committed group of arts- related partners believes the Creative Corridor in Northwest Iowa (surrounding the Iowa Great Lakes) has the potential to become a dynamic arts destination, much like its current status as a recreation destination. ArtLIVE will further this goal by informing the public of opportunities in arts and culture and fostering collaboration between its partners. ArtsLIVE also sponsors a number of events brought to the area each year including Artoberfest, the ArtsLIVE Youth Festival and the ArtsLIVE People Project.

Partners:

A partnership with ArtsLIVE is free and open to arts and culture venues, organizations and individuals. Partners gain access to ArtsLIVE’s many public relations resources, include the ability to add events to the online calendar on this site. Join by clicking on the “join us” link at the top of the page.


Created in:
2005

Status:
Achieved 501(c)(3) in 2005

100th Partner:
In December, 2007, ArtsLIVE added its 100th partner


History

ArtsLIVE was created in February of 2005. A new and unique non-profit arts organization, ArtsLIVE is a partnership promoting the arts year round in and beyond the Creative Corridor in Northwest Iowa. This committed group of arts-related partners believes the Creative Corridor (the larger Lakes region in Northwest Iowa) has the potential to become a dynamic “arts destination,” much like its current status as a “recreation destination.”

The first ArtsLIVE meeting was held in February 2005 in the Milford Community Center after Lakes Art Center and Sami Bedell Center for the Performing Arts representatives identified a challenge. They realized the emerging need to form partnerships with other performing arts venues to examine how they might do better together what they are already doing separately for the arts. The Iowa Great Lakes Corridor of Opportunity agreed to serve as the sponsor for this new endeavor. The organization was charged with finding ways to collaborate, increase efficiency, and enhance the quality of arts opportunities in our region.

Monthly meetings during the first year of ArtsLIVE were held in a variety of locations to show the importance of arts people getting to know each other. Hosts included the Lakes Art Center and the Okoboji Summer Theatre in Okoboji, the Clay County Regional Events Center and Arts on Grand in Spencer, the Hedberg Theatre and the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber Office in Arnolds Park, Heritage Landing in Milford, and the Bank Midwest Community Room and Iowa Lakes Community College in Spirit Lake. In its first year, ArtsLIVE membership grew to over 40 different arts venues and organizations and nearly 100 individuals. Though centered in Dickinson and Clay counties, it reaches across boundaries and beyond borders to wherever connections and collaborations can be formed.

Thanks to generous arts patrons in the region, ArtsLIVE developed a budget in September 2005 and began working on united efforts for communicating the arts better in the region. A monthly arts events list has developed and is sent regularly to a wide range of media. The new ArtsLIVE logo, designed by contest-winner Allison Rhymer, a graphic designer from the Des Moines area – is starting to appear regularly in area media. A sophisticated website www. ArtsLIVE.com was commissioned for start-up in 2006, allowing visitors and residents a one-stop shopping site for the arts in our area.

In October 2005 ArtsLIVE developed its 501(c)(3) non-profit status and elected a Board of Directors with four officers. Guided by its mission statement and the enthusiasm of the partners, it continues to search for ways to enhance the arts in the region. If you have ideas about how ArtsLIVE partners can work together better to promote and enhance the arts in Northwest Iowa, please contact the ArtsLIVE office at 712.332.6507 or send us an email at jen@artslive.com