Sherry Adams listens as Janet Adams points to a potential new location for a sculpture in West Twin Park during a planning visit early in the spring of 2024. Both are members of the nonprofit Arts R Alive in Webster City, Iowa.

The Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce has received a $10,000 grant from the

Iowa Economic Development Authority that will fund the marketing of public art in Webster City.

The grant, according to Anna Woodward, Chamber director, will be used for “the development of a creative culture brand, multimedia content, and initial marketing materials, while also establishing a strong digital presence.”

The infusion of public art into Webster City has been boosted by the local nonprofit Arts R Alive in Webster City, Iowa. Its volunteer members have been working for more than a decade to make public art relevant and available to everyone.

“Arts R Alive is dedicated to bringing vibrancy and culture to our community through the installation of unique and captivating sculptures. This grant will give the needed resources for marketing efforts to draw visitors to the area to view the sculptures as well as other public art,” Janet Adams, Arts R Alive board president, said.

“It will show through a variety of marketing approaches that our community remains a beacon of creativity and inspiration.”

This initiative will highlight Webster City’s growing public art collection, a testament to the dedication of local nonprofit partners and the unwavering support of community members, businesses, and industries.

“This grant builds on the foundation of a robust public art collection that has been cultivated with strong community and partner support,” Woodward said. “The brand development will strengthen our ability to attract visitors and create a strong sense of

place in Webster City.”

Arts R Alive annually brings a collection of high-quality outdoor art to West Twin Park for the public’s enjoyment. It is working with several downtown businesses to bring the same quality of art to the main street area.

“Thanks to contributions from local businesses, the Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID), and funding from the City of Webster City’s Hotel/Motel grant awarded to Arts R Alive,” Woodward said, “downtown Webster City will feature new artistic installations, including:

“Downtown outdoor sculptures that are scheduled to debut in May.

“A commissioned functional art piece that doubles as a bicycle rack, made possible by the Webster City SSMID district.”

Woodward added, “These installations will create a connection from West Twin to downtown Webster City, forming a cohesive and marketable ‘Sculpture Walk.’ The new branding and marketing efforts will play a pivotal role in promoting this exciting addition to the community.

With these developments, Webster City continues to establish itself as a destination for creativity, culture and connection.”