Economic Opportunity Through the Arts
- Brenda Gao
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Global Ties Iowa was honored to host 9 visitors for the Economic Opportunity Through the Arts program from July 23-28, 2026, a professional exchange exploring how arts organizations, cultural institutions, educators, and community leaders use creativity to drive economic development, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for artists.
The program began with a warm welcome from Global Ties Iowa volunteer Rohit Dalal, who greeted the delegation upon their arrival in Iowa City.
The first professional engagement was a meeting led by Ed Malloy, Director of Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association and former mayor of Fairfield. Participants learned how a rural community can attract and retain creative businesses through public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship initiatives, sustainable development, and strategic investments that support economic growth.
Following that discussion, accompanied by Global Ties Iowa volunteer Mary Gregg, the delegation attended a meeting with Young Footliters at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA). Evan Hilsabeck, Managing Director of the CCPA, along with Katie Colletta, Education Supervisor, shared how the center and its Young Footliters program use theater education to engage children and youth, build confidence and leadership skills, and foster lifelong appreciation for the arts while contributing to the vitality of the local community.
On Saturday, with volunteer Clara Pahl, the group enjoyed a visit to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and time to explore the museum’s collections and exhibitions.
The program continued with a meeting with Hancher Auditorium, accompanied by Mary Gregg. Aaron Greenwald, Programming & Engagement Director, discussed how a major performing arts venue supports local economic activity, raises the visibility of artists and performers, and connects communities through world-class cultural programming.
Later that day, accompanied by Global Ties Iowa volunteers Malia Gudenkauf and Rongchun Zhu, the delegation participated in a meeting at Brucemore mansion. The session was led by Tara Richards, Chief Operating Officer; Jessica Peel-Austin, Curator of Museum Collections; and Gerard Estella, Artisan in Residence. Through tours and discussion, participants explored how preservation, heritage tourism, artist residencies, digital content creation, and public programming contribute to creative economic growth while ensuring the long-term sustainability of a historic cultural institution.
The final professional meeting was a meeting with Gilded Pear Gallery, led by Suzy McGrane-Hop. Participants learned about contemporary gallery operations, art consulting, corporate art services, and the ways galleries support artists while connecting art with businesses and collectors.
The visit concluded with the Global Ties Iowa Annual Celebration Potluck Dinner, where delegation members, volunteers, and community guests gathered to share a meal, exchange perspectives, and celebrate international friendship and cultural understanding.
Thank you to our community partners Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association, City of Fairfield, Young Footliters at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA), Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Hancher Auditorium, Brucemore, and Gilded Pear Gallery.
Global Ties Iowa extends its sincere thanks to Rohit Dalal, Mary Gregg, Clara Pahl, Malia Gudenkauf, and Rongchun Zhu, as well as Ed Malloy, Evan Hilsabeck, Katie Colletta, Aaron Greenwald, Tara Richards, Jessica Peel-Austin, Gerard Estella, and Suzy McGrane-Hop, for helping showcase the many ways arts and culture create economic opportunity and enrich communities throughout Eastern Iowa.
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