Freedom of Expression as a Driver of Innovation and Economic Growth: A Project for Belarus

The delegation at Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association.

From May 6-12, 2026, Global Ties Iowa had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from Belarus for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project “Freedom of Expression as a Driver of Innovation and Economic Growth.” Over seven days, participants explored how eastern Iowa’s creative sector, cultural institutions, and rural communities foster innovation and economic opportunity. The delegation included leaders from publishing, cultural management, design, and entrepreneurship.

A Warm Welcome to Iowa

The group arrived in Cedar Rapids on May 6, where Global Ties Iowa’s Mary Gregg greeted them at the Eastern Iowa Airport and helped them settle into the Element Hotel. As the program book notes, “We are so happy to have you here and cannot wait to share the Iowan experience with you.”

Rural Creativity and Economic Development in Fairfield

The first full day of programming began with a morning departure to Fairfield. Volunteers Gayle Royar and Lynn Hanson Ouedraogo accompanied the group for the day’s meetings.

At Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association, the delegation met with Executive Director Ed Malloy to discuss strategies for attracting and retaining creative businesses in a rural community. Grow Fairfield collaborates with local government, financial institutions, and community partners to drive economic growth in a town of just over 9,400 residents.

After lunch, volunteers Leland Freie and Dennis Oakes joined the group for their next stop: the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids. David Muhlena, Library Director, Silvia Urban, Education Specialist, and Cecilia Rokusek, President and CEO, welcomed the delegation for a tour and a discussion on cultural preservation and international partnerships.

Historic Preservation, Creative Economies, and Entrepreneurship

The group at Brucemore Museum.

Friday’s programming highlighted the intersection of arts, history, and economic development. Volunteers Debra and Dennis Oakes accompanied the group to Brucemore Museum, where they met with David Janssen, CEO, to explore the estate’s adaptive reuse of historic spaces and its role in supporting creative workforce development.

After a lunch at Sacred Cow Tavern, with a warm welcome from Fun Not Fancy Restaurateur Justin Zehr, a guided walking tour of the Czech Village and New Bohemian neighborhoods, led by Tara Allen, Kirkwood Community College faculty, introduced the delegation to local entrepreneurs revitalizing the district.

The delegation at Woofables Gourmet Dog Bakery.

The day concluded with a meeting at Woofables Gourmet Dog Bakery with co-owner Alex Taylor, and Director of Entrepreneurship at The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo). Taylor discussed public-private partnerships, university support for business growth, and the value of handcrafted production in a digital marketplace.

Iowa Table Dinners: Hospitality in Action

On May 9, the first group, Liza Maslionchanka, Andrei Busel, Alina Hieraščanka, and Pavel Fetkevich, enjoyed an Iowa Table Dinner hosted by Nancy Purington, whose background in art and design sparked rich conversation.

“The time that we spent together was deeply meaningful for everyone. I don’t travel, but this is the next best thing,” said Nancy Purington.

On May 10, the second group, Valancina Barbara Andrejeva, Aliaksandr Bahdanau, Siarhei Budkin, Irena Kacialovič, and Irina Jesionowski, joined hosts Liz Bergeron and Lynn Hanson Ouedraogo for another evening of warm hospitality and cultural exchange.

Cultural Immersion in Rural Iowa

Sunday morning brought a visit to the Land Alliance Farm and Folk School, where owner Anna Geyer led a tour of the farm’s perennial agriculture operations, including elderberries, hazelnuts, chestnuts, and willow cultivation.

“I just hosted your group and enjoyed it so much as always. Grateful to have learned so much about Belarus and what is happening in their lives,” said Anna Geyer.

“I just hosted your group and enjoyed it so much as always. Grateful to have learned so much about Belarus and what is happening in their lives," said Anna Geyer. "I love this little pin that they left for me."

The next day, the group enjoyed Bonaparte, a historic riverfront town listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tour highlighted how 19th-century innovation, river access, and freedom of enterprise shaped local economies, a fitting theme for the delegation’s focus on expression and economic growth.

In the afternoon, the group traveled to Muscatine for a meeting with the Muscatine Arts Council, where Ed Chamberlin discussed the Council’s work supporting local artists through marketing, financing, and community programming.

Celebrating Iowa’s Artistic Legacy

The final day of programming featured a visit to the Grant Wood Art Colony, where Maura Pilcher welcomed the delegation. Participants explored the site where Grant Wood created American Gothic and learned how the Colony’s fellowships and programs promote creative workforce development across rural Iowa.

After a final lunch in downtown Iowa City, the delegation departed for the airport, closing a week filled with meaningful conversations, cultural learning, and new partnerships.

Thank You

This program would not have been possible without the generosity and expertise of our community partners:

Grow Fairfield Economic Development Association

National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library

Brucemore

Woofables

NewBoCo

Land Alliance Farm & Folk School

Muscatine Arts Council

Grant Wood Art Colony

And our dedicated volunteers:

Gayle Royar, Lynn Hanson Ouedraogo, Leland Freie, Dennis Oakes, Mary Gregg, Nancy Purington, Liz Bergeron, Christine Allen.

Your commitment to citizen diplomacy helps us continue connecting the world and the heartland.