The Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) is presenting a unique First Round event at FilmScene at the Chauncey on Wednesday, March 27, at 5 p.m. to celebrate Downtown Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District, and the Iowa City community is invited.
ICDD staff and arts and culture leaders, along with University of Iowa partners, have been working as a committee on a new marketing campaign that will launch at the event and further promote Iowa City’s Cultural & Entertainment District, and the gathering will give community members the opportunity to meet the creative minds behind Iowa City’s creative community.
In 2022, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs designated downtown Iowa City as an Iowa Cultural & Entertainment District. Since then, the Downtown Iowa City Cultural and Entertainment District Committee have been brainstorming ways to enhance the visibility of the area’s extensive arts offerings – both community and university-based – and create collaborative opportunities that celebrate the unique breadth of the Iowa City arts scene, according to a news release.
The Iowa City Downtown District’s First Round event, sponsored and hosted by MELD Marketing, guided the committee’s vision process. Featuring a Q&A with Melinda Pradarelli (MELD) and committee co-chairs John Schickedanz (The Englert Theatre) and Tammie Walker (University of Iowa School of Music), attendees will get an exclusive preview of the committee’s collaborative work from the past year, revealed downtown.
Around 4,000 residents inhabit the District’s approximately 26-block radius, while within a one-mile radius, about 20,000 employees cater to the needs of the nearly 9 million annual visitors hailing from various regions, states, and countries. The area includes a National Register Historic District featuring 67 contributing properties, six listed on the National Register, and the downtown Pedestrian Mall.
The District encompasses a collection of live music venues, museums, historic theaters, independent cinemas, galleries and mission-driven organizations, which makes it an important tourist destination. It also hosts 10 regional festivals with community support.
First Round is downtown Iowa City’s community happy hour. Every month, it brings people together to socialize, make connections, and stay updated on the latest in arts, business, and culture. Guest speakers discuss exciting projects, initiatives, and upcoming events. Attendees get their “First Round” free thanks to the month’s dedicated sponsor. This event is free and open to everyone.
