arts & culture
STRATEGIC PLAN
In communities across the nation, the arts are often seen as a luxury— something“ soft” compared to roads, housing or workforce development. But in Ottumwa, leaders recognize that arts and culture are central to shaping identity, attracting visitors and fueling long-term prosperity. That’ s why, in collaboration with leaders in the community, the American Gothic Performing Arts Board of Directors and Artistic Director, Dennis Willhoit, commissioned its first Arts and Culture Strategic Plan, aligning with the larger Ottumwa 2040 Comprehensive Plan to ensure creativity is not an afterthought, but a driver of growth.
So, why arts and culture? Because they define a place! They give a community character and a sense of pride, the kind of intangible spark that makes people want to visit, relocate and invest. Whether it’ s live music in the park, a mural downtown or performances at the Bridge View Center, these experiences create memories that connect people to each other and to their city. They also generate economic ripple effects: audiences eat at local restaurants, stay in hotels and shop at nearby businesses.
The timing is intentional. The Ottumwa 2040 Plan named“ Quality of Life and Community Character” and“ Celebrate Diversity” as two top priorities. Arts and culture are at the heart of both. They serve as a mirror of community identity while also offering space to honor diverse voices and traditions. They also strengthen social bonds, which is particularly important in overcoming what past community surveys called“ pervasive pessimism.” Instead of focusing on what Ottumwa lacks, the arts highlight what makes the city vibrant and unique.
This plan was developed through a mix of research, interviews, and community input. More than 30 hours of conversations with city leaders, artists, nonprofits, educators, and residents informed the recommendations. The process also mapped out venues, cultural institutions, and programming, while considering best practices from other communities that have successfully used the arts as an engine for revitalization.
From this effort emerged a clear vision: Ottumwa will grow its population and workforce by strengthening quality of life, investing in cultural assets, and celebrating its growing diversity. The community envisions a future where art is not a side note, but a cornerstone of economic development and social connection.
Guiding principles moving forward emphasize collaboration, inclusivity and sustainability. The plan recommends expanding partnerships between arts groups, city agencies, and businesses; increasing representation from diverse communities and; developing stronger funding streams. This can be accomplished through utilizing local artists, incorporating live music at groundbreakings, commissioning local art for businesses, creating funds to support performances by local artists, and utilizing supports that already exist in the community. The Strategic Plan also encourages celebrating community achievements through the arts— whether at ribbon cuttings, festivals, or new downtown activations— so that Ottumwa continues to tell its story in ways that are creative, authentic, and engaging.
Ottumwa’ s investment in arts and culture is not just about entertainment. It’ s about building a city that residents are proud to call home, that visitors are eager to experience, and that future generations will recognize as a place where creativity and progress go hand in hand.
24 GOPIP Investor Directory 2025-26