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Iowa West Public Art

About IWPA

In 2004, the Iowa West Foundation funded a community-wide public art master planning process that included a 19-member steering committee comprised of citizens, government representatives and Foundation leaders. The master planning process resulted in the designation of more than 50 sites for potential placement of public art in the City of Council Bluffs and became the IWPA initiative — Iowa West Public Art. This process and the resulting Public Art Master Plan were based on elements of successful public art programs throughout the world.

In spring 2007, Council Bluffs rededicated historic Bayliss Park. The event was highlighted with the unveiling of the park’s new fountain and new performance pavilion, both of which were created by renowned artist Brower Hatcher and funded by the Iowa West Foundation. Hatcher’s work in Bayliss Park represents the first of many installations in the community-wide public art program.

Today, because of this unique initiative, Council Bluffs is home to an outstanding public art collection created by artists who have made their mark worldwide. Full copies of the Public Art Master Plan are available from the Iowa West Foundation or at the Council Bluffs Public Library.

Iowa West Public Art

Visitor Information

Explore Public Art

Visit Council Bluffs and see how public art is integrated into the fabric of the community. Stop in the heart of downtown at Bayliss Park and enjoy Brower Hatcher’ s Wellspring fountain. Take in entertainment at the Mid-America Center and see three unique aluminum pieces by Bill King. While you’re there, don’t forget to pose with Jonathan Borofsky’s Molecule Man.

Walking Tours

Whether you’re on foot, on your phone, or at home, you’ve come to the right place to explore public art.
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Get started with an IWPA guide to public art. You can use this map to explore IWPA art sites at your leisure. You can also discover some of the great public art throughout Council Bluffs.

Download Our Brochure

Organizations or groups can order brochures for self-guided tours. Send us an email and be sure to include the approximate date of your tour, brochure quantities, and mailing address.

Artists and Artworks

OUR VISION is a community where families choose to live, and businesses choose to locate, because of its quality of life and standard of living.

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