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About IWPA

In 2004, the Iowa West Foundation funded a community based public art master planning process that included a 19 member steering committee comprised of citizens, governmental representatives and Foundation representatives. The master planning process culminated in the designation of more than 50 sites for potential placement of public art in the city of Council Bluffs. In addition the Public Art Master Plan puts forth a mission that "by 2015 Council Bluffs will become a prosperous urban area known for its cultural enlightenment and public art collection." In the spring of 2007 the City of Council Bluffs rededicated Bayliss Park, which was highlighted by its new fountain, Wellspring, and performance Pavilion, Oculus, both by artist Brower Hatcher and funded by the Iowa West Foundation. The work of Brower Hatcher in Bayliss Park represents the first art installation in an innovative community-based public art program, IWPA, which is Iowa West Public Art. IWPA is a Foundation initiative that developed from the Public Art Master Planning process. In the fall of 2007 the Iowa West Foundation fully launched IWPA through the unveiling of phase 1 of the IWPA collection, which included the works of William King and Deborah Masuoka, a dedicated public art website, and a forthcoming comprehensive arts education initiative.