Arts + Culture Alliance

06/23/2026

Celebrating 3 Years of Poetry + Resilience

Three years ago, we unveiled something truly special, the Sidewalk Poetry Project at the Veterans Memorial Courtyard in Downtown Marshalltown.

This year, Marshalltown received national recognition for the project and how creative spaces like this can activate community engagement and create meaningful gathering places in the heart of downtown.

The project was born from powerful community conversations led by Iowa poet Akwi J. Nji, whose words bring stories of strength, survival, and hope to life through 11 original poems etched into the concrete. Each poem was inspired by conversations with community members reflecting on the aftermath of the 2018 tornado.

Special thanks to the Community Foundation of Marshall County’s Rebuild Marshalltown Fund for making this project possible, and to Tim Mastin with T&J Flooring and Engraving for turning words into lasting art.

📍 Visit the park between the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and City Hall on West State Street — and experience the story beneath your feet.

06/22/2026

Hey Marshall County artists! We invite you to join us for an Artist Networking event THIS Saturday, June 27 from 10-11am.

This Networking event will showcase Artist Gabriella Torres, who will have her artwork displayed in our space and will go over her experience as an artist integrating from small scale to large scale, community focused projects.

Gabriella is partnering with us to work on an alleyway project and we would love for you to meet her and ask questions about her creative process.

Enjoy a casual hour of mimosas, coffee and creative networking!

ALL ARTISTS ARE WELCOME
At the Arts + Culture Alliance, we support artists of all disciplines. Whether you’re new to the scene, working professionally in the arts, a passionate hobbyist, or still finding your artist identity – you are absolutely invited. This space is for you.

Questions, contact Kelbryn VanGundy, Marketing and Program Coordinator at: [email protected] or call 641-751-8466

06/22/2026

Mike Bernard shared his music journey with Audible Farm and we hope you will tune in for the stories! Thank you Mike for the shoutout - we can't wait to see the turnout.

Audible Farm #304 - Mike Bernard | Creating Authentic Music That’s True to You

🎙️ Mike Bernard is a singer/songwriter from the central Iowa area who's style blends Iowa farm life with country music.

We discuss how Mike got his start playing music, his musical family, recording music vs. playing music live, originals vs. covers, how to craft a setlist, his upcoming album "Against the Grain", and more!

Enjoy this episode wherever you listen to podcasts!

06/20/2026

Happy FOUR year anniversary to Scherzo at the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center!

This piece continues to bring art and music to life year after year. Thank you to artist Stephen T. Johnson for designing this iconic sculpture.

Learn more about this project here:
https://artsandculturealliance.org/portfolio/scherzo-2/

06/19/2026

Happy Juneteenth! 🖤

If you are interested in learning more…Here is a great resource:
https://nmaahc.si.edu/.../historical-legacy-juneteenth

06/17/2026

Weekend vibes are calling — and Marshalltown is full of ways to answer!

Whether you're into live music, art-filled outings, or community fun, there's something happening for everyone. 🎉 We encourage you to takepART!!

🎨 Explore what’s going on this weekend: www.marshalltown.org/events

06/17/2026

Looking for a mid-week activity?

Take pART and support Marshalltown Community Band this Thursday!!

Concert tomorrow! Come on out and enjoy some live music :) Arts + Culture Alliance 13th Street District News Talk 1230 KFJB AM & 93.9 FM

06/15/2026

New Opportunity Alert! 🎤🎼

The Grinnell School of Music is looking for a charismatic, playful individual to bring their internationally renowned Music Together® curriculum to the Marshalltown Arts & Civic Center!

If you're a lover of music and teaching the youth, please consider this amazing opportunity. Tag a music lover or apply yourself TODAY!

If you love music, enjoy working with young children, and want to make a meaningful impact in our community, we have a part-time freelance opportunity for you!

The Grinnell School of Music is looking for a charismatic, playful individual to bring their internationally renowned Music Together® curriculum to the MACC!

Training will take place over the summer. Once trained, the position will start with preparing for and teaching one weekly 45-minute class on Saturday mornings. As enrollment grows, we anticipate holding up to three weekly classes.

What we're looking for:
🎵 Ability to sing in tune and move with accurate rhythm
🧸 A love for interacting with young children & their parents
🗣️ Comfortable leading groups and open to feedback

The Perks:
No prior Music Together certification required, comprehensive paid training and apprenticeship hours are provided!

👉 How to apply: Send a letter of interest outlining your relevant experience, along with two references, to [email protected]. Qualified candidates will be scheduled for an interview and audition.

Additional position information can be found on our website: https://www.maccia.org/about-us/volunteer-opportunity

Tag a musical friend who would be perfect for this! 👇