“X Marks the Arts,” a new collaborative campaign to showcase the vibrant Iowa City Downtown Cultural and Entertainment District, launched Wednesday, according to a press release from the Iowa City Downtown District.
X Marks the Arts celebrates Iowa's collection of arts and cultural institutions through a variety of creative mediums, including street banners, sidewalk art installations, weekly newsletters, and promotional videos. The campaign aims to raise awareness within the Iowa City community and attract viewers from surrounding cities and out-of-state metropolitan areas.
Over the past year, the Cultural and Entertainment District Committee, co-chaired by John Schickedanz of the Englert Theater and Tammy Walker of the University of Iowa School of Music, has worked with local marketing firm MELD on a campaign to promote the brand. has been developed. strategy.
“The X Marks the Arts campaign is a testament to the collaborative spirit and creative energy that characterizes our downtown district. We're excited to introduce Iowa City's rich cultural tapestry to a global audience.” said Sikkendanz.
Leaders from more than 15 local arts organizations gathered to unveil the campaign at a special first-round celebration held at Film Scene in The Chancey. Several key stakeholders are supporting this effort, including the Iowa City Downtown District, the City of Iowa City, Think Iowa City, and Travel Iowa.
“This initiative highlights the spirit of collaboration that advances downtown Iowa City's cultural and recreational facilities, including both the university and community organizations,” the press release states.
The Downtown Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District was officially recognized by the state in December 2022. For more information about the Downtown Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District and the X Marks the Arts campaign, visit www.xmarksthearts.com.