Workshop kicks off 'Cultural District' effort

The Witter Gallery board is following through on its plans to apply for a Cultural and Entertainment District designation from Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.

A special public workshop will be held to launch the process. Witter Gallery invites businesspeople, organizational leaders, artists, musicians, actors, filmmakers, and anyone interested in the betterment of Storm Lake to attend the workshop given by staff from the Department of Cultural Affairs on Monday, March 1st at 5:45 p.m. (changed from 6 p.m.) at the City Council chambers at City Hall.

The workshop will focus on the application process, the information needed to apply for the district designation, and the benefits of a district designation for Storm Lake artists, non-profit organizations, and businesses. "It will be a step in building a partnership for future collaboration," the WItter board said in an announcement this week.

A 45-minute presentation will be followed by time for questions and discussion. A strong turnout at this meeting would demonstrate wide support for this unique community effort., proponents said.

Storm Lake already has a recognizable, compact area of businesses and organizations that contribute to the artistic, cultural and entertainment life of our community, and the Cultural and Entertainment District program would bring statewide attention to these community assets and reinforce the idea that Storm Lake has much to offer residents and visitors, they said.

The area in question in Storm Lake boasts the Harker House, BV County Historical Society and Museum, BV County Genealogical Society, Santa's Castle, Witter Art Gallery, Storm Lake Public Library, BV County Courthouse with its nature display, St. Mary's School, South School with its performing arts auditorium, BVU, Lake Avenue Lounge, Vista Theatre, Color-ize, Frame-N-Art, Deb's School of Dance, Impact Dance Academy, The Boathouse, La Juanita's, Honey Kissed Pizza, Legacy Steakhouse, Martini's, Boz-Wellz, Storm Lake Area Arts Council, as well as many shops and additional eateries and clubs.