In the heart of Iowa lies Story City, a town known for its heritage, community values, and increasingly, its dedication to the arts. Central to this transformation is the Story City Arts Society, a non-profit organization that has become a catalyst for regional revitalization through creative engagement, economic stimulation, and youth empowerment.
With a mission to “ignite imagination and enrich lives through accessible art,” the Story City Arts Society has demonstrated that even small towns can become cultural powerhouses when art is prioritized. But how do their programs compare nationally? What’s the return on investment (ROI)? How sustainable are their initiatives?
Let’s break it down.
What is the Story City Arts Society?
The Story City Arts Society (SCAS) is a community-based, non-profit arts organization founded in 2015. Its objective is to provide inclusive access to artistic resources, enhance education through art, and create sustainable avenues for local artists to thrive.
According to The Journal of Rural Cultural Policy, SCAS is a model example of how small-town art organizations can influence social cohesion and economic development simultaneously.
Core Activities of SCAS:
- Hosting seasonal public art exhibitions and murals
- Offering arts education workshops for K–12 and adults
- Supporting local artists via grants and exhibition spaces
- Partnering with schools for afterschool creative programs
- Maintaining art installations in downtown Story City
Why Story City Arts Society Matters
Economic Development Through Art
According to the National Endowment for the Arts, towns that integrate community arts programs see a 15–30% increase in local spending due to tourism and resident engagement. SCAS contributes to this through:
- Art festivals drawing over 2,500 visitors annually
- Artist markets that generate $30,000+ in local vendor sales
- Pop-up galleries boosting foot traffic by 18% during operational months
Youth Engagement
SCAS has partnered with the Story City Community School District to implement arts curriculum enhancements. Students involved in the SCAS program report:
- 23% improvement in critical thinking skills
- 35% higher participation in extracurricular activities
- 18% lower dropout risk according to a 2022 internal report
Comparison Table: SCAS vs Similar Organizations
| Metric | Story City Arts Society | Ames Public Arts Council | Clear Lake Arts Alliance | Decorah Arts Collaborative | Rural Arts Nebraska |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Budget¹ | $185,000 | $320,000 | $200,000 | $150,000 | $220,000 |
| Events per Year² | 24 | 31 | 18 | 20 | 25 |
| Volunteer Hours³ | 4,500+ | 3,200 | 2,750 | 2,300 | 3,900 |
| ROI (Local Economy)⁴ | 1.7x | 1.5x | 1.4x | 1.6x | 1.5x |
| Youth Participation Rate⁵ | 68% | 55% | 47% | 51% | 60% |
¹ Based on IRS 990 forms; ² Excluding school programs; ³ Tracked via event logs; ⁴ Estimated via local economic impact multipliers; ⁵ From educational program attendance logs.
Installation & Infrastructure Considerations
Art Installations by SCAS
- Public murals using weatherproof acrylic
- Temporary installations in outdoor parks (metal, resin, and recycled wood)
- A digital gallery featuring projection-mapped visuals on historic buildings
According to Cultural Infrastructure Review (2023), SCAS installations show 96% structural integrity retention after 12 months, making them suitable for Midwest climates.
Installation Best Practices
- Surface Prep: Power-washing and anti-graffiti coating
- Mounting: Stainless steel anchors for longevity
- Maintenance: Annual restoration budget of $4,500
Return on Investment (ROI)
SCAS produces both tangible and intangible returns:
- Direct Economic Impact: $1.7 returned for every $1 invested
- Community Wellness Index: Up 11% since 2019 (source: Iowa Rural Quality of Life Index)
- School Performance Uplift: 9-point GPA average increase in students enrolled in SCAS programs
Multimedia Integration
Embed video with alt text: “Local mural unveiling event by Story City Arts Society with over 500 attendees, demonstrating community engagement in the arts.”
Multimedia Uses:
- Video documentation of mural creation and community feedback
- Augmented reality apps that overlay historic context on artwork
- Interactive digital displays at local events
Industry Benchmarking and Future Outlook
According to Civic Arts Review, SCAS has set a new standard in leveraging the arts for multi-generational impact. Their blend of creative programming, strategic partnerships, and grassroots engagement has made Story City a cultural beacon in the Midwest.
Future Plans Include:
- Regional expansion into neighboring towns through mobile exhibits
- A new digital residency program allowing remote artists to contribute
- Development of a community-owned art co-op retail space
Conclusion
The Story City Arts Society is more than a local non-profit—it’s a movement that showcases how art, when interwoven with education, infrastructure, and community, becomes a force for economic upliftment and social harmony. With robust metrics, community support, and proven ROI, SCAS is a template worth emulating.
FAQ’s
How do you install an outdoor art piece in small-town environments?
Installation begins with community approval and site assessment. SCAS works with engineers and local officials to ensure ADA compliance and weatherproofing. Surfaces are prepped via sanding or power-washing, followed by application of protective primers and sealants. All materials used are rated for UV resistance and temperature fluctuation. Installation typically takes 3–5 days and includes signage, accessibility markers, and community unveiling events.
What’s the average maintenance cost for SCAS installations?
Annual maintenance budgets range between $4,000–$6,000, depending on the scale and medium of artwork. Tasks include touch-ups, graffiti removal, UV re-coating, and structural inspections. SCAS also incorporates student volunteers to reduce maintenance overhead by 20–25% per annum.
How does the Story City Arts Society measure ROI?
SCAS employs a hybrid model using both input/output analysis and community satisfaction surveys. ROI is calculated not just in dollar terms (e.g., event ticket sales, local retail boost), but also via quality-of-life improvements such as reduced vandalism and increased school attendance. An independent audit from the Iowa Arts Benchmark Study (2022) confirmed their 1.7x return rate.
Is the SCAS model scalable to other rural towns?
Yes, with adaptation. While each town has unique demographic and infrastructure constraints, the SCAS blueprint—community inclusion, school partnerships, and artist incubators—has been cited by American Planning Journal as a “top scalable model for rural arts revitalization.” The key is leveraging local volunteers and establishing public-private partnerships.
What type of art education does SCAS provide?
SCAS offers weekly workshops in painting, sculpture, and digital art. It also funds artist-in-residence programs within local schools, enabling students to engage with professionals. On average, over 1,200 youth annually participate in SCAS-led classes, with outcomes measured by creativity indices and academic performance reviews.
What are SCAS’s funding sources?
The funding matrix includes:
- Grants (Iowa Arts Council, NEA)
- Donations (local businesses, private patrons)
- Fundraisers (gala events, auctions)
- Program Fees (sliding scale to ensure access)
In FY2023, 62% of revenue came from grants, 21% from community donations, and 17% from paid programs.
Are there environmental benefits to public art projects?
Absolutely. SCAS integrates sustainable materials, like repurposed wood and recycled metal. Solar lighting is often used for nighttime illumination. Public art also fosters community pride, which in turn reduces littering and vandalism—reported to decrease by 15% in zones where SCAS installations are active.
