Repurposing Arthur Elementary

Click here to see our vision!

• Larger TalkBack Studios Recording and Mixing Facility
• Stained Glass Studio
• Two Rock Academy Band Rooms
• Hallway Gallery
• Two Adult Art Studios
• Large Open Studio Spaces with Inclusive Handicapped Accessible Art Spaces
• Community Room for our Carry Out Corner Food Pantry, Clothing Closet, Mental Health Information and LGBTQIA+ support
• Instrument Rental and Equipment Room
• Community Maker's Space
• Sensory Room for our Autism and students with Special Needs
• Outdoor Learning Area and Koi Pond
• Rehearsal Spaces for Local Bands
• Artist/Musician Loft Rental Space
• Kitchen Rental Space
• Community Gym Rental

Visit our store where you can donate any amount, from $1 to $5,000 (or MORE!).

Checks are also accepted and can be sent to:
Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
1841 E Ave NE
Cedar Rapids, IA
52402
(Please put "Arthur" in the memo line)

If you would like to discuss donating an even larger amount to our ADA Capital Construction Project, please contact our Executive Director, Heather Dewey Wagner by calling 319-350-1805, or emailing her at heather@eiaaprogram.org

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Eastern Iowa Arts Academy is consolidating its three buildings into one by relocating to the historic Arthur Elementary School on B Avenue NE. Built in 1914 and expanded in 1947, Arthur served as a K-5th grade school for thousands of children.

In November, we recognized that our current facilities were no longer meeting the needs of our students. Our classes were overcrowded, private lesson spaces were minimal, and rehearsal spaces were limited. It became clear that we needed a larger space to accommodate our kids. When we learned that Arthur Elementary would be available, we seized the opportunity to secure this incredible space for the future growth of our non-profit.

The transformation and stability of Eastern Iowa Arts Academy at Arthur School will happen in a three year process.

Frequently asked questions about the Arthur School Project for Potential Donors:

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How will this project impact the quality of life in our community? 

This project will have a profound impact on the quality of life in Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas by creating a vibrant, inclusive community space that supports creativity, education, and connection. By transforming the historic Arthur Elementary School into an arts center, the project will provide greater access to arts education, particularly for underserved populations and individuals with disabilities. The introduction of ADA-compliant spaces and specialized facilities, such as a recording studio, sensory art room, and maker’s space, will ensure that all community members, regardless of ability, can actively engage in artistic expression. This inclusive approach not only enhances personal growth but also strengthens social bonds within the community. 

Additionally, the project’s public art initiatives, such as murals and galleries, will revitalize the neighborhood, attract visitors, and contribute to the local economy. The center will serve as a hub for local artists, offering affordable rental spaces and professional development through the Artist’s Guild and public galleries. By supporting local talent and providing opportunities for artistic collaboration, live music performances, and a central place for the community to find out about state and national grant opportunities, the project will support a thriving cultural scene that enriches the lives of residents. 

Essential services like a food pantry, mental health resources, and financial aid programs will further support the community, ensuring that our students can focus on the main aspects of the arts and heal through creativity. Overall, this initiative will create a dynamic space that promotes inclusivity, creativity, and community engagement, significantly enhancing the quality of life in Cedar Rapids and beyond. 

What are three goals the Arts Academy has when it comes to repurposing Arthur School? 

Goal 1: Equitable Arts Enrichment for Underserved Youth: The project aims to break financial barriers and provide comprehensive arts education to underserved K-8 students, including those with disabilities. By offering private lessons in music, art, and creative disciplines, as well as transportation, food, and mental health support, the project will ensure that youth from lower-income neighborhoods have equal access to quality arts education, fostering self-esteem and personal growth. By completing the construction needed, the school will have ADA compliant areas for disabled artists to create, record, and engage others in their art. 

Goal 2: Supporting and Showcasing Local Artists: The creation of an Artist's Guild, affordable Artist Loft studios, and a Maker's Space will provide local and regional artists with accessible workspaces and resources. Public galleries will encourage community engagement by offering visibility to these artists through small exhibitions, ensuring inclusive growth and opportunities for artists of all abilities. 

Goal 3: Celebrating Iowa’s Heritage and Fostering Public Art: By preserving the historic 110-year-old Arthur School, the project honors Cedar Rapids' cultural legacy. It will also cultivate a vibrant public arts scene through murals, art shows, and installations that reflect Iowa's rich heritage. This goal reinforces the facility’s role as a community hub for arts and culture, contributing to the city’s cultural vibrancy and civic pride. 

How will the Arts Academy sustain the project? 

EIAA will keep our facility and programs financially sustainable through a variety of creative revenue streams that not only support our mission and historical building, but also build community. The Artist’s Lofts will provide affordable rental spaces for local artists, creating a steady source of income while fostering a vibrant artistic community. We'll also rent out the gymnasium to local sports teams and organizations, making sure the space is actively used and benefiting the neighborhood. The cafeteria and kitchen will serve as versatile rental spaces for events and gatherings. TalkBack Studios will be open to the public for recording services, offering local musicians and creators a high-quality space to bring their projects to life. On top of that, the revenue from our adult classes will help fund financial aid for our students, allowing us to keep arts education accessible to everyone. We also plan on building a much stronger endowment over the next three years that will secure us for the future in our forever home. 

How will the Arts Academy know if the repurposing has been successful? 

The success of the project to repurpose Arthur Elementary School into an inclusive community arts center can be measured in several ways. First, increased participation and completion of permanent ADA elevator and bathrooms will be essential. Inclusivity and accessibility will be measured by ensuring full ADA compliance and assessing how well inclusive programming serves individuals with disabilities. Tracking enrollment numbers across different demographics, particularly underserved groups and individuals with disabilities, along with facility usage, will provide a clear picture of how effectively the new spaces are being utilized. Community engagement will also be a major factor. The number of local artists participating in the Artist's Guild, using affordable rental spaces, and showcasing work in public galleries, along with attendance at public events, will show how well the project is engaging the broader community. Surveys and feedback from participants, families, and local residents will help gauge satisfaction. 

Educational outcomes will also be a key success factor, with progress tracked through student evaluations, skill development, and the impact of financial aid on participants. In terms of economic and neighborhood revitalization, the project can assess visitor numbers, local economic growth, and the development of partnerships with other organizations in the coming year. 

Long-term sustainability will be measured by ongoing community support, program longevity, a strong endowment, and the ability to maintain the facility in good condition. Finally, the project's success in preserving the building’s historical integrity will be evaluated through the appreciation of its original features, such as the wood and signage, and the community’s recognition of the school's historical significance. Together, these metrics will provide a comprehensive view of the project's impact on the community and its cultural, educational, and economic contributions. 

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General frequently asked questions:

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What is Eastern Iowa Arts Academy planning to do with Arthur Elementary School? 

Eastern Iowa Arts Academy (EIAA) is embarking on a transformative project to repurpose the historic 110-year-old Arthur Elementary School in Cedar Rapids. This initiative aims to greatly enhance our ability to serve children and the community, especially those with disabilities, by creating a dynamic, ADA-compliant hub for arts education and community engagement. Sadly, the current state of the school is far from accessible. It lacks basic ADA-compliant features such as appropriate bathrooms, an elevator, and has only one narrow ramped entrance to the main floor. This leaves the building inaccessible to many individuals, particularly those with physical disabilities, preventing them from fully participating in programs and activities. It’s unfortunate that such a historically significant building, which should be a welcoming space for all, has remained inaccessible for so long. 

The project will change all of that by involving several key steps, starting with the renovation and restoration of the building's historic elements, including the original wood and glass. Simultaneously,we will upgrade the facility to meet modern safety and accessibility standards by adding ADA-compliant restrooms, wheelchair access, and an elevator. The school will also feature accessible counters, sinks, and pathways, ensuring full inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. These changes are crucial to ensure that every member of the community, regardless of their abilities, can access and enjoy the opportunities the school will offer. 

This transformation will create specialized spaces for arts and community services, such as a recording studio, sensory art room, rock band facilities, maker’s space, music and art libraries, and an instrument repair shop. These facilities will be available to the entire community, including many disabled artists. In addition, essential services like food pantry, mental health resource center, and instrument libraries will be introduced to further support local families. As part of this project, we will launch an Artist's Guild for the community, providing affordable artist rental spaces and new services like artist lofts. Public galleries will also be created to showcase local talent, and we will build a public art scene by installing murals throughout the construction years, attracting visitors and revitalizing the area. Community engagement and outreach will play a crucial role in raising awareness about the new arts center and encouraging participation. By collaborating with schools, agencies, and local artists, we aim to build strong ties and foster involvement in our programs. Financial aid and transportation initiatives will be expanded to ensure that underserved communities can access arts education. Outdoor revitalization efforts, such as a patio garden and performance area, will ensure that the school remains a vibrant gathering place. Together, these activities will transform Arthur Elementary School into an inclusive, creative hub for the community, while preserving its rich historical significance.

How does repurposing Arthur Elementary School honor its historical significance while contributing to the cultural and educational future of Cedar Rapids? 

Preserving Arthur Elementary School is historically significant because it represents over a century of educational and cultural heritage in Cedar Rapids. As a 110-year-old building, it is a tangible link to the city's past, embodying the “fortress” architectural style and community values of its time. By repurposing it as an arts center, we honor its legacy while adapting it for modern needs, allowing future generations to experience and appreciate its historical importance. We will be keeping all signage from the school, including the “Arthur Knights” embellished on the wooden floor. It is important for us to preserve the original wood, glass and even old thermostats. We want the history of the school to be an important part of what we do moving forward. Originally the school was scheduled for demolition on the district Master Plan in 2018, so we are thankful we will have the opportunity to revitalize the neighborhood. Saving the school will maintain its role as a gathering place, ensuring it continues to serve the community and reflect the evolving cultural and artistic landscape of the region. 

I heard there may be rental spaces for local artists? Is this true? 

Yes! Several classrooms on the second floor will be broken up into studios during year two for local artists to use. Many will have sinks and bathrooms and most will have their own window. All studios will have gallery space and 24/7 access. The great thing is they will all be offered at non-profit rates! Email kassandra@eiaaprogram.org to get on our waiting list.

Will there be gym rental? 

Arthur School has an impressive gym, which will be available for rental to teams for practice sessions and others who may need the space for various activities. 

How can I help volunteer? 

There are many ways to volunteer for the project to repurpose Arthur Elementary School. Volunteers can assist with renovation tasks such as painting, cleaning, and minor repairs. Skilled artists and educators can offer their expertise by teaching or mentoring students. Administrative help is also needed for tasks like managing donor lists, communications, and volunteer schedules. Volunteers can support students during arts programs, especially those with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive experience. 

Additionally, volunteers can assist with public art installations, help set up donated furniture and supplies, and prepare specialized spaces like the maker's space and recording studio. Outdoor maintenance, including gardening and setting up outdoor classrooms, is also needed. Those interested in fundraising can assist with campaigns and seeking sponsorships. Click here for volunteer info!