In 2004, the Iowa West Foundation funded a community-wide public art master planning process that included a 19-member steering committee comprised of citizens, government representatives and Foundation leaders. The master planning process resulted in the designation of more than 50 sites for potential placement of public art in the City of Council Bluffs and became the IWPA initiative -- Iowa West Public Art. This process and the resulting Public Art Master Plan was based on elements of successful public art programs throughout the world.
In spring 2007, Council Bluffs rededicated historic Bayliss Park. The event was highlighted with the unveiling of the park’s new fountain and new performance pavilion, both of which were created by renowned artist Brower Hatcher and funded by the Iowa West Foundation. Hatcher’s work in Bayliss Park represents the first of seven installations in this innovative community-wide public art program.
Today, because of this unique initiative, Council Bluffs is home to an outstanding public art collection created by artists who have made their mark worldwide. Full copies of the Public Art Master Plan are available from the Iowa West Foundation or at the Council Bluffs Public Library.
