Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE)

For residents of Council Bluffs and across Southwest Iowa, the vibrant pulse of arts and culture often leads to one dynamic destination: Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE). Evolving from the Bluffs Arts Council in 2016, PACE has swiftly become a driving force in strengthening, developing, and promoting a diverse array of arts, cultural, and historical institutions, organizations, and activities throughout the region. Situated within the impressive Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, PACE serves as a centralized hub, enriching, inspiring, and energizing our community through unparalleled cultural experiences and connections.

PACE is more than just an art gallery; it's a comprehensive cultural ecosystem. It provides shared facilities for performance, exhibits, classrooms, and even archival space, making it a true incubator for creativity and learning. This multi-faceted approach means that whether your passion lies in visual arts, live theater, orchestral music, dance, or even culinary arts, PACE offers a welcoming and engaging environment. Their mission is clear: to cultivate a stronger community where art and culture thrive, enriching people's lives through creativity and connection.

One of the most exciting aspects of PACE is its collaborative spirit. By serving as an umbrella organization for numerous strategic partners, including Chanticleer Community Theater, Council Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, and American Midwest Ballet, PACE ensures a dazzling array of high-quality artistic programming is readily available to the local community. Visitors consistently praise the "beautiful facility" and the wide range of offerings, from engaging theater productions and ballet performances to inspiring gallery spaces and unique food entrepreneurs. If you're looking to immerse yourself in the arts, explore your creativity, or simply enjoy world-class entertainment right here in Iowa, Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center is a destination not to be missed.

Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE) is prominently located at 1001 S 6th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA. This address places it squarely within the heart of Council Bluffs, offering excellent accessibility for residents across the city and surrounding areas in Southwest Iowa. The Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, where PACE is housed, is a distinctive and easily recognizable landmark, simplifying navigation for visitors. Its proximity to major roadways ensures a convenient commute whether you're arriving from downtown Council Bluffs, or from neighboring communities like Omaha, Bellevue, or Papillion.

The facility boasts a multi-story structure, specifically designed to accommodate its diverse offerings, including theater spaces, studios for aspiring artists, extensive exhibit areas, and modern classrooms. Ample parking is typically available, contributing to a seamless and stress-free experience for attendees. The strategic location within Council Bluffs reinforces PACE's commitment to being a central, accessible hub for arts and culture for the entire region. This ease of access encourages greater participation from local Iowans, making it simpler to engage with the vibrant artistic programs and events offered throughout the year.

Services Offered:

• Gallery Exhibitions: Curates an expansive nearly 8,500 square-foot gallery and exhibition floor, featuring a permanent Grant Wood murals exhibit and 3 to 4 new exhibitions annually, including the popular PACE New Masters juried art competition.
• Performing Arts Performances: Hosts a wide range of performances from resident partners including Chanticleer Community Theater (five productions annually), Kanesville Symphony Orchestra (three annual concerts), and American Midwest Ballet.
• Educational Programs & Classes: Offers over 150 classes and programs for youth, adults, and families, covering diverse subjects such as pottery, painting, photography, culinary arts, and a Speaker Series.
• Youth Programming: Specific programs for children and youth, including summer art/culinary camps (ages 7-12), youth ceramics, painting, and tech art classes.
• Resident Artist Studios: Subsidizes five on-site artist studios, encouraging artists to interact with the community, create, exhibit, and teach classes.
• Community Programs: Facilitates and collaborates on various community activation initiatives, such as the "Music in the Park" series, Celebrate CB, and Winterfest.
• Event Hosting & Venue Rental: Offers versatile spaces within the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center for private events, weddings, meetings, and conferences, including access to galleries, theater, and kitchen facilities.
• Fundraising and Marketing Hub: Acts as a centralized resource for fundraising and marketing efforts for its partner organizations, strengthening the local arts ecosystem.
• Hoff Arts Scholarship: Provides scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Art, Music, Theater, Dance, or Culinary fields.
• "Hoff Fourth Fridays": Monthly evening events combining Kitchen Council food pop-ups, live local music, and educational opportunities like "Mud & Merlot."

Features / Highlights:

• Beautiful and Versatile Facility: Housed within the stunning 95,000-square-foot Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center, praised for its architectural beauty and adaptability for diverse events and artistic expressions.
• Centralized Cultural Hub: Functions as an umbrella organization for multiple arts partners, offering a comprehensive and accessible cultural experience under one roof.
• Diverse Artistic Offerings: Provides a wide spectrum of arts and cultural experiences, including visual art, theater, music, dance, and culinary arts, catering to varied interests.
• Extensive Gallery Space: Features a substantial exhibition floor, including a permanent Grant Wood mural exhibit, ensuring a continuous display of compelling visual art.
• Commitment to Education: Offers a vast array of educational programs and classes for all ages, fostering creativity and skill development in the community.
• Community Engagement: Actively involved in community programs and initiatives, making arts and culture accessible and integrated into local life.
• Support for Local Artists and Entrepreneurs: Provides studio space for resident artists and supports local food entrepreneurs through the Kitchen Council partnership.
• High-Quality Performances: Hosts performances by renowned local groups like Chanticleer Community Theater, Kanesville Symphony Orchestra, and American Midwest Ballet.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity: Strives to make arts and culture accessible and affordable to everyone, with various programs and events designed for broad participation.
• Positive Community Feedback: Consistently receives praise for being an "amazing, artistic space" that enriches the cultural landscape of Council Bluffs.

Contact Information:

Address: 1001 S 6th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA

Phone: (712) 890-5600

Mobile Phone: +1 712-890-5600

Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE) is an exceptionally suitable and vital asset for locals in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the broader Southwest Iowa region. Its establishment and ongoing operations directly address the community's desire for a robust and accessible arts and cultural scene, making it an indispensable resource for residents of all ages and interests.

One of the primary reasons PACE is so suitable for locals is its comprehensive nature. Instead of having to seek out various venues for different artistic experiences, Iowans can find a dazzling array of visual arts, live performances (theater, ballet, symphony), and educational opportunities all under one roof at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center. This convenience streamlines access to culture, making it easier for busy families and individuals to engage with the arts.

Furthermore, PACE's dedication to arts education, evidenced by its more than 150 classes and programs for youth and adults, is a significant benefit for local families. Parents looking for enriching extracurricular activities, or adults eager to explore new hobbies like pottery or photography, will find high-quality instruction and a supportive environment right in their backyard. This commitment to nurturing creative talent within the community helps foster generational appreciation for the arts.

The strong focus on community engagement, including hosting local artists in residence, supporting food entrepreneurs through Kitchen Council, and facilitating events like "Hoff Fourth Fridays," ensures that PACE is deeply integrated into the fabric of Council Bluffs life. It provides platforms for local talent to shine and creates vibrant gathering spaces where residents can connect and celebrate shared cultural experiences. This makes PACE a true community cornerstone, not just a venue.

In essence, PACE enriches, inspires, and energizes the community by making arts, culture, and connections readily available and actively promoted. For Iowans who value artistic expression, lifelong learning, and vibrant community life, Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with and contribute to the flourishing cultural landscape of Southwest Iowa.

Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE)

1001 S 6th St, Council Bluffs, IA 51501, USA