CSPS needs ‘oxygen’ to keep its arts alive

What is the connection between golfing in Scotland in August and a multidisciplinary arts and cultural center in Cedar Rapids called CSPS? I’m going to tell you, but -spoiler alert — be ready to take a leap of faith.

A year ago, seven golfing buddies and I spent a week outside Edinburgh in the many cathedrals of the game that dot Scotland. At the same time in Edinburgh itself, its ancient cathedrals become host to the international Fringe Festival; one of the greatest celebrations of arts and culture on the planet. For 3 weeks Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy from around the globe. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste. The festival caters for everyone and includes theatre, comedy, dance, art exhibitions, cabaret, children's shows, musicals, opera, music, and spoken word.

Here is the connection … CSPS, in its historic NewBo ‘cathedral’, does precisely the same thing 12 months of the year, and in our own backyard. From its three-in-residence performance troupes; those being SPT, Revival and Rich Heritage CR, to traveling musicians like John Primer, Alash, The Steel Wheels, and Gangstagrass, its three art galleries with rotating exhibits, Fuerzas Culturales Ballet Folklorico dance troupe, Improv comedy, opera and youth oriented performance classes, the creative energy emanating from Third St SE provides transformative experiences for visitors of every age and interests. Now in its 33rd year, CSPS continues as the anchor and inspiration for NewBo and Eastern Iowa.

There’s another equally relevant connection. Borrowing directly from Fringe’s website “Many arts projects require subsidy over and above what they generate in ticket income for them to happen at all and sourcing that subsidy is the biggest challenge facing any arts organization or artist, emerging or established.” Just like Fringe, CSPS and its cultural brethren from Iowa to Scotland very much need and appreciate the support that they receive from its patrons and corporate sponsors. That support is the oxygen that keeps us alive. And that’s a good thing. For as the Scots are known to say “Be happy while yer’ living for yer’ a long time dead.”

Scott Byers is board co-chairman at CSPS. Donation information at cspshall.org