We need the arts more than ever

In my more than two years as executive director at CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids, I’ve often found myself in the shadows: backstage before I introduce a performer; in the corner and among the audience watching a live show; walking through this historic space at the end of the night.

I love those moments in the shadows because they allow me to reflect on how important this venue — and art in general — is to the health of our community.

Because when it comes to CSPS and the artists we showcase, our mission is to bring them into the light — giving them the stage to shine.

In a world of AI slop, streaming services, and social media saturation, live art and entertainment offer one of the last havens for our collective humanity.

If that sounds weighty, it’s because it is.

Local venues and artists have never been more needed. And they’ve never been in more need of your support. Because art helps us understand each other and bridges cultural gaps. It creates a tether that draws us together, strengthening and enriching our communities.

That’s why it’s disheartening to hear about venues struggling, like Mirrorbox Theatre’s recent announcement that they’re closing.

At CSPS, we’ve been fortunate to be in the midst of a lot of momentum thanks to a surge in community support. In addition to dozens of live performances and art exhibits, we’ve expanded our programming, grown our board, and completed a major fundraising campaign this past year — surpassing our $200,000 goal thanks to the generosity of more than 150 individual donors, corporate sponsors, and grants.

And now, emboldened by a matching grant from the Hall-Perrine Foundation, we embark on a new campaign to update our lighting, sound, and other building aspects to ensure artists have the best space to share their creativity.

I know that our momentum is largely attributable to something I’ve always believed:

Art is fundamentally about voices.

It sparks conversation. It encourages discovery; not only internally but also about those around us and the world we inhabit.

As we engage with art, we are engaging with our community. We’re learning about others’ experiences and discovering more about ourselves in the process. With each experience, we’re breaking ignorance and building visibility. You, me, we are seen.

That is what creates culture. CSPS is a beacon of culture in the heart of NewBo, providing a platform for all voices to express themselves and discover the creative spark that resides within. This is what elevates CSPS beyond merely an organization, person, performance, or even building. It’s history. It’s a shared experience. A social connection and commitment to music, theatre, and other forms of artistic expression.

To walk through our doors is to be transported. To stay is to be transformed. To leave is to look forward to coming back to experience that feeling again. That’s the power of live, local art. And it should be supported now more than ever.

Jason Zbornik is executive director of CSPS.