Letter: There's so much more to tell about the local arts and culture scene

Although I have been a frequent critic of the imbalance of Gazette content, especially as it relates to sports versus other community activities and news, I was genuinely thrilled to read Diana Nollen's superb piece about Orchestra Iowa in the May 4 edition. That it was featured on the front page and two consecutive pages of the Business 380 section is a testament to what I have believed for years: There's so much more to tell about the local arts and culture scene than merely identifying the next concert, play or exhibit.

I hope this will provide incentive for more investigative and informative stories about our area's artistic assets. In the aftermath of the flood, no cultural organizations folded, but, in fact, recovered, re-imagined and reinvented themselves in bold ways. Truth be told, in many cases their flood stories inspired the entire community to rebuild in ways that celebrate our creative energy and collective heritage.

Please don't allow Nollen's savvy story to be nothing more than a nod to implied content balance for the arts. Legion Arts, TCR, SPT and many others have also demonstrated resilience, entrepreneurial innovation, community engagement and creative transformation. They have been living and breathing the 'We Create Here” principles for years.

Journalistic pieces such as the Orchestra Iowa article impact and instruct your readers in positive ways and benefit the entire community. Kudos and thank you.

James Kern

Cedar Rapids