The Englert And Storytelling Museum Forecast Millions In Local Benefit  

Iowa City, IA — Proposed downtown arts facilities could generate upwards of $30 million annually in local economic impact, according to a study released today. 

The study – jointly funded by The Englert, Stories Project, and Think Iowa City – forecasts impact for two projects proposed in a new multi-use building at 21 S Linn, a vacant lot formerly home to a US Bank drive-through facility.

The city purchased the lot in 2023 and is currently considering three proposals to develop the site.  

An intimate cabaret performance venue, to be run by The Englert, would generate up to $12.6 million, the study found. The venue is included in all three proposals. 

The Stories Project museum could generate an additional $21.7 million, the report found. The proposed destination, celebrating literature and storytelling, would seek to draw up to 100,000 visitors per year. 

“This data paints a picture – we have huge opportunities at 21 South Linn,” said John Shickedanz, executive director of Englert Theatre. “If we invest today, we can see big returns for everyone in this community.”  

The Englert’s purpose-built venue would offer additional flexibility to support Iowa City’s arts scene by replacing much-missed amenities that were shuttered during the pandemic, Shickedanz said. 

“The Englert hopes to create a space where patrons can relax while experiencing work from emerging artists and touring talent,” said Shickedanz. “We also want to enhance the entire arts ecosystem by providing additional space for the arts community to showcase their work.” 

Stories Project, which would be a tenant in the same building, revives a 2008 effort to create an interactive museum to celebrate storytelling and promote literacy. Last week, Stories Project revealed letters of support from the University of Iowa President, UNESCO City of Literature, the Downtown Arts Alliance, Museum of Literature Ireland, and more.

“Our potential synergies with the proposed venue are just obvious,” said Brent Stinski, Stories Project executive director. “We can sponsor events for visitors during the day – storytelling events, book groups, more. Community writing groups can use the venue too. And at night Englert can offer music and literary programming, which nobody does better.”

“One space – tons of benefit,” he said.  

The study, conducted by the Seattle urban planning firm Community Attributes, foresaw activity not merely at the new institutions, but a ripple effect of increased local wages, as well as visitor spending at area retailers, restaurants, and hotels.

“Arts and culture organizations more broadly are known to generate positive economic impacts in their communities,” the report states. “A study from Americans for the Arts indicated that museums and other cultural institutions contributed $151.7B in total direct expenditures in 2022, while generating 2.6M jobs.”

Josh Schamberger, president of Think Iowa City, otherwise known as the Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, agreed.  

“Any planning process like this is tough. Councilors have a lot to balance,” said Josh Schamberger, president of the visitors bureau. “But nobody’s asking for a handout. These projects will make our arts offering even better than it already is. That boosts our economy.” 

The study is available on Stories Project websites. 

Stories Project, a 501(c)(3) charity, seeks to establish a national museum of storytelling and literature, in Iowa City, Iowa. 

For more information about Stories Project, visit stories-project.org.