IOWA CITY – Our planet takes approximately 365.25 days to orbit the sun once. It’s that extra quarter of a day that creates the need for a leap day every four years – 24 hours that are too often unaccounted for. This leap day, consider using your “extra” time to engage with the arts, build connections with your neighbors, and visit Public Space One for a special leap day program on February 29, 2024.
“We want people to use their extra day in 2024 to rediscover their love for the arts,” says Debbie Ackerman, an organizer for Leap for the Arts. “If it’s been a while since you flexed your creative muscles, use your extra day to pick up a brush, a pen, a chisel, a cello, or a crochet hook and make it your first day of putting art back into your life.”
To spur the community, the Leap team – comprised of members of Greater Iowa City’s 2024 Community Leadership Program – will offer an opportunity for artists and arts enthusiasts of all ages, levels of ability, and experience levels to make new friends while viewing the art auction items on display at PS1 and discussing their own creative projects and shared love for the arts. Think speed dating–but for art!
“This leap day, we’re excited to champion the role art can play in helping people connect,” Ackerman continued.
Who: Art makers and art lovers of all ages.
What: An art-centered “speed friending” event.
When: Thursday, Feb. 29, 5:30-7:00pm
Where: Public Space One, 538 S Gilbert St, Iowa City
Cost: Free
Public Space One is an artist-led, community-driven, contemporary art center which provides an independent, innovative, diverse, and inclusive space for making and presenting art and advocates for the importance of art in everyday life for any and everyone.
Leap for the Arts was developed as part of the 2024 Greater Iowa City’s Community Leadership Program, which delves into both leadership development and the major sectors that make up our community, with sessions focusing on topics from health care to agriculture, human services to arts and culture. Each session is designed and facilitated by a programming committee and session leaders who are experts in their fields.
While Leap for the Arts 2024 is a single event, organizers hope a regular Leap Day celebration of art, artists, and artmaking in the greater Iowa City area might be possible. LEAPfest 2028, anyone?