A NEW MIXED-USE PROJECT FILLS A HOLE IN THE FABRIC OF HISTORIC DOWNTOWN HASTINGS WITH DISTINCTIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR ARTISTS
By Joel Hoekstra
For years, the city of Hastings had struggled to find a good use for a one-acre property on the eastern end of its historic downtown. The old tannery that once stood on the site, overlooking the Mississippi River, had been demolished and replaced by a surface parking lot. From time to time, various developers had made proposals to build on the site, but none of the plans ever amounted to anything.
In this edition, we bring you stories from out there: innovative, expansive regions; small towns with strong identities; and a future-focused Native American reservation. These rural communities are working to show that small populations don’t equal small ambition. They are putting art and creatives at the forefront of their identities. They see the arts as indispensable, enhancing commerce, tourism, and cultural preservation.
Over the decades, Artspace has surveyed and facilitated discussions with tens of thousands of artists across the country. At the top of nearly every artist’s wish list, in places as diverse as Los Angeles, CA and Council Bluffs, IA, is the need for quality, affordable space. Sadly, these two ideals often work in conflict.
By Kelly Parker
Contributing Writer
‘‘If these walls could talk,” joked Artspace local project manager Joe Butler, as he addressed the crowd of Treme neighbors and culture bearers, along with philanthropic, financial and community partners at the new Bell Artspace Campus.
Artspace Projects announced today a $500,000 grant award from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), in support of the Pullman Artspace Lofts capital campaign. The Pullman Artspace Lofts will provide 38 affordable live/work units for artists and their families in Chicago, as well as exhibition and community space.
By Michelle Wirth
Marie Schaefer was walking on the trail by the river in Hastings she thought, "Wow, I am so lucky." Schaefer said the beauty of the nature in Hastings stood out to her and she saw everything was moving. There was a lot of beauty in it.
Schaefer's walk that day inspired her to write the poem "Junction of Motion." She is one of the new residents at Hastings Artspace Lofts in downtown Hastings.
