Courses from two University of Iowa departments - the Department of Theatre Arts and the School of Planning & Public Affairs - merged to explore the role of arts & culture in community and economic development, with a focus on supporting the launch and visioning for the Wonderful Westside Neighborhood Association in Iowa City.   

Faculty and students collaborated with community leaders and residents in an Iowa City neighborhood over a two year period. The neighborhood, on the far west side of Iowa City, is one of the most diverse in the community and encompasses the Pheasant Ridge apartment complex, a low income housing property home to many immigrant families. Community leaders sought assistance to form a neighborhood association that would build cohesion within the neighborhood and would be formally recognized by the City of Iowa City, thereby making the neighborhood eligible for the City's PIN grant. 

The collaboration between the community partners and UI faculty and students was bolstered by a research grant from the UI Office of Vice President for Research (OVPR). Following a model from the organization Healthy Democracy, the grant funding helped overcome barriers to civic participation. A random group of neighborhood residents participated as a "leadership cohort", participating in interviews and sharing ideas in neighborhood meetings. Participants received childcare assistance, translation/interpretation assistance, and financial compensation. The Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County played a pivotal role in helping launch the neighborhood association. 

Among the early work in the neighborhood meetings, students in the Spring 2022 class worked with community members to establish a name and vision for the neighborhood: The Wonderful Westside Neighborhood will be a safe, peaceful, and desirable place to live, work, and play. We will work together to empower inherent leadership, improve economic and social well-being, strengthen sense of belonging, and make connections with resources as we elevate, celebrate, and integrate the diverse cultures and voices of our residents. 

The group also identified opportunities and priorities for the neighborhood, including a desire for more public art. A public art grant from the City of Iowa City, written by a student in the class, funded culturally-relevant art installations during the summer of 2022, including painted picnic tables, murals, and more. 

The collaboration continued in the Spring 2023 class, with students focusing on traffic safety, one of the highest priorities for residents. With additional funding support from Resilient Futures for Iowa City (RSFIC), the students conducted a traffic study, helped identify traffic safety improvements, designed and distributed flyers, stickers, and yard signs promoting traffic safety, and held workshops with children in the neighborhood.