(Jan 2011) With a well-known world music festival now three years running and increased programming of international artists throughout the year, Legion Arts had already established a focus on international exchange. The CSPS renovation project is now providing a departure point to go even further … and farther. Recently, Legion Arts Executive Director F. John Herbert has traveled from South Korea to Denmark, establishing contacts, scouting out new performers and seeking models for how Legion Arts can further expand its emphasis on diversity and international exchange.

On his visit this fall to Seoul, South Korea, John toured the innovative Seoul Art Space MULLAE, which provides work, living and exhibition space to artists who are revitalizing crumbling industrial areas of the city. The program also provides incubator services.

On an earlier trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil, John was able to observe the neighborhood-based SESC cultural centers.

Seeking new visual artists and performers to engage Midwestern audiences is just as important. While in Seoul, John saw performers like Tacit Group, who creates music through live interaction with a Tetris computer game. In October, he attended WOMEX, the 16th annual world music expo in Copenhagen, featuring 59 acts from 38 countries.

“We can learn a lot by tending to the cultural context and delivery systems employed by our peers around the world to foster community development,” said Herbert. In this way, Legion Arts is expanding and updating the tradition started 120 years ago by Czech immigrants in Cedar Rapids.

Looking ahead

A grand opening in June will celebrate the 120th birthday of CSPS as well as the 20th anniversary of Legion Arts. Watch here for details.

Other than nicer weather, here’s what you have to look forward to at the new CSPS: enhanced versions of the existing theatre and gallery spaces; additional presenting, studio and educational space on the ground floor; the opening of an arts incubator, also on the ground floor, to serve small and emerging arts organizations; and two to three ground floor retail operations. The restored firehouse will host visiting artists and support an artist residency program. A new courtyard transition between CSPS and the firehouse will serve as space for community interaction and outdoor performances.

A parking lot, new bathrooms and heating and cooling systems are all part of the project, and a new main entrance is being planned on the southwest side of the building with elevator access. (If you’d like to get weekly updates on the construction activity delivered right to your email box, write us.)

The project is funded by a $4.8 million I-JOBS grant, $1.2 million in state historic tax credits, and other funding. More here