Uptown Artway

ArtPlace America selected the city of Marion as the first in Iowa to receive support for a placemaking project. ArtPlace, a consortium of national foundations and financial institutions, provided the City with $350,000 to help bring vitality to underutilized spaces in the heart of the historic Uptown Marion Main Street District. Marion’s Artist Selection Panel reviewed 80 regional and national artist proposals for public art projects. They narrowed the submissions down to 13 finalists and awarded contracts to nine artists, including five from Iowa. Read about these artists and their public art installations here.

Take a stroll through Uptown Artway, the re-imagined gathering space that runs behind 7th Avenue. What was once an under-utilized alley, now features nine permanent art installations by local and national artists.

​To reserve the stage , a hold/harmless application needs to be completed and approved by Marion City Council. It is best to submit the application at least 6 weeks prior to the event to allow for staff review. With the exception of the stage, the Uptown Artway cannot be reserved for private events. All events must be free and open to the public and obtain a 'hold/harmless'.