On this episode of What's Happenin' QC, Marc Zyla sits down with Kevin Maynard and Alex Salaverria from Quad City Arts to discuss all things Festival of Trees! Festival of Trees has been a great success so far, with high attendance and great weather for the parade and opening weekend. One upcoming event to look forward to is the Silent Disco at the River Center, where attendees can dance to different DJs while surrounded by beautifully decorated trees that are also available for bidding.
The discussion explores how Festival of Trees is Quad City Arts' largest fundraiser, with proceeds supporting arts education programs for 25,000 local students each year as well as exhibitions at their two galleries. Kevin and Alex emphasized the massive logistical work required from their small staff and many volunteers to plan and execute the multi-week long festival.
The conversation then shifted to the new mural recently completed in Moline. Kevin and Alex explain Quad City Arts' role is to facilitate such projects and ensure quality work. They stressed the importance of diversity in public art and how commissions like this raise the profile of a community. Bringing in different perspectives can also inspire local artists.
Kevin and Alex highlighted resources Quad City Arts provides for artists, such as grant programs, exhibition opportunities, and a new online Artist Index to help connect artists to paid work. They emphasized the need for artists to develop business skills alongside their craft to sustain a career. The hosts advocated for both artists to seek opportunities beyond the Quad Cities and patrons to support local talent.
In closing, the hosts encouraged all community members to get involved with arts organizations if they want to help the sector thrive and make the Quad Cities a more vibrant cultural destination.
