HomeMy WebLinkAboutFilmScene x PS1 Letter of Partnership 2025
PUBLIC SPACE ONE
229 N. Gilbert St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
publicspaceone.com
March 11, 2025
Rachel Kilburg Varley
Public Art Coordinator
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Rachel,
On behalf of Public Space One, Iowa City ’s artist-led, community-driven, contemporary art center, I am pleased
to provide this letter of support to FilmScene’s application to the Public Arts Matching Grant Program.
FilmScene proposes to build off its previously Public Arts Matching Grant-funded project - the looping video art
installation as part of its 2024 Refocus Film Festival. The Refocus Film Festival celebrates the art of adaptation
on the big screen, and I am thrilled that FilmScene will continue its commitment to a free arts experience
during its 4-day festival.
The 2024 project, “We Always Come Here,” incorporated archival footage from Iowa City’s Ped Mall to capture
how this singular space builds and reinforces community here in downtown Iowa City. FilmScene’s proposed
project as part of its application to the 2025 Public Arts Matching Grant Fund program will build off “We Always
Come Here,” an adaptation of its own. Public Space One is committed to helping promote this adaptive creative
opportunity to local artists as well as promote this part of the festival to its community of artists.
The Refocus Film Festival has become an essential arts experience here in Iowa City. It leans into Iowa City’s
designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and overlaps (intentionally) with the Iowa City Book Festival. The
festival has grown to nearly 4,000 attendees, bringing dozens of filmmakers as well as world class cinematic
adaptations each fall.
Thank you for considering FilmScene’s request for the Public Art Matching Grant program. More
investment in the arts, including film as art, only makes our community stronger.
John Engelbrecht
Executive Director
Public Space One