The Light the Dam Fund has been established with the Buchanan County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, to help bring this vision to life. LACES (Local Arts Comprehensive Education Strategies) serves as the driving force behind the Light the Dam project, helping to bring the vision to life through leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. As the originating partner, LACES is working to build awareness, inspire support, and champion the artistic and placemaking elements of the project.
This initiative will fund the installation of permanent lighting on the First Street Bridge, transforming a familiar gathering place into a dynamic, year-round destination. By enhancing this highly visible and symbolic location, the project will support tourism, strengthen local economic vitality, and create new opportunities for events, celebrations, and community connection, serving as both an artistic feature and a unifying landmark that reflects the pride and identity of Independence, Iowa.
