COVID-19 hit the fine and performing arts hard. The Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls was not immune, having to shutter its doors to the thousands of guests who count on the GBPAC for world-class live performances. Chad Allen, GBPAC director of development, viewed it as a true loss for the community to miss these shared experiences that touch our hearts, engage our senses, and unearth emotions.  

Undeterred, the staff at GBPAC pivoted to bring this community into people’s homes, livestreaming performances online and bringing Kaleidoscope, a powerful arts educational series, to kids’ living rooms in Iowa and across the globe. Then, as it became safer to gather outdoors, GBPAC introduced Block Parties. These outdoor performances in neighborhoods across the Cedar Valley provided a way to bring back a sense of community. Through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa’s Bringing Neighbors Together grant program, GBPAC received funding for concerts to bring people together when they needed it most.