Pottawattamie Arts, Culture, & Entertainment (PACE) is receiving statewide recognition for helping transform Council Bluffs into a growing arts and cultural destination.
During the 2026 Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP) Awards, PACE was recognized in the Arts, Culture & Heritage category for its leadership in advancing arts, culture, and heritage tourism in western Iowa. The annual awards celebrate organizations and individuals making a meaningful impact on Iowa’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Centered at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center in Council Bluffs, PACE continues to attract visitors from across Iowa and the Midwest through performances, exhibitions, educational programming, and creative placemaking efforts that have helped energize the South Main Cultural District.
From nationally touring performances and visual arts exhibitions to community programming and cultural partnerships, PACE has helped create experiences that encourage visitors to spend more time exploring Council Bluffs while strengthening community identity through the arts.
According to Iowa Travel Industry Partners, PACE was recognized for “exceptional leadership in advancing arts, culture, and heritage tourism in western Iowa.” The organization’s work was also noted for helping position Council Bluffs as “a cultural gateway to Iowa.”
“Tourism is powered by people who care deeply about their communities and the experiences they create for others,” said Chelsea Lerud, Executive Director of Iowa Travel Industry Partners (iTIP). “These recipients are the individuals and organizations that consistently go the extra mile, and their work deserves to be recognized and celebrated.”
The recognition adds to a growing list of statewide honors connected to Council Bluffs tourism and destination development. Fellow 2026 iTIP honorees from Council Bluffs include the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and Unleash Council Bluffs Executive Director Mark Eckman.
PACE will be formally recognized during the 2026 iTIP Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony on June 9 in Amana.
