NOVEMBER NEWS & UPDATES

CELBRATING STORIES, COMMUNITY, AND HOLIDAY MAGIC

As we look back on November, our community has so much to celebrate. It was a month filled with powerful stories, meaningful partnerships, cultural connection, and the beginning of a festive holiday season across the Quad Cities. Thank you for being part of it all.

This month, we wrapped up our 40 Stories in 40 Days article series — an incredible collection of voices, memories, and moments that reveal the transformative impact of arts and culture in the Quad Cities.

From personal testimonies to organizational successes, these stories showcased just how vibrant, resilient, and inspiring our cultural community truly is.

A special thank-you to the Quad-City Times for their partnership in sharing these stories across the region. Their support ensured these voices reached thousands, helping elevate the importance of culture in our community’s daily life.

You can view the collection of stories on our website.

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CELBRATING TRADITION, PARTNERSHIP, LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY

If you haven’t yet, be sure to read Jen Lewis-Snyder’s thoughtful and energizing blog post, “Culture Bright Week Recap.”

Her reflection captures the momentum, creativity, and collaboration that defined Culture Bright Week — a celebration of light, learning, and local culture.

Jen beautifully highlights the community-wide energy and the moments that made the week unforgettable.

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The holiday spirit is officially here! We invite you and your families to join our Legacy Partners for some magical holiday events:

The Quad City Botanical Center created a magical holiday light display with more than 315,000 lights.

New this year is the Culture Bright Neon Forest with many interactive activities. Also don’t forget to stop by Kari’s Cocoa Social Club located inside this year to get the famous Winter Lights Hot Cocoa.

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Common Chord presents -

“Christmas Vacation” Trivia Night!

Test your knowledge of the holidays and this iconic movie! There will be several special movie-related activities too!

Don't forget to wear your ugliest holiday sweater for the ugly sweater contest!

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Ring in the holiday season with members of the QCSO Brass and Percussion sections!

Under the direction of Maestro Mark Russell Smith to perform uplifting selections of classical and holiday favorites!

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The beloved Polar Express Pajama Party tradition is back at the Putnam! Plan to join them for four days (December 18 – 21) of holiday fun featuring a hot cocoa bar, face painting, crafts, ornaments, Lights Out Reindeer Hunt throughout the Museum, The Polar Express on the GIANT Screen and so much more!

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As we move into the final weeks of the year, we are incredibly grateful for our Board of Trustees, Legacy Partners, Community Partners, and Culture Champions like you.

Your belief in the power of arts and culture helps us continue investing in the organizations that make the Quad Cities a more vibrant and connected region.

Here’s to a bright, meaningful, and joy-filled season ahead.

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