A 111-year-old school in Cedar Rapids was almost torn down — now it’s an arts and music playground for students of all ages.⁠ ⁠ The Eastern Iowa Arts Academy turned the old Arthur Elementary into a full-on creative hub. There are murals, music studios, a food pantry and even a resident cat named Roxy. The academy, which was once split between three locations, moved into the space due to an increased demand for its low-cost programming.⁠ ⁠ And they’re not done yet — a gallery, open studios and full ADA access are all in the works.⁠ ⁠ 🎶 Read the story from IPR’s Josie Fischels and listen to IPR’s 'Talk of Iowa' to learn more. CORRECTION: The $260,000 the academy received came from private donors, not the Iowa Arts Council.