BETTENDORF, IOWA (September 2, 2025) — A brand-new documentary tells the story of the Quad Cities through Alternating Currents (AC). The film tells the story of how AC was built from the ground up. It also highlights its unique impact on the Quad Cities and the artists, businesses and community members who make it possible.
The documentary premiered during Alternating Currents at the Last Picture House and is now available to watch on the web here.
How to Watch on Your TV
You can also stream the documentary through the free KWQC News App on your favorite device:
- Roku: Search for KWQC in the Roku Channel Store, download the app and open to search for the Alternating Currents Documentary
- Amazon Firestick: Go to the Amazon Appstore on your device, search KWQC, install the app and open to search for the Alternating Currents Documentary
- Apple TV: Open the App Store on your Apple TV, search KWQC News, download the app and open to search for the Alternating Currents Documentary
“For me, this documentary feels deeply personal. Growing up outside the Quad Cities, I thought I had to leave to find creativity and culture,” said Alisha Espey, Festival Director and Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) Program & Events Director. “Alternating Currents is proof of what happens when a community invests in the arts: it creates opportunity, pride and connection in ways that are truly transformative.”
The documentary features voices from local leaders, national artists and everyday Quad Citizens who have been impacted by AC. Together, their stories underscore the idea that investment in arts and culture is not just about entertainment, it’s about economic development, talent attraction and the shared experiences that define a place.
“Alternating Currents represents the heart of our mission at the Downtown Davenport Partnership,” said Kyle Carter, Executive Director, DDP. “This film captures that spirit beautifully and it’s a love letter to our community, showcasing the broader story of how our downtowns and the Quad Cities have emerged as truly special places after years of building momentum and investment.”
As a bi-state, multi-city celebration, AC is unlike any other festival in the Midwest. And just like the festival itself, the documentary is both a celebration of what makes our region unique and a reminder of the power of collaboration.
About Alternating Currents
Founded in 2017 by the Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber, Alternating Currents has grown into a multi-city, bi-state celebration of creativity. Now powered by DDP and expanded through placemaking partnerships with the Downtown Bettendorf Organization and Rock Island Downtown Alliance, the festival thrives thanks to the collaboration of local partners, businesses and artists who help deliver a dynamic, inclusive experience each year.
This year’s leading supporters include Presenting Sponsors: Regional Development Authority (RDA) and Rhythm City Casino Resort; Major Partners: Rubberstamps.net and Scott County Regional Authority; Accessibility Sponsor: Bechtel Trust; Arts Partner: The Cultural Trust; and Film Partners: The Last Picture House and Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Additional programming and supporting sponsors include Estes Construction, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Nature’s Treatment of Illinois, MidAmerican Energy, Express Employment Professionals, Quad City Arts, Hupp Toyota-Lift and Altorfer CAT. Hive Event Consulting serves as a producing partner.
Media Partners include KWQC, Quad-City Times & Dispatch-Argus, Townsquare Media, Planet 93.9, and WQPT.
