ARTSwork delivers the Regional Cultural Assessment's cultural priority to strengthen the creative economy by developing the talent and skillset of creative entrepreneurs and artists and making youth connections with increased access to artists and arts education. ARTSwork is a sister organization to Des Moines Arts Festival and hosts a variety of year round programming.
Creatives' Breakfast Club
Think Rotary for Artists. The Creative Breakfast Club (CBC) is an opportunity for creatives to come together to network and learn important business skills in a monthly scheduled programming in collaboration with the Iowa Center of Economic Success. CBC debuted in January 2023 and takes place the last Saturday morning of each month. While this is a free program, registration is required.
MicroGrant Dinner
MicroGrant Dinner is a ticketed event that includes artist presentations, a contribution towards a local art project, and a delicious meal. During dinner, artists pitch their projects to the guests in PechaKucha format. After all presentations, the guests vote on their favorite idea. The winning artist takes home the proceeds from the dinner as a microgrant, usually around $1,000. 2024 dates will be announced soon!
Wine & Clay
Wine & Clay is a celebration of the earth arts featuring artists selling work in pottery, figures, tiles, tableware, fibers, jewelry and wood. To further celebrate the earth arts, the event highlights a variety of wines available for purchase as a tasting flight or as a single glass. Wine & Clay also features a variety of clay demonstrations, music and culinary faire.
Artist Connect
Artist Connect is a new program that connects the education community to working artists. Artists demonstrate their work and showcase their skills and working studios to students, ages 5 - 18, and their teachers. Artist Connect is made possible by Iowa Arts Council and Polk County Board of Supervisors.
Mural Directory (Coming Soon)
The Mural Directory will be an online tool to help residents and visitors connect to visual art murals in Central Iowa. The online guide will provide information about each mural, the artist and details about the mural’s history or story. The Mural Directory is made possible by a grant from Polk County.
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