Each monthly session will connect you with other Greater Des Moines’ creative entrepreneurs so that all of you may network with peers to advance your needs individually, gather the information that supports your career, and provide training opportunities so that you can do less of what you hate and more of what you love.

 

We ask that you come to CBC with covenants that create a safe space for everyone. For the CBC to be successful, you need to show up. Be present and engaged. ARTSwork and Iowa Center for Economic Success are here for one reason - your success. 

 

We want you to appreciate that everyone's experience and thoughts are beneficial contributions. So, participate authentically, and share your input and expertise, knowing it is valuable. To engage in productive dialogue together, embracing that every person's perspective comes from unique experiences is important. Let's agree to respect someone's opinion, even if it is different from your own.

 

There is no rule book that is going to tell you exactly what to do to make your business or practice work. You have to research, experiment, track your successes and failures and adjust accordingly to find the right mix for you.

 

You will be asked to engage your peer network. All artists need at least one person to discuss their art practice. Artists with strong peer groups that meet regularly to discuss these matters are much more likely to achieve their definitions of success.

  

Our first meeting on Saturday, January 28 served as an orientation. Chris Dahlquist was back with us to present the Action Plan commissioned by Des Moines Arts Festival and Bravo. The Action Plan for Professional Development and Capacity Building Programming for Individual Artists in Greater Des Moines outlined three key strategies:

1. Strengthen cross-discipline artist networking: creative opportunities for artists of diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and career stages to collaborate with and learn from one another.

2. Facilitate communication: establish a virtual resource center to provide information regarding opportunities, available resources/programming, and information on best practices.

3. Provide life-long learning opportunities. Coordinate relevant capacity-building programming for artists, ensuring a variety of access points for artists at all stages of artistic development.  

 

A lot has changed since our initial meetings that resulted in this plan. A global pandemic stopped us from moving forward in the manner we had hoped for. In 2023, our mantra will be 'enough talk, let's do this.' Chris will presented her findings and lay the groundwork for the months and years ahead. The Iowa Center for Economic Success will assist in leading our sessions, providing facilitation and professional assistance to move your business forward. Assessments were taken to see if further understanding of the presented subject is needed for a group or individuals.  Regardless, The Iowa Center is ready and spirited to work with you so you can do more of what you love and less of what you don't.

 

At the upcoming March session (March 25), The Iowa Center will focus in strategic planning and business plan development. We'll also be sharing creative opportunities in our community. 

 

Location Update

The March location will be announced soon. We have outgrown the space at our office and are looking for a more permanent home for CBC. Why 9:30 a.m. on Saturday morning? Because that's what you requested. When asked, "what is your preferred day/time to attend workshops and classes," 59% responded, "weekend," with 53% identifying a weekday evening.

​

9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.: check in, networking, and fellowship
9:45 a.m. - 11 a.m.: Programming

Save the Date(s)

January 28 // February 25 // March 25 //

April 29 // May 20 // June 24 //

July 29 // August 26 // September 30 //

October 28 // November 25 // December 16