Members of the Greater Des Moines community are invited to a series of seven community conversations focusing on how to leverage arts and culture to enhance quality of life and economic development in central Iowa. The open-forum sessions will be held Wednesday, March 22 and Thursday, March 23 as part of Central Iowa’s Regional Cultural Assessment, funded by Bravo Greater Des Moines and led by a steering committee helmed by Drake University President Marty Martin.
The Regional Cultural Assessment is a ten-month planning process designed to explore central Iowa’s unique character and resources and devise ways that arts and culture can contribute to a healthy future. Input from the sessions will inform the project Steering Committee in identifying priorities for further leveraging the arts to enhance shared regional objectives. Completing the Cultural Assessment is a core priority for Capital Crossroads 2.0, a regional planning framework designed to propel central Iowa into the future.
“From local theater to live music, Broadway performances to art galleries, arts and culture in central Iowa are a critical part of quality of life and economic development for our region,” President Martin said. “These community input sessions are a not-to-be-missed opportunity for everyone to share their vision, ideas, inspiration, and input for arts and culture in central Iowa that will help shape the future of the region.”
Multiple meetings—all open to the general public—have been scheduled throughout the region including:
Wednesday, March 22
4:30 to 6 p.m.
Olmsted Center, Drake University, 2875 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311
Event Partner: Drake University
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Grandview University Student Center, 2811 E 14th St, Des Moines, IA 50316
Event Partner: Latino Resources, Inc. and Grand View University
6:30 to 8 p.m.
Urban Dreams, 601 Forest Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314
Event Partner: Urban Dreams
Thursday, March 23
7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Pleasant Hill Library, 5151 Maple Dr. Unit 2, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Event Partner: City of Pleasant Hill
10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Urbandale Public Library, 3520 8th St., Urbandale, IA 50322
Event Partner: AARP Iowa and the City of Urbandale
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Reading Room, Cowles Library, Drake University, 2507 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311
Event Partner: Iowa Asian Alliance and Drake University
6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Dymond Public Safety Building, 8505 Harbach Blvd., Clive, IA 50325
Event Partner: City of Clive
Light refreshments will be provided at all sessions and RSVPs are strongly encouraged but not required. A complete list of events including registration information can be found here: http://bravogreaterdesmoines.org/event-registration/.