HANDS ON, DES MOINES

THE TIME IS NOW
Shaping the Future of YOUR 21st Century Art Center

It all happens here at the Des Moines Art Center–a vast array of exhibitions; Conversations on Art, a series of enticing artists’ lectures; innovative films; studio art classes; collaborative programming with area social service agencies; tours and art education for over 10,000 area school children each year; creative adult and family workshops; the best in classical music; special events like Day of the Dead; and now second Saturday and Sunday family programming. The Des Moines Art Center belongs to you and offers something for everyone in your family and community. Only through your participation can the Art Center truly realize its goal of becoming a center where all members of the community can dialogue about contemporary social issues using modern and contemporary art as the medium for introducing important topics.

Hands On, Des Moines: Shape the Future of YOUR Art Center is about accomplishing this goal. It is a comprehensive marketing and fundraising campaign that will help us meet the community’s needs. Comprised of three basic objectives including reshaping the Art Center’s image in the community; raising $34 million in operating endowment, capital funding, and annual operating support over two years; and increasing the number of donors to the Art Center, Hands On, Des Moines is designed to respond to the needs of the community and ensure that we have the financial capacity to deliver mutually beneficial results.

For decades, the Des Moines Art Center has benefited from–and been extremely grateful for–the generous donations of a handful of individuals and corporations. And while this support has allowed us to sustain a level of excellent programming, over time, we have not been able to reach out to new audiences without sacrificing the quantity of extraordinary exhibitions upon which the Art Center has built its world class reputation. As we move forward in the 21st century, we want to retain quality in our exhibitions and introduce them to increasing audiences by producing innovative and diverse programs that address the needs of our broad community. This goal can only be accomplished by increasing participation and building financial support.

The Des Moines Art Center is place where you, your family, and your neighbors can have fun and enrich your lives. Whether you are a lifelong Des Moines resident or new to the community, the Des Moines Art Center is here to serve your needs. Reputed for helping boost the economic value of greater Des Moines and a source of community pride, the Des Moines Art Center continually strives to improve. Help us continue to move forward in the 21st Century by jumping on board with Hands On, Des Moines: Shape the Future of YOUR Art Center.

For more information, or to make a contribution, please contact Edwina Brandon, director of development and external affairs at 515.271.0318 or ebrandon@desmoinesartcenter.org.

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