The Des Moines Arts Festival is opening its doors – and its outreach – to Central Iowa nonprofits this year. Applications are now being accepted for the festival’s Community Outreach Program, offering selected organizations a valuable platform to connect with attendees and share their work. This program isn’t just about visibility; it’s a chance for local groups to engage directly with the community through interactive arts-related activities.
For many smaller nonprofits, reaching a broad audience can be a significant challenge. The Des Moines Arts Festival, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year, provides a unique opportunity to overcome that hurdle. The program offers participating organizations a booth at the festival, complete with signage, and a $250 stipend to help cover associated costs. The festival itself is a major economic driver for the region, generating an estimated $2.8 million in economic impact in 2023, according to the Des Moines Arts Festival website. This outreach program extends that impact by amplifying the voices of organizations working to improve the quality of life in Central Iowa.
What the Community Outreach Program Entails
The program isn’t simply a space to display information. Nonprofits accepted into the program are expected to actively engage festival-goers. A key requirement is the provision of an interactive, arts-related activity at their booth. This encourages participation and allows attendees to learn about the organization’s mission in a more dynamic way. The Des Moines Arts Festival, consistently ranked among the nation’s best outdoor art festivals, understands the power of experiential learning and seeks to foster that within the outreach program.
The application process requires organizations to outline their proposed activity and demonstrate how it aligns with their overall mission. This ensures that the program remains focused on meaningful engagement and avoids simply becoming a promotional opportunity. The festival’s selection committee will evaluate applications based on the creativity of the proposed activity, its relevance to the organization’s work, and its potential to attract and engage attendees. The deadline to apply is May 10, 2024, and applications can be submitted through the festival’s website.
Who Benefits from the Program?
The benefits of the Community Outreach Program extend beyond the participating nonprofits. Festival attendees gain the opportunity to learn about the diverse range of services and initiatives available in their community. It fosters a sense of civic engagement and encourages support for local organizations. The program as well enriches the festival experience itself, adding another layer of depth and meaning to the event.
Past participants have included organizations focused on a wide variety of causes, from environmental conservation to youth development to arts education. For example, in previous years, organizations like the Des Moines Public Library Foundation and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition have participated, offering interactive displays and activities that resonated with festival attendees. The program is open to any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Central Iowa.
A Timeline for Participation
Here’s a quick look at the key dates for nonprofits interested in participating:
- Application Open: Now
- Application Deadline: May 10, 2024
- Notification of Selection: Approximately May 24, 2024
- Des Moines Arts Festival Dates: June 26–28, 2024
The Des Moines Arts Festival itself will take place June 26-28, 2024, at Western Gateway Park. The festival will feature a juried exhibition of approximately 200 artists from across the country, live music, food vendors, and a variety of other attractions. The Community Outreach Program booths will be integrated throughout the festival grounds, ensuring maximum visibility for participating organizations.
The Broader Impact of Arts & Community Engagement
The Des Moines Arts Festival’s commitment to community engagement reflects a growing recognition of the vital role that arts and culture play in fostering vibrant and resilient communities. Research consistently demonstrates that access to the arts can improve educational outcomes, enhance social cohesion, and stimulate economic development. The Community Outreach Program is a tangible example of how the festival is working to leverage its platform to support these broader goals.
The program also aligns with a national trend of increased corporate and philanthropic support for arts-based community development initiatives. Organizations are increasingly recognizing that investing in the arts is not just about aesthetics; it’s about investing in the social and economic well-being of communities. The Des Moines Arts Festival’s program serves as a model for other festivals and events looking to deepen their community impact.
The next step for interested nonprofits is to submit their applications before the May 10th deadline. The Des Moines Arts Festival will announce the selected participants around May 24th, giving them ample time to prepare for the event. For more information and to access the application, visit the Des Moines Arts Festival’s Community Outreach Program website.
What are your thoughts on the role of arts festivals in supporting local nonprofits? Share your comments below, and please share this article with organizations that might benefit from this opportunity.
