Bravo Greater Des Moines

Arts and culture is much more than a 'nice to have' amenity - the cultural sector makes tangible, exciting impact on the region. Reported in the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study by Americans for the Arts, arts and culture in Greater Des Moines generates more than $300 million in annual economic impact. This is money spent by organizations to provide programming, exhibits, productions, and events that serve their mission, and it's the money spent by audiences and visitors when they attend an arts and culture event, including hotel stays, retail, and restaurants. Supporting arts and culture, means supporting the community. #BravoDSM

The arts have a profound impact on both residents and visitors, shaping the identity and appeal of our communities. Survey findings from one of the most comprehensive national public opinion studies, "Americans Speak Out About the Arts" demonstrates just how vital arts and culture are to community vibrancy: 1?? 79% of American adults visited, attended, or watched an arts or culture event in person in 2022-23. 2?? 70% of Americans agree that the arts “improve the image and identity” of their community. 3?? 63% say that arts and culture “inspire a sense of pride” in their community. 4?? 79% agree that the arts attract travelers and are beneficial for tourism. 5?? 53% consider a destination’s arts and culture experiences when deciding whether to visit. These insights affirm that arts and culture are not just local treasures but also key economic drivers and sources of community pride. Let’s continue to advocate for and support arts programs that enhance our communities and draw people from near and far. Download AFTA's public opinion study here: https://lnkd.in/eGARxGBa

This year, Bravo supports more nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, or 'cultural partners,' than ever. In the last six years, the number of Bravo-funded partners has grown by 135%—from 66 in 2019 to 89. But what is a 'cultural partner'? ? >> A cultural partner is a nonprofit arts, culture, heritage, or interpretive science organization that receives annual operating support from Bravo Greater Des Moines. ? Explore all 89 cultural partners and more here: https://lnkd.in/g2jtV7wb

Bravo proudly announces the 2025 Bravo Award honoree - Jim & Allison Fleming. The Bravo Award is an honor that has been given at the annual event since its beginning in 2006 to recognize an individual, family, or foundation whose inspiring commitment to arts, culture and heritage has positively impacted Greater Des Moines. Jim and Allison Fleming are known for their profound kindness and wholehearted approach to service. The Flemings have contributed time, talent, treasure and frequent patronage to numerous cultural organizations and institutions throughout the region. The Flemings will take center stage at the 2025 Bravo Awards Gala on Saturday, February 8 at the EMC Expo Center, recognized alongside the two Spotlight Award recipients: Central Iowa Wind Ensemble and CultureALL. A limited number of table sponsorships and single tickets are still available. But, don't delay! Registration closes next Friday, January 17.?

It's almost time. ? Saturday, February 8 is just a few weeks away. Here's what you need to know before the 2025 Bravo Awards Gala >> Access the Sponsorship Portal - https://lnkd.in/gV-pxAAE

Congratulations to Sally Dix for celebrating 11 years at Bravo! ?? Bravo has grown tremendously under Sally's leadership - doubling the staff, increasing investments year over year, and supporting more cultural partners than ever. And, that's just a fraction of all the time and intention that she has put into supporting Bravo's mission. She continuously champions the arts and cultural sector, and advocates for its impact. Thank you, Sally, for all you do! ?? Please join us in wishing Sally a well-deserved BRAVO!

Bravo is thrilled to announce the 2025 Spotlight Award honorees! ? Central Iowa Wind Ensemble and CultureALL will be recognized at the Bravo Awards Gala on Saturday, February 8 for their incredible impact on audiences, the community, and the broader cultural sector. Both organizations are vocal partners, proud to uplift and amplify others; have shown significant growth, and exhibit incredible dedication to their craft.?? Bravo! ?? ?? #2025BravoGala #BravoDSM

Bravo Greater Des Moines is proud to announce the investment of $5,108,113 in grants through two 2025 grant programs: Operating Grants and Public Art Grants. 89 nonprofit arts, culture and heritage organizations were awarded operational support totaling $4,908,113. This is bot the largest amount and the greatest number of organizations Bravo has ever supported in a single grant cycle, and includes six new-to-Bravo organizations. Six Greater Des Moines communities were award Public Art Grants totaling $200,000 for public art projects that encourage local artistic and cultural expression. These investments are made possible because of partnerships with 17 local government communities that contribute a percentage of hotel/motel tax revenue to Bravo each year - City of Altoona, IA; City of Ankeny; City of Bondurant; City of Carlisle; City of Clive, Iowa; City of Des Moines; City of Grimes; City of Indianola, Iowa; City of Johnston, Iowa; City of Norwalk, Iowa; City of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; City of Polk City, IA; Polk County; City of Urbandale; City of Waukee; City of West Des Moines; and City of Windsor Heights, Iowa. Investing in arts and culture means investing in community, and everything that makes Greater Des Moines a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gpV9Pz_p Photo credit: Des Moines Art Center

Congratulations to Megan Hanson as we celebrate her 2 years at Bravo! ?? Bravo's new website, events calendar, and monthly newsletters are just a few of the ways Megan has transformed Bravo’s communications and contributed to the arts and culture sector in 2 short years. We love having her on the Bravo team (and making sure we all look good)! ?? Please join us in wishing Megan a well-deserved BRAVO!

It takes a lot of people to support the cultural sector! Volunteering is a great way to immerse yourself in the arts, to practice leadership skills, to meet new people, and to see behind the scenes of your favorite festivals and events. When you volunteer and invest your time and talent, you are investing in the community. #BravoVolunteers ?? ?? #BravoDSM?