Highlights from DonorConnect: Amplifying the Power of the Arts

Jun 27, 2023

Art is often celebrated for its beauty, recognized for inspiring creativity, and frequently measured through ticket sales and number of experiences offered. Yet thriving regions realize the arts are central to catalyzing communities in a way that is transformative not only for the place, but also for the people.

The Community Foundation was honored to host a meaningful discussion centered around the role of arts and culture in placemaking. It was a pleasure to hear from a panel of professionals using the arts to catalyze communities locally, statewide and nationally. Thank you to the following presenters for guiding us in this conversation:

Insights from the Panelists

Whereas the conversation centered around arts and its social as well as economic impact, we were also reminded that art really has four areas of impact: economic, social, cultural and educational.

Specifically, the economic impact of arts, culture and heritage in the Greater Des Moines region is significant generating $185 million in total economic activity and nearly 5,700 full-time equivalent jobs. This data underscores that investing in the arts is not only adding to the overall quality of life in Central Iowa, but also is an investment in the economic well-being of our communities.

Our panelists were invited to reflect on and challenge the audience on what we can each do to leverage and amplify arts and culture in our community. Here’s what they said: 

  • Attend, participate in, engage with and give to arts, culture and heritage organizations. Individuals are the most important supporters and the biggest challenge to arts organizations is people staying home and not participating.
  • Find new places to attend and experience arts in Central Iowa. While you’re there, talk and engage with the people around you to connect and build community.
  • Do not underestimate the importance of general operating support for arts organizations. It allows creativity within the organization and the potential for new programming and a greater impact.
  • The ultimate impact and value of the arts is at the community level. See it, experience it, and nurture it.
  • Art is an asset. Invest in it and the return will be extraordinary for the community.

Additional Resources

Americans for the Arts produces a report called Arts & Economic Prosperity. The report has national information as well as specific regional insights- including Greater Des Moines. For more information about the current report and its overall findings, visit their website.

Additionally, Americans for the Arts has an interactive tool, the Arts + Social Impact Explorer, where visitors to the site can explore the intersection of art with a variety of sectors from agriculture to aging, from workforce development to transportation.

As always, our team is here to simplify your giving to the causes you care about. Whether considering ways to maximize your giving today, involving your family in charitable conversations or planning how to leave a legacy for generations to come – we are here to create a personalized giving plan for you. Contact our team to learn more about customized giving solutions that enable you to give back in the ways that meet your unique goals. We are better together.