Highlights from DonorConnect: Expect the Unexpected

Aug 26, 2025

At our latest DonorConnect – Expect the Unexpected: Local Arts with International Acclaim, we discovered how neighborhood stages and studios have become incubators for globally celebrated art. With intention, innovative leadership and strategic direction, these organizations are providing impactful programming that goes beyond common assumptions.  Much appreciation to our panelists for guiding us in this insightful conversation: 

Insights from the Panelists:

Why Des Moines?

From 2.5 to more than 30 years at their respective organizations, the variation of leadership tenure among the panelists was vast, yet each reflected on their professional expertise within their artistic craft as being core to how they approach their current role. From Maestro Giunta’s experience as a musician to Blaire Massa’s technical training as a dancer and Dr. Kelly Baum’s extensive experiences as a curator to Michael Egel’s center stage moments as a singer, the panel shared their individual leadership journeys advancing the art forms they - and our community - embrace.

Each panelist experienced opportunities that would allow them to journey to places that were seemingly "bigger" than Central Iowa, but something special drew them to Des Moines. They all shared their respect and appreciation for how much the organizations' boards are supportive and care. This local leadership sets our region apart.

By working collaboratively with boards of directors, leaders illustrated how together, they have been able to transform organizations, leverage innovative ideas and create experimental programs. They also spoke to the ways in which successful leadership required a match of their values and belief in the power of art, to the potential the organization has in a community that celebrates them.

Bringing International Acclaim to Des Moines

Simply said, the international acclaim that has been received is fostered in a community that understands its own potential. Greater Des Moines is a unique place where worlds can collide – and these organizations and local creatives are captivating audiences through powerful partnerships.

Key highlights include:

  • The Des Moines Metro Opera has attracted press from around the country (the New Yorker, the New York Times and The Dallas Morning News). Notably, they were the only Opera nominated as the sole American finalist for the 2024 International Opera Awards in the Festival of the Year category.
  • The Des Moines Art Center has a collection of 6,300 masterpieces that museums around the world, including New York, Paris, São Paulo and more, frequently request to have on loan for exhibitions. Thanks to local philanthropists, visiting this internationally recognized art center is free for all guests.
  • The Des Moines Symphony attracts talent to Des Moines and lends a hand in creating and performing music that is orchestrated by artists across the country. From commissioning and presenting world premieres of 23 new works, to holding Yankee Doodle Pops (the largest, single-day attendance of any concert in Iowa), the organization has been recognized by the League of American Orchestras with the prestigious Award for Adventurous Programming.
  • Ballet Des Moines has more than 600 dancers from around the world apply to be a part of their dance company each year. The company has also grown from 5 to 24 professional dancers in the last five years. The organization’s innovation is not just seen through partnerships with institutions such as NASA, but also through recognition in the field for its innovative approach to interdisciplinary learning and community partnerships.

The Central Iowa Regional Cultural Assessment

Through the guidance of the Central Iowa Regional Cultural Assessment – led by Bravo Greater Des Moines – the panel challenged the entire community to identify ways to strategically engage to advance regional priorities and chart a shared vision for the future. The organizations that joined us at the event, and their transformational leaders, certainly lean into elevating the assessment’s four pillars to continue building and supporting the thriving arts and culture scene. 

Ways to Get Involved

A powerful way to support arts and culture organizations in the community is to experience art yourself; you could attend a show, visit a museum exhibit or participate in a programming event. Remember, the arts and culture scene is critical to ensuring a thriving Central Iowa region and is not simply a “nice-to-have” set of amenities.

From the artists who create the art, board members who champion them and community members who attend events, everyone can help support arts and culture organizations in our community. If you are looking for ideas of ways you can provide support, consider becoming involved in advocacy work or give time, financial support or leadership to assist organizations dedicated to ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the arts.

Community Foundation Resources

GIVEdsm is an online resource that makes giving simple. Learn about the pressing needs and promising opportunities of area nonprofits and support local organizations that match your passions.  To give to organizations featured at the DonorConnect event and others doing similar work visit GIVEdsm.org and filter by Arts/Culture. 

DonorConnect is part of a free conversation series designed to bring our community together to learn about and discuss our region’s most pressing issues and promising opportunities. Look for future events by visiting DesMoinesFoundation.org/Events.

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.