The Des Moines Arts Festival returns to downtown's Western Gateway Park on June 25-27, 2010. For the past 12 years, this free, three-day festival of the arts has drawn over 1.5 million people and been crowned by its peers as one of the best festivals in the world!
The Festival features 187 talented artists. Their original artwork from 14 categories reflects the very best, having been juried from over 1,100 applicants. The Festival features arts activities for children and adults, and live entertainment. More than 20 eclectic food booths are on-site providing patrons with a variety of culinary delights.
The Des Moines Arts Festival is proud of its efforts to showcase the community and the state through programs and activities that reflect the vibrancy of the arts in action. Two programs presented by the festival are the Emerging Iowa Artists (EIA) and Nurturing a Student’s Vision (NSV). 24 Iowa residents attending universities, colleges, and art schools across the nation were selected by the professional artist jury to feature their art at the festival in the EIA program, sponsored by Principal Financial Group. NSV is a program that allows students in Central Iowa school districts to submit work created through the year for presentation during the festival. This program is sponsored by Hubbell Homes and presented by the Des Moines Art Center.
Entertainment is also a memorable feature of the Des Moines Arts festival. With musical and performing arts performances, guests can enjoy more than 100 hours of entertainment.
The Des Moines Arts Festival, a non-profit organization, is presented by The Des Moines Register, founded by the Des Moines Art Center and produced by Downtown Events Group. It is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors. The festival is dedicated to producing a free cultural event. Festival proceeds benefit the Des Moines Art Center and the continuation of the Des Moines Arts Festival.
