The Art Center offers free educational resources for families, individuals, and educators. Explore artist talks, gallery guides, hands-on activities, and more.
I’m thrilled to introduce the Art Center’s 2026 winter season, which builds on a very successful 2025 during which our institution fired on all cylinders. Last year, thanks to an electrifying exhibition program, excellent events,...
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Call for Participation: Community Animation Showcase Register for the free screening May 9, 2026 The Des Moines Art Center is now accepting submissions for a Community Animation Showcase, highlighting the creativity of local animators, in...
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The past called—it wants to be in our photo album. VIEW COMMUNITY PHOTO ALBUM You are invited to share personal or found 1970s – 1980s snapshots with your own creative Bill Owens inspired titles for...
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Recorded on October 26, 2025 at the Des Moines Art Center, this panel discussion: “Manuel Álvarez Bravo: Collaborations” features Aurelia Álvarez Urbajtel (Director of the Manuel Álvarez Bravo Foundation in Mexico City), Aliza Nisenbaum (2024-25...
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Presented in recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month, Ben Millett, the Des Moines Art Center’s 2025 Iowa Artist (exhibition dates July 26 – November 2, 2025), delivered a public lecture on October 16, 2025. In this...
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Jeffrey Gibson delivered the 35th installment of the Fingerman Lecture series at the Des Moines Art Center on September 25, 2025. Gibson is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and convener celebrated for his painting, installation, video,...
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I love learning. I was reminded how much I love to learn, and how important learning is to my personal and professional well-being, this summer, when I attended the executive education course Strategic Perspectives in...
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Recorded on August 24, 2025 at the Des Moines Art Center. The Des Moines Art Center celebrated 25 years of the Community Access Program with an original dance performance titled “Threads” by the Swan Project...
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Recorded on July 16, 2025 at the Des Moines Art Center. This lecture features internationally recognized scholar, curator, and critic Tiffany E. Barber discussing the origins and aesthetics of Afrofuturism in relation to artist Firelei...
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Recorded on June 13, 2025 at the Des Moines Art Center. This lecture features a conversation between artist Firelei Báez and John and Mary Pappajohn Director and CEO Kelly Baum in celebration of Báez’s solo,...
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