Community Access Program
The Des Moines Art Center’s Community Access Program discovers creative ways of making artworks and art-making accessible to those in our community who otherwise lack these opportunities.
Community Access makes a difference. We partner with a variety of non-profits, human health organizations, schools, and other community groups to provide engaging programming and art education.
Des Moines Art Center’s Community Access Program (CAP) encompasses multiple elements of creative engagement with our local community. Our first partnership was with Mentor Iowa in the year 2000, and since then our impact has grown to include 40 local partner organizations.
We contract a diverse group of teaching artists working in various mediums to facilitate classes in the community and at the Des Moines Art Center, as well as organize free youth workshops to take place with artists whose works are currently on view in the museum. CAP teaching artists use a student-centered method, creating a safe, respectful environment where everyone’s art is valued as an outlet for self-expression.
For more information about the Art Center’s Community Access Program, use the button below.
Our Programs
We discover creative ways of making artworks and art-making accessible to those in our community that otherwise lack this access due to cultural, economic, environmental, and social barriers.
Upcoming Events and Programs
All Community Access programs are free to attend.
Call 515.277.4405 for cancellations due to weather.
Art Spectrums
Sunday, July 14 l 5 – 12-year-olds: 1 – 2:30 pm, 13 – 18-year-olds: 3 – 4:30 pm
Sunday, August 11 l 5 – 12-year-olds: 1 – 2:30 pm, 13 – 18-year-olds: 3 – 4:30 pm
Blind and Low Vision Community Art Gatherings *Held at Mainframe Studios (Studio #109)
*Will resume fall 2024
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community Art Gatherings
*Will resume fall 2024
LGBTQIA+ Community Art Gatherings (18+) *Held at Mainframe Studios (Momentum Studio)
Monday, July 8 l 6 – 7: 30 pm
Monday, August 12 l 6 – 7:30 pm
LGBTQIA+ Teen Art Gatherings*Held at Mainframe Studios (Studio #109)
Sunday, July 14 l 1 – 4 pm
Sunday, August 11 l 1 – 4 pm
Veteran Only Art Club
Thursday, July 11 l 4:15 – 6 pm l Studio 5
Thursday, July 25 l 4:15 – 6 pm l Studio 5
Thursday, August 8 l 4:15 – 6 pm l Studio 5
Thursday, August 22 l 4:15 – 6 pm l Studio 5
Veteran + Companion Art Club
Thursday, July 18 l 4:15 – 6 pm l Studio 5
Thursday, August 1 l 4:15 – 6 pm l Studio 5
Thursday, August 15 l 4:15 – 6 pm l Studio 5
Exhibitions:
Community Access presents two exhibitions each year to display work by its participants. Artworks below were on view in the Herbert Galleries in the Education Wing of the Art Center during spring 2024.
