Community Access Program
The Des Moines Art Center’s Community Access Program provides meaningful art experiences to our community through partnerships with local organizations and free, accessible studio programming.
The Community Access Program expands access to art by partnering directly with community organizations to offer thoughtfully designed creative experiences, including classes, workshops, and more.
Art has the power to foster connection, confidence, healing, and self-expression—but not everyone has equal access to those opportunities. The Des Moines Art Center’s Community Access Program expands access to art by partnering directly with community organizations to offer thoughtfully designed creative experiences, including classes, workshops, and more.
Des Moines Art Center’s Community Access Program (CAP) extends arts learning and creative engagement into the local community through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and social service organizations. Established in 2000, CAP now collaborates with nearly 40 community partners to broaden access to meaningful art experiences.
CAP provides free artmaking workshops for children and adults who face one or more barriers to the arts. Participants include students from low-income communities, children with autism, Veterans, refugees, people navigating addiction or the criminal justice system, and those grieving the loss of a loved one. Many participants also experience economic hardship, disabilities, or other circumstances that limit opportunities for connection and creative expression. Through accessible art experiences, CAP fosters self-expression, confidence, connection, and well-being.
Classes are facilitated by a diverse group of teaching artists working in various mediums and are held both in the community and at the Des Moines Art Center. Using a student-centered method, CAP teaching artists create a safe, respectful environment where everyone’s art is valued as an outlet for self-expression and where collaborative learning is encouraged.
Programs meet participants where they are, and no prior art experience is needed. Projects are adapted to interests, abilities, and comfort levels so everyone can engage and explore their own creativity.
Visiting the Art Center? Learn more about accessibility accommodations and services.
Ongoing Programs
The Community Access Program offers several ongoing, monthly programs. All CAP programs are free to attend. For the program schedule, sign up for the CAP email newsletter by emailing kburr@desmoinesartcenter.org. Call 515.277.4405 for cancellations due to weather.
Art Spectrums
A free program for children and teens (ages 5 – 18) on the autism spectrum. Participants will visit and discuss a work of art in the museum for inspiration. Next, attendees make their own artwork in the studio, inspired by what they discovered in the Art Center galleries.
Occurs on second Sundays from 1 – 3 pm at the Des Moines Art Center. Please register on the Art Center’s Event Calendar.
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community Art Gatherings
Members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community are invited to join us for gatherings to embrace art and art-making together. Participants are invited to join in community and take inspirations from the Art Center’s museum to make their own projects.
Classes will reconvene during the fall of 2026. For questions or more information, reach out to the Art Center’s CAP team.
LGBTQIA+ Adult Community Art Gatherings
These welcoming art gatherings blend inspiration and creativity. During the first hour, participants take a guided tour through the Art Center museum gallery to explore and discuss selected artworks. In the second hour, attendees join in the studio to create their own art piece inspired by one of the works. This program offers a supportive space to connect, reflect, and express creativity together.
Occurs on second Thursdays of each month from 6 – 8 pm; meet in the Art Center Studios. No registration required.
Veterans Art Club
Veterans and Caregivers are invited to the Art Center to join CAP for afternoons of art making and community. Explore a variety of artistic mediums while receiving structured guidance and art lessons from a professional teaching artist. Prefer a more independent approach? You are welcome to work on your own creative projects! All experience levels are encouraged to join.
Occurs on fourth Sundays of each month from 2 – 4 pm; meet in the Art Center Studios. No registration required.
“For a veteran, therapeutic art helps by providing a non-verbal way to express emotions and process trauma, thus improving their mental health and overall sense of well-being.”
– Veterans Affairs, Recreation Therapist
Interested in CAP participation?
If you are an individual interested in CAP programming, or a local nonprofit/community organization looking to include meaningful and accessible art experiences in your organization’s programming, find frequently asked questions and more information below.
Frequently Asked Questions for Individuals
Interested in participating in CAP programming as a student? Learn more about public programs, art gatherings, and creative opportunities for community connection.
Frequently Asked Questions for Partners
Interested in partnering with the Community Access Program through your nonprofit, school, healthcare provider, or community group. Learn more about how we can work together to bring meaningful, accessible art experiences to your community.
The Community Access Program is proud to collaborate with a wide range of organizations across the Des Moines area. Together, these collaborations make it possible for us to offer free, high-quality art programming to anyone who wants to participate.
