W E LCO M E B AC K Thanks to your unwavering support, through the toughest of times, we are back to a full schedule of live performances and the future is bright.
On October 12, 2021, the Willis Broadway Series returned to the Civic Center stage after a 19-month hiatus with The Band’s Visit. Exuberant ticket holders were greeted outside the theater doors by equally excited Des Moines Performing Arts employees, sharing the sheer joy of being able to safely gather once again. That triumphant evening was a testament to the resilience of the arts, promising months ahead filled with comedies, concerts, family shows, and the best of Broadway. Throughout the shutdown, we were able to sustain modified operations and remained committed to our mission of serving the community with great programming, because of loyal donors like you. One of the best examples of that was the outdoor programming last summer in public parks all around the Des Moines Metro. These free performances (46 of them) brought national and international acts into a wide range of neighborhoods, allowing families to safely enjoy live entertainment again. What we learned about increasing access to the arts is shaping our future planning. Read more about it on page 4. Your support also made it possible for our education team to partner with artists from all over the world to provide free online programming to more than 80,000 students statewide. And a new School-to-Stage Scholarship for our summer camps is opening more doors for young participants. With your help, we not only weathered the storm, but are coming back better than ever. Thank you for all you do to support the arts and strengthen our community. n
JEFF CHELESVIG PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
