During a joint presentation on Nov. 8, Bravo Greater Des Moines and Drake announced the findings of a 15-month long Regional Cultural Assessment.

Bravo commissioned the assessment in 2016 as a way to further strengthen the role of arts and culture as vital contributors of growth and progress in central Iowa. President Martin led a nine-member steering committee to help prioritize recommendations to elevate arts and culture in the sector. Drake will take a leading role in implementation of one of the four key recommendations—an initiative to strengthen central Iowa’s creative economy by developing the talent and skillsets of creative entrepreneurs and artists.

Built on existing community-wide planning projects (Capital Crossroads and The Tomorrow Plan), the purpose of the assessment was to identify opportunities to leverage arts and culture as essential drivers of economic development and quality of life.

Read the news release to learn more, or read the Regional Cultural Assessment executive summary at www.CentralIowaRCA.org.