Bravo Greater Des Moines and the Des Moines Arts Festival are launching the Creative Economy Initiative, an action plan for professional development and the building of businesses for regional artists. Artist and business strategist Chris Dahlquist will work on a feasibility study and action plan for how to advance creative economy objectives in the region and align artists with arts organizations, businesses, municipal governments and community members for sustained growth in the art scene. The effort builds on Bravo’s Regional Cultural Assessment, which identified a thriving creative economy. Dahlquist, a veteran artist with large-scale pieces in Kansas City and Denver, will lead several workshops and lectures, starting with two by-invitation sessions this year. Plans for next year will will be released later.
