Catch a new initiative created to expose visitors and locals alike to Des Moines’ arts and culture scene: Catch Des Moines Culture. The project includes a new website, out-of-state advertising campaigns, an expansion of the community calendar and an arts and culture e-newsletter. The initiative is a collaborative effort of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, Capital Crossroads’ Cultural Tourism, Cultural Capital and Community Calendar committees, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs with representatives of the Iowa Arts Council, Des Moines Performing Arts and Bravo Greater Des Moines. The Catch Des Moines Release Party, planned for tomorrow night, will celebrate this initiative and unveil the latest visitors guide. 

About Catch Des Moines Culture

“One of the primary factors influencing a visitor’s decision to visit a city is the vitality of arts and culture within that city,” says Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau. “A unified approach with community stakeholders gives this initiative more impact in spurring tourism and economic impact in Greater Des Moines.”

The Catch Des Moines Culture project includes:

  • Website - catchdesmoinesculture.com
  • Arts and culture e-newsletter - sign up at catchdesmoines.com/newsletter-signup
  • Digital advertising campaign in Omaha, Nebraska and throughout Southern Minnesota – the first time a visitor marketing campaign has focused on specifically arts and culture in Greater Des Moines
  • Local advertising including digital billboards, bus boards, print ads and banner ads to further promote arts and culture in our region
  • Future campaigns to include larger, targeted market segments 

The website, tested with a focus group made up of 12 local arts and culture organizations, includes an expansion of the existing community calendar at catchdesmoines.com with an enhanced arts and culture segment. New feature: organizations can select up to three categories for their event to fall under for even more event exposure. Organizations are invited to submit their events.

“A community calendar that serves arts and culture in Greater Des Moines has been a high priority, and it only makes sense to offer a platform that serves residents and visitors alike,” says Matthew Harris, Division Administrator of the Iowa Arts Council and Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, as well as co-chair of the Capital Crossroads Cultural Capital Community Calendar committee.

Co-chair Eric Olmscheid, Director of Programming and Education for Des Moines Performing Arts, echoes Harris’ comment, “We are proud to offer a solution to the arts and culture community that also serves the region and visitors." 

Celebrating Arts & Culture at the Catch Des Moines Release Party

A party celebrating the launch of the Catch Des Moines Culture initiative will take place Tuesday, March 4 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Social Club’s Kum and Go Theater (9th and Cherry Streets, Des Moines). A brief program will be held at 5:45 p.m. The Catch Des Moines Release Party will also feature the unveiling of the new Spring/Summer 2014 edition of Catch Des Moines, The Official Guide to Greater Des Moines.

Appetizers will be provided by Noah’s Ark and Caché Bake Shoppe, with beverages from Crystal Clear Water, Covered Bridges Winery, Broadbent Distillery and Iowa Beverage Systems. Tours of the new Des Moines Social Club will be available throughout the evening.

For more information on the event, visit catchdesmoines.com/events/annual-events/release-party.

For more information on Catch Des Moines Culture, visit catchdesmoinesculture.com.