Principal Foundation awards grant to Des Moines Art Center programs
The Principal Foundation has awarded a new grant to the Des Moines Art Center to support free admission and the museum’s My Voice program. The funding sustains free access to art and educational programs for nearly 250,000 visitors annually, including more than 9,000 K-12 students who take part in free school tours.
Support for the My Voice Program and Free Museum Access
The financial backing targets specific educational outreach in the community. The My Voice program provides mentorship and structured arts education for students enrolled at Findley Elementary, Harding Middle, and North High schools in Des Moines. Participants in the initiative examine works drawn directly from the museum’s collection, produce original artwork, and present their creations in a public exhibition.
Only about 40% of art museums nationwide offer free general admission, Kelly Baum, the John and Mary Pappajohn Director and CEO of the Art Center, noted in a prepared statement.
Principal Foundation’s partnership strengthens everything we do, from offering a world-class collection and acclaimed exhibitions to providing hands-on mentorship and creative opportunities for young people.
That funding bridge allows the institution to keep its galleries open to the public without an entry fee, maintaining a rare operational model among American art museums.
Sustaining Educational Partnerships in Des Moines Public Schools
The institutional relationship between the foundation and the art museum directly underwrites local student engagement. By funding more than 9,000 K-12 students on guided tours, the grant absorbs costs that frequently limit public school field trips.
The My Voice program extends beyond a single museum visit by embedding artists and mentors directly with students from three specific local schools over extended periods. Participants complete a multi-step curriculum that culminates in public gallery viewings, giving students direct experience in exhibiting professional-grade artwork.