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Thank you, BRAVO!

BRAVO GREATER DES MOINES AWARDS $2.2 MILLION IN GRANTS TO REGIONAL ARTS, CULTURAL, AND HERITAGE ORGANIZATIONS

DES MOINES, IA (July 2, 2012) – The Bravo Greater Des Moines Board of Directors approved Cultural Enrichment Grants totaling more than $2.2 million for 51 regional arts, cultural, and heritage organizations at its June 19, 2012 meeting.

Historic Valley Junction has been awarded $14,000 for the 2012/2013 fiscal year. 60% of these funds will be used for the leading arts, cultural and historical events and projects in the district; and 40% of these funds will be used for Artstop/Project Spaces.

In an effort to stabilize funding for regional arts, cultural, and heritage organizations, thirteen municipalities – Altoona, Carlisle, Clive, Des Moines, Indianola, Johnston, Norwalk, Polk City, Polk County, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, and Windsor Heights – have committed a portion of their hotel/motel tax revenues through the establishment of 28E agreements with Bravo Greater Des Moines, which distributes the funds through an annual competitive granting process. 

“After thorough deliberation and review of the grant requests, the Cultural Enrichment Grants committee of Bravo recommended and the Board ratified 51 grants totaling over $2.2 million to fund the region's arts, cultural and heritage organizations,” said Suku Radia, Board President of Bravo Greater Des Moines. “Bravo applauds the commitment of these organizations to enrich the lives of Iowans and to continue making our region more attractive to visitors.”

The arts, cultural, and heritage organizations receiving funding provide a wide variety of programs, services, and activities throughout the Greater Des Moines and Central Iowa region.  Each organization receiving a grant contributes to the economic and cultural vitality of the region, and Bravo Greater Des Moines strongly encourages residents and visitors to support their efforts.  A full list of grant recipients and award amounts is enclosed.

Bravo Greater Des Moines, guided by Executive Director MD Isley, is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the metro’s arts and cultural community as a key element of a world-class quality of life. For more information, visit www.bravogreaterdesmoines.org.