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Des Moines Music Strategy

The Des Moines Music Task Force and Sound Diplomacy have partnered to develop a study and strategy to support the growth of the Des Moines music ecosystem. 

Learn more:

Released in late 2022, the report includes important information of the current health of the music economy and recommendations of where we go from here.

Executive Summary (recommended)

Full Report

Appendices

Over the coming months, we will begin to implement the recommendations included in this report. Sign up for our newsletter to learn how you can get involved in making Des Moines a music city.

DES MOINES MUSIC MAP

Did you know we have over 100 music-related businesses in Des Moines? Use our interactive map below to explore the local music ecosystem. You can dive deeper into the map by using Sound Diplomacy’s mapping tool.

What do famous American music cities like Nashville, Austin, and New Orleans all have in common? They boast thriving music ecosystems that go beyond just a high concentration of talented musicians. In these cities, there are robust support systems in place for every aspect of the music industry. Local venues have access to quality audio engineers who may have connections to local colleges or adult education courses in live sound. Musicians seeking to release an album can turn to local record labels, and music entrepreneurs can tap into affordable workspace and resources to grow their companies.
Although Des Moines may not currently have the same level of critical mass in the music industry as these other cities, we believe that cultivating a stronger music ecosystem is the key to supporting the talented musicians and industry professionals who call Des Moines home. With a clear strategy for growth and development, we can create a road map towards establishing Des Moines as a nationally recognized music city.

This project is made possible by a Strategic Collaboration Grant Program from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines with additional support from the Greater Des Moines Partnership.

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