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Des Moines Metro Opera Benefits from IAC Support
One of the first things you notice if you’ve ever paid attention to advertising by the Des Moines Metro Opera, is that this is one organization doing anything it can to attract and excite new and different audiences.
Programming heavy on education while emphasizing fun sparks a love for the music at young ages. The upcoming 33rd annual summer festival is ranked as one of the best in the country. And witty combinations for its events, like “Peanut Butter and Puccini” keep fresh audiences coming through the doors of this “little known” opera company.
The Iowa Arts Council, through its Operational Support Partnership Program, recently awarded the DMMO nearly $20,000 – money that is not used for programming, but rather to keep the doors to the organization open. With such a vast selection of great programs to choose from, it’s hard for most arts organizations to find money just for the purpose of paying staff salaries, for instance.
“There's so few operational support grants out there, everything is project support,” said Robert Montana, development director for DMMO. “We use it particularly for things like administrative costs, salaries, electricity and phone service. This is one of the few grants we don’t have to direct to a specific project.”
Organizations that receive operational support from the Iowa Arts Council have exemplary track records of artistic and managerial excellence and community service on a continuing basis to the citizens of Iowa.
“This support is an investment in the future and sustainability of arts organizations like the Des Moines Metro Opera,” said Mary Sundet Jones, IAC administrator. “These types of funds are hard to secure and often overlooked by granting organizations or donors. The Iowa Arts Council, while it considers programming a vital necessity, is also committed to just keeping the stagelights on.”
In addition to IAC operational support, the DMMO also receives funds from BRAVO! and Polk County hotel/motel taxes. These three sources of operational revenue have helped the DMMO become the only opera company in the U.S. that has operated without a deficit for 32 consecutive years.
“Iowa Arts Council funds are critical stability grants, they complement project and education grants, and together create a solid financial base for the Des Moines Metro Opera," Montana said.
