Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs awards $2.3 million
More than 200 Iowa organizations and individuals working in arts and culture, film and media, and history and historic preservation will receive a boost from $2.3 million in grant awards announced recently by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
In response to the pandemic, the Iowa Arts Council consolidated some of its previous grant programs into a new Iowa Arts & Cultural Resilience Grant program to give individuals and organizations more flexibility. Des Moines European Heritage Association is a proud recipient of this grant. This year, the Iowa Arts Council awarded $1,632,495 in grants to 192 projects across the state.
The grants are funded through the annual appropriations passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed into law by Governor Reynolds, effective July 1, 2021. The state’s investment is enhanced by funding from two federal agencies, the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and administered by the department’s three divisions: the Iowa Arts Council, State Historical Society of Iowa and Produce Iowa, the state office of film and media production.
“The annual funding has never been more important than this year’s investment, which will help fuel the resurgence of Iowa’s arts, film, heritage, humanities and creative sectors,” Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs Director Chris Kramer said. “Audiences and visitors are eagerly returning to museums and historic sites, concerts and cultural festivals this summer, even as our industry continues to rebound from substantial financial losses from the pandemic.”
In this round, the department made 244 grant awards for community initiatives and creative projects across the state, arts and cultural organizations, individual artists and filmmakers and historic preservation efforts in 46 counties and 71 communities.
Eisenlauer Team, Re/Max Revolution | 2021 Hut Sponsor
Many thanks to Eisenlauer Team, Re/Max Revolution for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021.
They understand that finding a home can be hard. That’s why it’s important to have some of the best Realtors in Des Moines on your side.
When it comes to buying or selling a property, Eisenlauer Team is the name you can trust. They strive to be the best Realtors in Des Moines, delivering unmatched excellence and customer satisfaction.
Whether you are a first-time home buyer, seasoned seller, or somewhere in the middle – they gear their services to your specific needs. When buying or selling real estate, you deserve the best service for the best price. They know that moving can be both exciting and unnerving at the same time. Being leading Realtors in Des Moines, they are determined to make the process as fun and as smooth as possible.
While the average person buys or sells once every 8-10 years, they do it on a daily basis. So allow their experienced Des Moines area Realtors to assist you through the process from beginning to end. There are over 25 different contacts to coordinate during the transaction process, (more or less depending on the property). They’ll make those contacts and keep you informed along the way.
Iowa State Bank | 2021 Bronze Sponsor
We’re excited to announce Iowa State Bank’s support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021.
Iowa State Bank is proud to have called Des Moines home for 80 years. They have five metro banking locations, along with Investment and Trust Departments providing strong wealth management services. Although some things have changed since they opened their doors in 1941, some things never will: the bank’s commitment to this community and giving their customers the best possible banking experience.
Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Co | 2021 Bronze Sponsor
Ever wonder how those cute wooden vendor huts arrive at Principal Park? Special thanks to the team at Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company‘s Waukee location for transporting our huts to the venue and returning them to storage year after year.
Founded in 1856, Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company is dedicated to providing its customers with quality, consistency, value, innovation and style.
For over 150 years, their MISSION has been to succeed through unwavering focus on the success of their customers in central and eastern Iowa. They accomplish their mission by supplying customers with top-quality, high-value building products and unparalleled service. They strive to apply the highest standards of integrity to their daily business and to provide a positive, ethical working environment for their employees. Succeeding in this quest for excellence requires every employee to help create a safe, enjoyable and productive work environment.
Greater Iowa Credit Union | 2021 Hut Sponsor
Many thanks to Greater Iowa Credit Union for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021.
Greater Iowa Credit Union is a federally insured, state-chartered community credit union with nine branch locations in Ames, Ankeny, Des Moines, Waukee, Denison, and Indianola! GICU is an ever-growing, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative with assets of $624 million.
The GICU story began with just nine people in June of 1932. Over the years, they have grown exponentially from humble beginnings. Today, they serve 33,900+ members throughout a 33-county area in Central and Western Iowa with a staff base of over one hundred twenty.
Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. | Silver Sponsor
Many thanks to the Lamberti, Gocke & Luetje, P.C. law firm in Ankeny for their support of Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021.
LGL values being a part of their community and welcomes the opportunity to support their office family in their interests. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is an event that their employee Erin Baldwin is actively involved in and passionate about and they are happy to be a part of the event.
Their firm has been serving the law needs of businesses and individuals in Ankeny and throughout Iowa for over 20 years. Whether you are starting a business, changing custody agreements or getting your affairs in order, an expert at Ankeny Law will be at your service.
Hessen Haus | 2021 Bronze and Hut Sponsor
We’re pleased to include Hessen Haus among our family of 2021 sponsors!
The Hessen Haus perfectly recreates the authentic atmosphere of an old-world German bier hall. The twenty-one imported German biers on tap, authentic German fare on the menu, and sounds of live music on the stage – including local bands and regional polka – create a lively yet cozy atmosphere where large crowds gather to pass the boot and small groups find themselves making new friends.
A combination of a state in west-central Germany and the German word for house, the name Hessen Haus was chosen for its authentic origins and welcoming feel. The state of Hessen which the bier hall is named for plays home to more than six million inhabitants – which are referred to as Hesses if male or Hessins if female. In English, occupants are known as Hessians – a term affectionately applied to our more frequent visitors to the restaurant.
Christkindlmarket Des Moines Receives Polk County Community Sponsorship
In 1989, Polk County and Prairie Meadows established a partnership with the goal of investing a significant portion of Prairie Meadows’ revenue back into the community. This investment is what allows them to sponsor community events, such as festivals, galas, dinners, walks, etc. to support important issues in our community. Polk County is committed to bettering our community by investing in education, arts, culture, health and economic development.
Over the past three decades, together with Prairie Meadows, they have invested over $1.8 Billion to non-profits and local infrastructure projects. These investments play a major role in your everyday life as a resident of Polk County. From your public library, daily workout at the YMCA, major roads you drive on, your child’s school and more, this partnership has invested in it all so you can thrive in the place you call home.
Thank you for your support!
Call for Performers
Thank you for your interest in performing at Christkindlmarket Des Moines taking place December 2 – 5, 2021 at Principal Park!
Dec 2: 5pm – 9pm
Dec 3: 11am – 9pm
Dec 4: 11am – 9pm
Dec 5: 11am – 5pm
The quality of a traditional Christmas market depends on maintaining a high standard of programming. Christkindlmarket Des Moines is dedicated to immersing visitors in a world of folklore and craftsmanship as well as enticing them with traditional, seasonal culinary specialties to provide an experience filled with European elegance and charm. See Google Images of Christmas markets around the world.
CDM may offer options regarding performing spaces:
Option 1: A four-sided, forced-air heated tent at a location to be determined by the CDM event planning committee at Principal Park’s Main Lot. A lighted stage within the tent will be provided. The size of the stage in 2019 was 16x32x32″ tall.
Option 2: A three-sized, forced-air heated tent with roof at a location to be determined by the CDM event planning committee at Principal Park’s Main Lot. A lighted stage housed within the three-sized tent will be provided. The size of the stage in 2019 was 16x32x32″ tall.
Our performer guide will give you an overview of the needs assessment process and requirements. As soon as you fill out the needs assessment, it will be reviewed internally.
What is the timeline for the process?
Fill out the online needs assessment no later than May 1, 2021
Send photographs and links to audio files/videos representing you or your group to – [email protected]
Receive feedback from Christkindlmarket Des Moines staff by May 15, 2021
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 Performer Information Guide
Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2021 Performer Needs Assessment
Meet CDM Lead Volunteer Dave Cox
Tell us about yourself: I am a local boy, father, husband, technician with a rich history of travel and residence in Europe, particularly Germany and the UK.
When why did you become involved with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? I met the founder in another group and kept in touch about our fond memories of Christkindl Markets in Germany. When she started, I was there to help make something in Des Moines that I really enjoyed in Germany.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? Seeing others enjoy the experience and culture that would otherwise be unavailable to Iowans.
Why should others volunteer with Christkindlmarket Des Moines? The event will not run without local volunteers making it happen. Its fun and a positive community experience.
Why is it important to volunteer (in general)? Engagement in the community. After this past year we should all see the value of community.