Des Moines Metro Opera Reports $12 Million in Annual Economic Impact
Wednesday, May 17, 2023Indianola, IA—Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) announced an annual $12 million economic impact in Warren, Polk, and Dallas counties. The announcement follows a study completed by Mark Imerman of Regional Strategic, Ltd., and is based on data from the company’s 2022 season. This is an overall increase of $8.6 million in annual impact from a similar study completed in 2012.
DMMO is unique among professional performing arts organizations in the area as it develops new productions (including scenery, costumes, lighting and video designs) in-house, rather than acting as a contract venue for touring productions. The company welcomed 10,761 attendees in 2022; 40% came from outside the Des Moines Metro—including 41 states plus D.C. Every dollar donated to or spent to benefit DMMO doubled its value in economic impact in our local economy.
“We are excited to share this report highlighting our economic impact in the community. Each summer, the Des Moines metro is a destination for not only opera-lovers and cultural tourists, but also the over 230 Des Moines Metro Opera seasonal staff members who call this area home and contribute to the local economy for two-months out of the year,” said Michael Egel, Linda Koehn General and Artistic Director. “Des Moines Metro Opera is proud to generate this impact and contribute to our region’s thriving arts and culture sector.”
The study follows the completion of the 50Next Endowment Campaign in 2022, raising $19 million. The campaign provided support for new works and world premieres in the 50th anniversary season and will provide ongoing operating support for community and educational programming. The company exceeded its original $15 million campaign goal thanks, in part, to the generosity of major gifts from the Robert L. Larsen estate and the Principal® Foundation for advancing artistic initiatives and removing barriers of access to DMMO programming.
DMMO’s 2023 season runs June 30-July 23 and includes the return of one of the world’s greatest operas, Georges Bizet’s Carmen, a new production of Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle, a new production of Prokofiev’s The Love for Three Oranges, and company premieres of Kander/Gumbel’s dwb (driving while black) and Redler/Dye’s The Falling and the Rising. More information at desmoinesmetroopera.org.
Read the full 2022 Economic Impact Report here.
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About Des Moines Metro Opera
Lauded by the Chicago Tribune as “one of the most enterprising summer opera fests in the nation,” Des Moines Metro Opera is a nationally renowned opera company that has taken its place among America’s leading opera festivals. Founded in 1973, it’s one of the largest performing arts organizations in Iowa, annually producing over 100 performances in the metro area and across the region.
About Principal® Foundation
Principal® Foundation is a corporate foundation endowed by Principal Financial Group®. The corporate Foundation is working to build a world where financial security is accessible to all. Established in 1987, the Principal Foundation works with organizations that are helping to ensure access to basic needs like housing, nutrition, and disaster response; encouraging economic, social, and cultural connections that strengthen communities; and promoting financial education and literacy. Principal® Foundation supports nonprofits, universities, and other organizations in markets where Principal Financial Group operates through grants and employee giving.
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