Bravo Greater Des Moines Announces Honorees for 2023 Gala

Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Bravo Greater Des Moines is proud to announce the Award recipients who will be recognized at the annual Bravo Awards Gala on February 4, 2023. Ballet Des Moines and the Iowa Asian Alliance will each receive Spotlight Awards, introduced in 2020 to highlight the inspiring work of Bravo’s 80+ cultural partners. Past award winners include ArtForce Iowa, Capital City Pride, City Voices, and the After School Arts Program.

This year’s honorees were selected not only because of the incredible work and growth they’ve achieved in the last year, but because their goals, strategy, and programming align with pillars of Bravo’s new Strategic Plan for FY23-FY25. Both organizations are vibrant examples of the impact of arts, culture, and heritage on the local cultural economy.

As Iowa’s resident, professional ballet company, Ballet Des Moines presents internationally-renowned artists, produces innovative and interdisciplinary programming, and inspires local youth with opportunities to learn and engage with ballet and other forms of dance. Ballet Des Moines embraces inclusion, diversity, equity, education, and access through all facets of their programming. From free and immersive performances across Iowa to a full night featuring emerging female choreographers, providing access to digital programs to unique collaborations with 4-H Youth Development and Iowa PBS, Ballet Des Moines has engaged with tens of thousands of Iowans.

The second Spotlight honoree is the only local non-profit serving and uniting the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, organizations, and businesses. Iowa Asian Alliance (IAA), plays a key role in preserving cultural heritage and traditions; welcoming new residents, responding to community needs, and engaging with younger generations in order to maintain cultural relevancy. Best known for producing the Annual Asian Heritage Festival, CelebrAsian, IAA supports 14 different ethnic/national communities and works year-round offering various educational outreach and cultural presentations, civic engagement initiatives, translation services, and the annual Pho King Cook-off.

Bravo will also recognize Kyle and Sharon Krause with this year’s Bravo Award. Each year, the Bravo Award is given to an individual, family, or foundation whose commitment to arts, culture, and heritage has positively impacted Greater Des Moines. Previous recipients of this prestigious award include Tom and Linda Koehn, Connie Wimer, John & Mary Pappajohn, and Myron & Jackie Blank.

Kyle & Sharon Krause, 2023 Bravo Award

Supporting art and culture comes naturally to Kyle and Sharon Krause. Over the years, they have prioritized charitable giving and volunteerism to support numerous Des Moines-area cultural organizations, including the Des Moines Art Center, Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Blank Park Zoo, Hoyt Sherman Place, and Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Through active leadership and support, the Krause’s have added depth and breadth to the region’s cultural landscape and elevated Des Moines’ reputation as a hub for world-class art. Their passion and dedication to culture extends to the Krause Gateway Center, the headquarters of the businesses of Krause Group in downtown Des Moines. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano and his Renzo Piano Building Workshop, the building itself is a one-of-a-kind piece of art in the heart of downtown and houses an impressive contemporary art collection that is open and available to the public.

“It’s difficult to overstate the impact Kyle and Sharon have had on our region’s cultural landscape,” says Bravo Executive Director, Sally Dix, “As philanthropists and actively engaged volunteers, they have contributed not only to the strength of the sector today but also to the potential for arts and culture to thrive well into the future.”

Table sponsorships and a limited number of individual tickets are still available to purchase through January 13, 2023. Click here to secure your seat. For more information or assistance, please email gala@bravogreaterdesmoines.org or visit bravogreaterdesmoines.org/bravo-gala.