News

2020

ArtFest Midwest 2020 Cancelled Amid COVID-19 Concerns

Des Moines, IOWA (May 18th, 2020)

 

ArtFest Midwest has announced the cancellation of its 2020 event in response to the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus. Although the decision to cancel was difficult for ArtFest Midwest staff, we are committed to respecting public health guidelines as well as the health and safety of our artists and attendees.  

 

“We do not take this decision lightly,” said Bri Steirer, ArtFest Midwest Director, “however, as an event that attracts nearly 30,000 visitors annually, we cannot move forward with ArtFest Midwest 2020 given the risks to the health and safety of our community. We are looking forward to reuniting with our artists, volunteers, and attendees when we can gather safely again.”

 

Our staff and artists have been working tirelessly to make ArtFest Midwest 2020 a success, and for that, we thank you. These unprecedented circumstances allow us to reflect on how fortunate we are to gather each summer in celebration of art. It is our hope that we can come together stronger than ever for ArtFest Midwest 2021. 

 

We understand that artists depend on summer shows like ArtFest Midwest to support themselves and their families. During these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to support local and independent artists. As such, ArtFest Midwest will be sharing our artists’ work, as well as their websites, in our #TogetherThroughArt Virtual Showcase. We encourage you to visit ArtFest Midwest on Facebook—check out our artists, share their websites, and support their work. 

 

We appreciate the patience of the community as we work through the uncertainty facing our future. We look forward to ArtFest Midwest 2021, which will be held June 26-27th at the Iowa Events Center in Downtown Des Moines. 

 

For follow-up questions regarding the cancellation of ArtFest Midwest 2020, please contact Bri Steirer, ArtFest Midwest Director; artfestmidwest@sppg.com; (515) 237-0338.