In 2022, the Des Moines music industry delivered a total economic impact of 1,555 jobs, $178 million in output, GVA of $121 million, and workers compensation of $62 million. The Music Collective DSM was founded in March of 2023 by a group of Des Moines music industry professionals including musicians, venues, non-profit and for-profit promoters, production professionals, music media/marketing/ticketing professionals, cultural consultants, and studios/labels to leverage this impact. The group, which is open to any industry professional interested in helping build the Des Moines music economy, meets every other month. Its goal is to support strong inter-industry relationships and work together to build a plan that will ensure the growth of the industry for decades to come.   

Des Moines music industry professionals are already contributing to the ecosystem  through our own unique and powerful efforts. Along with this effort we're now leveraging two recent-industry wide studies with the goal of providing consistent time, space and communication to support to work through collaboration, efficiencies and strong relationships. The desired outcome is to fill some critical gaps, implement initiatives without burning out, and build a roadmap for growth and sustainability.  We meet bi-monthly. Our Newsletter (The Ugly Newsletter) fills in as monthly connective tissue.  

Who is leading this? Whoever shows up and makes a commitment to getting the work done. The sandbox is open and we are all playing in it, making things together.  If you want to have more impact, build a sustainable industry that supports you, and you're ready to build stronger relationships to get there, this is the place for you.  If you know people that should be involved, invite them to a meeting or to join the the newsletter list.