Friends of Drake Arts
Enhancing Drake's Rich Tradition of Fine Arts
The arts have a unique capacity to move and inspire. Behind great visual, theatrical, and musical works stand artists who have had the time, resources, and support to develop their craft and find their voices.
That’s where Friends of Drake Arts comes in. Our organization has invested in Drake University’s fine arts programs for more than 40 years, helping create exceptional opportunities for our students and the Des Moines region. Our commitment to access means that all of Drake's fine arts events are available to members of the Drake and Des Moines communities at little or no cost.
Student and Faculty Grants
The funding we extend to both faculty and students supports opportunities and experiences that help them grow as professionals, connect with the broader arts community, and share their work with a wider audience.
Programming
Grants from Friends of Drake Arts enable students and faculty to participate in competitions, conferences, and other professional opportunities, defraying travel costs and other expenses.
On campus, our efforts support enhancements to our arts facilities and programs that bring prominent guest artists from across the U.S. and the world to enrich the Drake community. Below, you’ll see our impact in action.
Highlights
Grammy-nominated vocal jazz artists Kate McGarry, Judy Carmichael, and Rosana Eckert shared their expertise in masterclasses alongside performances by Drake Vocal Jazz Singers.
A recital presented by saxophonist Nick May and pianist Alex Li elevated the works and experiences of LGBTQ+ composers to the Drake and wider community.
Heath Wheeldon (BFA in Graphic Design ’24) utilized grant funding to present his artwork at the Boston Printmakers Conference in Boston, MA.
Jody Graves, concert pianist and professor at Eastern Washington University, hosted a workshop and performed solo and ensemble pieces with members of the Sapphire Trio.
The William S.E. Coleman Guest Artist Series brings professional actors, directors, and playwrights to the Drake Department of Theatre Arts to teach and inspire. 2025-26’s guest artist is Adam Gwon, a composer and lyricist with Broadway experience.
The Cadence of Life
Glimpse an innovative student opera production, where the stage is traded for a gallery space to create an immersive experience for both the audience and the cast.
Upcoming Events
Enjoy performances, exhibits, masterclasses, and more enriching events featuring Drake students, faculty, and visiting artists. We host more than 100 performances and exhibits throughout the year.
About Us
Learn more about the leadership behind Friends of Drake Arts. Additionally, our annual report further includes details about gifts received and how funds have enhanced Drake’s arts programs over the past year.
How to Support Friends of Drake Arts
Your gift makes a direct impact on the lives of young, aspiring artists and helps provide an uninterrupted schedule of programs and performances to the Drake community. Gifts are tax deductible, and 100% of your contribution goes to Drake Fine Arts.
Make a Secure Gift Online
Give conveniently, quickly, and securely through Drake’s online portal with a debit or credit card. Designate “Friends of Drake Arts” when completing the giving information form.
Mail a Check
Mail a check payable to: Friends of Drake Arts Drake University 2507 University Ave Des Moines, IA 50311
Honor Roll of Donors
Hundreds of alumni, community members, and friends of the arts from across the country empower our initiatives. During the 2023–2024 school year, we invested over $150,000 in Drake’s fine arts programming, thanks to generous gifts from our donors.
Contact Us
Friends of Drake Arts
Drake University
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
Telephone: 515-271-2018
Email: friendsofdrakearts@drake.edu
Please complete this form to stay up to date on fine arts events. You will be added to our email and mailing lists.
