DMPA’s Free Programming Reaches a Special Audience

Bindlestiff Family Cirkus entertained Veterans with a private performance

Launched during the pandemic’s shutdown and born from a desire to create accessible programming that breaks down barriers to attending live performances, DMPA launched its first season of Free Outdoor Programming in the summer of 2021. These events took place in parks and community spaces throughout the metro, reducing the need for families to travel far to enjoy high-quality art. Year over year, these offerings grow in popularity as more audiences feel a part of the shared joy of live performances.

DMPA just concluded the third season of this massively popular offering that included performances from The Bubbler, Sway’s Bloom, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, and family concerts from Dan and Claudia Zanes.

Veterans at VA Central Iowa Health Care System were treated to a special performance from
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus that included juggling, unicycling, sword swallowing, and a lot of heart.

“Veterans and staff were blown away by the unique talents and skills of the performers. As we all know, access to and participation in any area of the arts is so important. Programs like this promote socialization, creativity, increased quality of life, and self-expression. Our Veterans need experiences such as this to interact with each other as well as the community and to just have time to relax, laugh, and distract themselves from pain or other issues.” - Suzanne Anderson, MT-BC, Music Therapist/ Supervisor, Recreation and Music Therapies at VA Central Iowa Health Care System.

Thank you to the DMPA Donors and community partners who make these powerful events possible. We look forward to another great season of Free Outdoor Programming next summer.