Optik Interactive Installation Comes to Cowles Commons in May
An interactive installation featuring 20 six-foot-tall gyroscope-like forms is coming to Cowles Commons from May 2 – 26. The installation invites users to manipulate the movement and reflection of light, while each unit becomes a different musical instrument.
The installation is co-presented by Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) and Operation Downtown in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Optik was created by The Urban Conga in collaboration with Serge Maheu, produced by Init and powered by Creos. A May 2 grand opening is being planned, and the public is welcome to attend. Dynamic soul-pop band The Finesse will provide live music. Full details will be announced soon.
“Optik will surprise and delight those who live, work and visit Downtown as they get out and about to support local restaurants and retailers, attend events like the Downtown Farmers’ Market and explore the city with friends and family and coworkers,” said Vice President of Downtown Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership Renae Mauk. “We are grateful to work with Operation Downtown and Des Moines Performing Arts on this installation that will add vibrancy to Greater Des Moines.”
This installation is part of the DMPA’s 2025 Free Outdoor Family Series. Learn more here.
About Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines Performing Arts is a private not-for-profit organization celebrating over 40 seasons of presenting the performing arts to Iowa and the surrounding states on four stages in Des Moines – the Civic Center, the Stoner Theater, the Temple Theater and the outdoor space, Cowles Commons. Des Moines Performing Arts is a presenter of major Broadway and educational touring companies, performers and groups, and is home to many local and regional groups, including the Des Moines Symphony. All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by Willis Auto Campus. All performances at the Temple Theater are supported by Prairie Meadows. All performances of the Family Series are supported by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. For more information, visit DMPA.org.
About Operation Downtown
Created to help make Downtown Des Moines (DSM) a safer, cleaner place to work, live and visit, Operation Downtown is classified as a Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID). The mission is keeping Downtown DSM safe, clean, welcoming and vibrant, in support of a positive experience. Programs include trash cleanup, flower planting and visitor assistance. Operation Downtown, a 501(c)6, was formed in 1998 by business leaders to provide enhanced services that are not provided by the City of Des Moines. Today, the Greater Des Moines Partnership and Operation Downtown help to keep DSM among the highest-rated, most vibrant regions in the country.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves 12 counties in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 6,700 Regional Business Members, The Partnership drives economic growth and talent development to advance quality of life in DSM with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.