A photo of Mainframe Studios front of the building with the 360 degree mural.

A Creative Community

IN DOWNTOWN DES MOINES

ART HAPPENS HERE

Welcome to the nation’s largest nonprofit building for creative workspaces, located in the heart of downtown Des Moines.

UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY //

UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY //

UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY // UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAY //

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH
5 - 8 PM

We are serious about what we do but don’t take ourselves too seriously.

We are serious about what we do but don’t take ourselves too seriously.

We are serious about what we do but don’t take ourselves too seriously. We are serious about what we do but don’t take ourselves too seriously.

We Attract Exceptional Artists

Mainframe Studios provides permanent, affordable workspace to over 220 artists representing 30 different disciplines including glass blowing, painting, fashion design, game development, sculpture, photography, and more.

Check out our ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS

Mainframe Studios February First Friday 2023
Mainframe Studios Sepia Club Bernard Bell

TRANSFORMING CENTRAL IOWA'S ART SCENE

Mainframe Studios is like no other. Not only is it the nation’s largest nonprofit building for creative workspaces, but it is also the only financially self-sustaining model of its kind.

Mainframe Studios Artist Nathalie Girod

180 Studios // 220+ Artists Served //

180 Studios // 220+ Artists Served //


A TAPESTRY OF CREATIVITY

We strive to have the widest variety of disciplines possible such as glass blowing, sculpture, painting, fashion design, designer toys, ceramics, fabric design, quilting, weaving, illustrating, wood working, jewelry, game development, AI development, photography, metalsmith, music production, printmaking, framing, dance, writing, upholstery and more.

Mainframe Studios Artist Deshara Bohanna
Mainframe Studios Artist JJ Gaffers
Mainframe Studios Artist Fueche Vang

Nearly 100% occupancy // 11,250 avg. monthly visitors // 

Nearly 100% occupancy // 11,250 avg. monthly visitors // 


As of January 2023, we completed renovations resulting in a total of 180 workspaces! Studios are shareable, bringing our current tenant total to over 220 artists who represent a broad array of creative production. Search Artists

Enjoy First Friday open studio festivities, artist-led workshops, public gatherings and more. Check Out Upcoming Events

We envision a dynamic arts ecosystem in Iowa that elevates artists and cultivates leading-edge creative production. Learn More