What is Mainframe Studios?

Mainframe Studios is a financially self-sustaining nonprofit providing affordable workspaces to advance equity and opportunities in the arts. We envision a dynamic arts ecosystem in Iowa that elevates artists and cultivates leading-edge creative production.

When can I visit Mainframe Studios?

Mainframe Studios is open to the public daily Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 6:30 pm and on the weekends 10 am - 5:00 pm. You can stop in at any time and explore. Feel free to stop in and talk to artists who have their studio doors open or view the exhibitions in our gallery spaces located throughout the building. If you would like a guided tour please schedule one ahead of time here.

How do I know which artists will be there?

Our artists use their studio spaces whenever they want so they are not on a fixed schedule. You can check our Facebook page to see which artists have checked in. Or to ensure an artist is here when you visit you may reach out to them directly through our Artist Directory.

Is Mainframe Studios Child-Friendly?

Mainframe Studios is an inclusive art space that showcases a variety of art in 4 community galleries and art by 220+ tenants in and outside their studios. Exhibits and works on display change monthly.

While 95% of the art is family-friendly, the other 5% may have mature content that may illustrate lifestyles, situations, and behaviors that may not align with personal beliefs or values. The experience is designed to share different perspectives and expressions in order to gain an understanding and appreciation of our differences.

What is Mainframe Studios’ photo policy?

Personal non-commercial photography of art in our galleries is allowed. Each artist has their own photo policy so please ask before taking a photo in studio spaces.

*Please note by entering an event or program of Mainframe Studios, you are entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur.

Your entry and presence on the event premises constitute your consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded and to the release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction of any and all recorded media of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in perpetuity in connection with Mainframe Studios and its initiatives, including, by way of example only, use on websites, in social media, news, and advertising.

By entering the event premises, you waive and release any claims you may have related to the use of recorded media of you at the event, including, without limitation, any right to inspect or approve the photo, video, or audio recording of you, any claims for invasion of privacy, violation of the right of publicity, defamation, and copyright infringement or for any fees for use of such record media.

You understand that all photography, filming and/or recording will be done in reliance on this consent. If you do not agree to the foregoing, please do not enter the event premises.