Bring Your Quarters: Art Vending Machines Pop Up Across Downtown Des Moines
New initiative supports local artists while encouraging exploration of Downtown
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 27, 2026) – A new public art initiative is bringing mini art vending machines to five locations throughout Downtown Des Moines (DSM), supporting local artists while giving visitors, employees and residents another way to discover Downtown. Operation Downtown, in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership, is collaborating with Mainframe Studios to bring the creative new experience to life.
The initial machines feature work from 18 local artists and are designed to make art affordable and accessible in an unexpected way while supporting the artists that created it. Each machine accepts four quarters to purchase one surprise artwork, providing several opportunities to discover different artists and artistic styles.
“Some of the best Downtown experiences happen when you discover something fun that you weren’t expecting,” said Angie Pfannkuch, 2026 Board Chair of Operation Downtown. “These machines add an element of surprise and creativity to places we visit every day and are another reason to explore Downtown and discover the artists that make our community unique.”
The art vending machines will feature new artwork and participating artists over time and move to different locations throughout Downtown, giving patrons fresh reasons to seek them out, explore Downtown and discover the local artwork waiting inside. The five machines are currently located at Black Cat Ice Cream Downtown, Local Bites, Mainframe Studios, RAYGUN and Wellmark YMCA.
“Public art is an important way we can create memorable experiences and continue enhancing the vibrancy of Downtown,” said Tad Guy, Special Projects Coordinator at The Partnership. “From large-scale installations to these mini artworks, we continue to look for creative ways to activate our shared spaces and celebrate local artists.”
"Artists look for meaningful ways to connect with new audiences, and these vending machines make that connection approachable, affordable and fun," said Julia Franklin, Executive Director of Mainframe Studios. “With many artists participating, visitors can take home an original piece of art, directly support our creative community and discover an artist they may not have known before.”
Follow @DowntownDSMUSA and @Mainframearts for clues, updates and more information about the participating artists.
For more information about the art vending machines and other public art experiences in Downtown, visit the Downtown DSM Events And Installations Portfolio.
###
About Mainframe Studios
Mainframe Studios, located in the heart of Downtown Des Moines, is the nation’s largest nonprofit building with 181 studios supporting 224 artists and 8 arts nonprofits. Mainframe, a lasting space where artistic expression is cultivated, protected, and celebrated, provides affordable arts workspaces and fosters creative communities in central Iowa. Explore Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-4pm and experience the arts during our monthly, free First Friday open studio events from 5-8pm. Meet artists, support their small businesses, and enjoy food, drinks, art activities and live music entertainment.
About Downtown DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking.
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 largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. The Partnership was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the chamber industry’s highest honor, and is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.