Arts committee plans summer concerts, Backstage Alley festival and utility-box sponsorships

Jeff Cromp and arts subcommittee members told the Citizens Advisory Board that all six of next summer’s concerts are under contract and that the committee is exploring sponsorship models and a new festival-format kickoff.

Cromp described a proposed "Backstage Alley" jazz/blues festival that would close part of Backstage Alley, include food trucks and require a state liquor-control permit to allow open containers within a fenced area. The committee said parks staff and CAB would seek sponsors (either a single major sponsor or smaller, individual sponsors) and that the city is drafting a sponsorship policy to standardize how sponsorships are handled.

Arts members also proposed replacing utility-box wraps (costs were cited at about $2,000 per wrap) and using sponsorship revenue to offset that maintenance. City staff cautioned that city infrastructure — older light poles without external power or irrigation — constrains options for wired holiday lighting and hanging baskets; staff said interim banner solutions may be needed until streetscape upgrades are possible.

The subcommittee outlined additional programming ideas: a short-film contest for local students, a Des Moines–resident poster design contest to promote concerts, and pilot plans for Christmas decorations including Redondo Pier and the marina stairs once construction is complete.

City staff said a draft citywide sponsorship policy will be available in early 2026 to ensure consistent administration of funds and to avoid conflicts; CAB members urged coordination so multiple events do not compete for a small local donor base.

The committee asked CAB members to lead some event logistics and sponsorship outreach because city staffing is limited; staff said the city will handle compliance tasks such as liquor-control permitting and contract administration.