Water Curia

May 19, 2024

Kathryn Kunert
MidAmerican Energy

Dear Kathryn:

It was a pleasure speaking with you last week. I appreciate the opportunity to share more about the William G. Stowe Foundation’s effort to bring Water Curia—a landmark public art and education project by internationally renowned artist Jordan Weber—to Des Moines Water Works Park.

More than a striking addition to our city’s public art landscape, Water Curia will serve as an open-air classroom and civic gathering space, engaging tens of thousands of visitors annually in environmental education and community connection.

Positioned between the Lauridsen Amphitheater and the Ruan Connector—two key elements of the Park’s recent renaissance—Water Curia will sit prominently along Fleur Drive, visible to over one million annual visitors to Gray’s Lake. This twenty-foot-tall, thirty-foot-wide limestone structure will include integrated seating and will be illuminated by a custom LED lighting feature: the MidAmerican Energy lighting halo.

This is not just another art installation—it’s a legacy project.

Water Curia will enhance Des Moines’ emerging Art Corridor, symbolize our community’s commitment to sustainability and learning, and inspire future generations to protect the vital resource of water. Students from across Central Iowa will use the classroom, and thousands of concert patrons and others will utilize Water Curia for countless special events. 

We respectfully request a $200,000 sponsorship from MidAmerican Energy to fund this signature lighting element. It’s a highly visible, high-impact opportunity to reinforce your leadership in sustainability, education, and public access—values deeply aligned with MidAmerican’s mission.

Of the $2 million total budget, nearly $1.8 million has already been secured from key civic and philanthropic partners. Your support will bring us to the finish line and allow construction to begin this summer, with a public unveiling on Earth Day next April.

Aside from a potential naming opportunity with Prairie Meadows for a nearby educational element, no other naming rights have been granted. MidAmerican Energy would receive exclusive and prominent recognition for this transformative contribution.

Since we launched launch this effort, we’ve received support from the Des Moines Public Art Foundation, Polk County, the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation, and many other individuals and organizations familiar to you. We would be happy to share the full list when we next meet.

You can view a short video interpretation of Water Curia by clicking here or the link below, and see please find attached renderings that highlight the lighting halo.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to shape a bold and lasting addition to our community. I would welcome the chance to follow up or schedule a time to discuss next steps.

Thank you,
Graham Gillette
William G Stowe Foundation
515-238-1225
graham@gillettestrategies.com