The Des Moines Arts Festival presented by Nationwide announced Seso Marentes
as the eighth recipient of the G. David Hurd Innovator of the Arts honor. The award is give each year to an individual or organization that “fully embodies innovation within the arts,” according to a news release. The recognition honors the legacy of the late G. David Hurd, former CEO of Principal Financial Group and an influential community leader noted for his involvement with the Des Moines Arts Festival, as well as for his vision and progressive thinking. Previous recipients of the Hurd Innovator are Chris Vance, Hoyt Sherman Place, ArtForce Iowa, Girls Rock! Des Moines, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Chaden Halfhill and Larassa Kabel. “Seso Marentes was selected because he embodies Dave’s unwavering dedication to mentoring those who are to come and those struggling to find their voice,” Stephen King, executive director of the Des Moines Arts Festival, said in a news release. “He is helping youth find their own way to express what is uniquely theirs and ensure the voice of the Latino artist is amplified.” To read a 2023 profile of Marentes from dsm magazine, click here.