Drake University President Marty Martin will lead a task force for a cultural planning initiative with Bravo Greater Des Moines to explore how to drive the economy with the arts. In a statement, Drake and Bravo said the regional cultural assessment will build on the work of Capital Crossroads and the Tomorrow Plan. “As central Iowa positions itself to build on current momentum as one of the nation’s most attractive regions for businesses, careers, and families, now is the time to further place the arts at the center of dialogue about civic life and community development,” Sally Dix, executive director of Bravo Greater Des Moines, said in the statement. Bravo is funding the assessment. “This work will clearly define opportunities for the cultural community to thrive.” In addition to Martin, the steering committee will include Pamela Bass-Bookey, president, Temple for Performing Arts LLC; Jay Byers, CEO, Greater Des Moines Partnership; Tim Heaston, vice president for finance, ITA Group; and Myrna Johnson, executive director, Iowa Public Radio; Izaah Knox, executive director, Urban Dreams; Sharon Krause, owner, Dalla Terra Ranch; Jeff Russell, president and CEO, Delta Dental of Iowa; and Brian Waller, president, Technology Association of Iowa.