Julia Franklin

Julia Franklin is an artist, advocate, and arts leader with a passion for building creative communities. As Executive Director of Mainframe Studios—the largest nonprofit art studio building in the nation—she champions over 210 artists in downtown Des Moines. With more than 20 years of experience in arts education, nonprofit leadership, and community development, Julia brings vision and heart to every role she takes on. She previously served as a Community Investment Specialist at Bravo Greater Des Moines, managing a $4.5 million operating grant program, and spent 18 years as a Professor of Art at Graceland University. As an Iowa Artist Fellow and founder of multiple community arts initiatives, Julia’s own artwork explores memory, identity, and storytelling through found objects and immersive installations. In 2024, she was named “Cultural Leader Newcomer of the Year” by the Business Record, a testament to her impact on Iowa’s creative economy and her commitment to inclusive, vibrant arts ecosystems.