Amplifying Midwestern Creativity
Arts Midwest supports, informs, and celebrates arts organizations and creative communities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond.

Joyful, loud, and Midwest proud
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July 14, 2025
Now Accepting Applications: 2025-26 GIG Fund
Grants for nonprofit organizations in the Midwest to bring professional artists into their community and host creative, engaging public activities.
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Artists Bring Life to Death at Midwest’s First Cemetery Art Residency
July 9, 2025
On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.
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Meet the Minnesotan Org Centering Ancestors, Art, and Activism
July 9, 2025
The Paper Lantern Project creates accessible spaces and resources to break down stigmas against gender and reproductive justice in Minnesota’s Asian American community.
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Award-Winning Albums and Rare Sounds Simmer at This Midwest Kitchen-Studio
July 2, 2025
Archeophone Records is an archive of an almost-lost era of American music history—carefully restored and shared with the world from one couple’s home in Illinois.
Grant Opportunities and Programs
We support efforts that connect people, ideas, and solutions through creativity. Learn more about our grantmaking initiatives and our community programming.

2025-26 GIG Fund
The GIG Fund is a grant of $2,000 – $15,000 that helps organizations bring artists into their community. This year, there are two tracks: GIG Fund and GIG Fund: Arts and Wellness.
Learn More and Apply
Creating and Activating Community Advisory Committees
Explore case studies from three small arts organizations who are embedding community leadership in their everyday work.
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2025 Midwest Culture Bearers Award
The Midwest Culture Bearers Award celebrates and financially supports the work of Midwest culture bearers and folk arts practitioners. Applications are due July 21.
Learn More and Apply
U.S. Regional Arts Organizations Joint Statement on the National Endowment for the Arts
Speak up for the arts. Learn what’s happening at the National Endowment for the Arts and respond.
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