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 17, 2025
Announcing the 2025-26 Shakespeare in American Communities Grantees
Over $1 million in grants will support Shakespeare programming for young people and theater apprenticeship programs across America.
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What We Learned: Creative Midwest Media Cohort
July 16, 2025
A lot can happen when you give local media the funding, flexibility, and community to cover arts and culture in the Midwest.
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More Than a Sign: Midwest Artists Hand-Paint Local Identity
July 16, 2025
In Chicago and Minneapolis, these sign painters continue the precise, customized, and fun (their words!) tradition.
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Now Accepting Applications: 2025-26 GIG Fund
July 14, 2025
Grants for nonprofit organizations in the Midwest to bring professional artists into their community and host creative, engaging public activities.
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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