Creativity News Desk
Amplifying storytelling around Midwestern creativity.
About the Creativity News Desk
Arts Midwest programs are currently under review for compliance with state and federal laws.
The Creativity News Desk is a cultural reporting and storytelling initiative covering the creative Midwest.
We amplify Midwestern creativity and the voices of diverse Midwesterners. Our initiative constructs a new lens for the Midwest and its people—far beyond “flyover country.”
This project is led and activated by Midwesterners. We focus on stories of, by, and for Native communities, rural communities, and communities of color; and work with freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and illustrators to cover these stories. We also support partnerships, grants, and learning opportunities for community-engaged media organizations and individuals.
The Creativity News Desk is published by Arts Midwest, a U.S. Regional Arts Organization serving the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond.
Check out how you can get involved below!
Arts Midwest retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our initiative, the Creativity News Desk. We maintain a firewall between our coverage decisions and sources of all revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services, or opinions.
We accept gifts and grants from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities. Arts Midwest may consider donations to support coverage that aligns with the goals of the news desk and our organizational values. We will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content, nor of unauthorized distribution of editorial content. The Creativity News Desk recognizes the importance of transparency. We commit to disclosing the names of all donors who support this initiative.
Arts Midwest’s Creativity News Desk is generously supported by Builders Initiative. Builders Initiative is the philanthropic team of Builders Vision, an impact platform dedicated to supporting people and organizations building a more humane and healthy planet. Builders Initiative is a strategic philanthropy that includes grantmaking and impact investing.
This project is also supported by Arts Midwest’s gift from MacKenzie Scott, an unrestricted contribution received in 2021.
Recent Creativity News Desk Stories
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Midwest Women Who’ve Made Music History
March 27, 2025
Women have changed the course of rock n’ roll, jazz, and R&B through the years. Here are some of the most innovative musicians from across the Midwest to know.
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When the Community Print Shop Outgrows Your Living Room
March 25, 2025
The recently expanded, artist-run print shop began with 144 square feet inside a Minneapolis apartment after realizing a community need.
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Two Midwesterners Honored for Impact on Jazz
March 20, 2025
A new fellowship program by the Jazz Foundation of America and Mellon Foundation will award grants of $100,000 to 50 seasoned and accomplished jazz artists.
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Embrace the Expanse: Rural Program Brings Art to North Dakota Students
March 19, 2025
High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.
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Meet Martha Buche, a Potawatomi Artist Teaching Traditional Copper Bowl-Making
March 17, 2025
Based in the Driftless region of Wisconsin, Buche shares her skills with students seeking new experiences and ancient wisdom.
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Grilled Cheese Grant: Buy a Sandwich, Help an Artist
March 13, 2025
Wisconsin has some of the lowest per-capita funding for the arts. A Milwaukee solution? A cheesy, carby community meal to fund grants for emerging artists.
Collaborate With Us
We work with freelance writers, reporters and photographers year-round for our coverage. Pitch us your idea for a story about Midwestern Creativity!
Creative Midwest Media Cohort
We support innovative media outlets that are amplifying and celebrating Midwestern art and creativity. Ten organizations have received a total of $150,000 through the Creative Midwest Media Cohort, a new year-long program.
Contact us about the Creativity News Desk
Reach out to Managing Editor Angela Zonunpari with questions.
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