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About Arts Midwest

We amplify Midwestern creativity, building community and opportunity across our region and beyond.

A group of dancers circles around two of them holding one up in the air.
Photo Credit: Governors State University

What We Do

Arts Midwest advances creativity across our region, building unprecedented opportunity for everyone who calls this place home. We support, inform, and celebrate 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.

 

As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, we work to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Together, we nourish the creative roots of the Midwest—and share our region’s transformative ideas with the world.

 

Arts Midwest is here to support the artists and organizations that define and redefine this place. To share ideas that make Midwesterners more visible and connected. To raise up the stories that challenge assumptions. And to build flourishing communities that are powered by opportunity, authenticity, and a deep sense of belonging.

 

That’s our Midwest: a place of extraordinary possibility.

Explore our History
A map of the United States with Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin highlighted.
  • $62M+

    Awarded to Midwestern Artists and Organizations

  • 7k+

    Grants Made

  • 40

    Years of Service

How We Work

  • A person with light skin and blonde hair reads a love letter, with a projected green letter behind her.

    Support

    Get Support
  • A group of adults stand in a circle in a bright meeting room, listening to a facilitator in the center who gestures as he speaks.

    Inform

    Explore Resources
  • A woman with a medium skin tone moves her arms outside.

    Celebrate

    Read Stories

Our Mission + Vision

MISSION: To build unprecedented opportunity across the Midwest by advancing creativity.

VISION: Midwestern creativity powers thriving, entrepreneurial, and welcoming communities.

Two people in yellow outfits performing outside in front of children and adults. They leap joyously through the air with smiles on their faces.
Photo Credit: Public Space One