Arts Midwest is honored to announce our selection to participate in two impactful programs: the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program and the Report for America Accelerator Program.
“Being selected for these programs is both an honor and an incredible opportunity,” shared Arts Midwest President & CEO Torrie Allen. “We are excited to leverage these resources to make innovative improvements, expand our reach, and deepen our impact across the Midwest.”
Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program
The Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program helps cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K. strengthen technology and management practices to improve operations, drive revenue, increase fundraising, engage broader audiences, and deliver dynamic programming.
With support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Arts Midwest will embark on a transformative technology project to expand online resources for the arts field. Planned additions to our website include a grants database, a jobs board, and a research hub. These tools will accelerate learning, connection, and opportunities for Midwestern communities and arts organizations.
Communications Officer Alana Horton will serve as a Bloomberg Tech Fellow, leading the project’s implementation over the next two years.
Arts Midwest joins a cohort of 200 nonprofit cultural organizations representing diverse artistic disciplines across 52 U.S. and 28 U.K. cities. Over the past three years, this program has catalyzed growth for nearly 150 cultural organizations.
Early results from the first cohort include an additional $20 million in new revenue, engagement with over 1 million new audience members, and collaboration with more than 4,000 new artists and partners.
Report for America Accelerator Program
Report for America’s Accelerator Program builds on their success in helping over 400 newsrooms collectively raise $30 million since 2017. As one of 37 newsrooms selected for this pilot program, Arts Midwest will receive coaching and training to diversify revenue streams by fostering local philanthropic support.
Participating in the Report for America Accelerator Program will support Arts Midwest’s Creativity News Desk. This storytelling initiative highlights the creative voices and vibrant cultures of the Midwest, offering a fresh perspective on the region.
Development Officer Emma Bohmann, Development Manager Aleeh Schwoerer, and Managing Editor Angela Zonunpari will collaborate with Report for America staff over the next year, gaining insights into innovative funding strategies to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Creativity News Desk.
“Since our program started, we’ve seen firsthand the impacts of helping newsrooms tell their stories to deepen community understanding and support,” says Morgan Baum, Director of Local News Sustainability at Report for America. “Our new accelerator program is a springboard to financial stability, helping newsrooms not just survive but thrive and grow.”
Looking Ahead
Arts Midwest is honored to be part of these transformative programs, which align with our commitment to amplifying Midwestern arts and creativity. Stay tuned for updates on these initiatives!