This year, 2024, marked my fifth year at the helm of Arts Midwest. Since joining the organization in 2019, I have been on a continual journey to immerse myself in Midwestern creativity. I’ve found it everywhere in our region, from the Badlands of the Dakotas to the crashing waves of the Great Lakes, and everywhere in between.
In 2024, Arts Midwest launched new programs while continuing to support our long-standing initiatives. All told, we offered 12 grant opportunities, awards, and programs that supported creative individuals and communities across the Midwest.
As we look back on the past year, we’re inspired by the incredible work that our partners, grantees, and awardees have accomplished. And we’re proud to continue our work supporting Midwestern creativity.
Creativity in Action: Theater in Schools
I had the privilege of visiting the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota as part of our Shakespeare in American Communities: Schools program.
The Guthrie’s teaching artists led high schoolers through reading Henry V, discussing its relevance, and guiding them in performances.
Watching the students embrace the experience and unleash their creativity was truly inspiring.
– Carlianne Jorve, Grants Manager
Community Connections
We continued supporting communities across the Midwest through impactful programs. We also launched new initiatives like ArtsHERE and Cultural Sustainability that focused on supporting arts organizations rooted in communities of color.
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Small Town, Global Stage: Farah Siraj Offers Up Artistic Exchange in Iowa
By Alana Horton
How Jordan’s “Musical Ambassadress” teamed up with Oskaloosa’s local choir for a week of cultural exchange and learning.
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Artist Residencies Plant Seeds for the Future in Indiana
By Mandy Shunnarah
Painter Yemina Concepcion and photographer Daveed Holmes have been hard at work this last year at For the Love of the Arts, building positivity for young people by encouraging their creativity.
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In Columbus, April Sunami’s Portraits Honor Creative Women of Color
By Kate Mothes
A mixed-media celebration of art and family at the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center.
Creativity in Action: Creating Programs
A standout experience from this year was hosting a focus group of arts and culture leaders of color to gather their feedback.
Holding space for open, thoughtful conversations was essential in shaping the foundation of Cultural Sustainability.
Their insights and enthusiasm fueled my passion for the program. I’m grateful to carry their voices and experiences into the work we do.
– Holly Doll, Program Manager
Telling Stories
We continued reporting on the creative Midwest through our Creativity News Desk. sharing stories about topics as wide-ranging as the history of Ohio funk music, barns that have been turned into creative installations, and art supporting health challenges.
Popular Stories from 2024
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Meet Casandra Artichoker, Young Native Artist Reclaiming Lak̇ot̄a Practices
By Robert Bordeaux
With mentorship from relatives and other artists, Artichoker says she is eager to gain knowledge around traditional art practices and tell impactful stories through her art.
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In Wisconsin, Glimpse Into Artist-Built Environments From Around the World
By Kate Mothes
Sheboygan’s Art Preserve, a one-of-a-kind museum, gives us a privileged insight into the imaginations of artists whose work was often overlooked during their lifetimes.
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Black Museums in the Midwest You Must Visit
By J. Coyden Palmer
In Wisconsin, Indiana, and Illinois, explore three different stories of the Black experience in America.
Make a Gift
As 2024 comes to a close, will you help us continue this vital work with a gift today?
Give Online Other Ways to GiveThank You
We are so grateful to you, our Arts Midwest family, for your support over the past year—and we are eagerly awaiting all that is to come in 2025. Thank you for joining us on this journey!