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Call For Pitches: Creativity at Work in Midwest Communities

by Angela Zonunpari

A group of youth sitting around a fire outdoors as they look to the adult sitting in front of them.
Photo Credit: Dustina Gill
Youth sit around a fire with Jeremy Red Eagle. He's talking to them about self discipline and respect during the game. Takapsica or lacrosse is more than just playing. It requires many skills that prepare youth for adulthood.

Is there a creative “do-er” in your community? A local arts project or innovative program making a real impact? We want to hear about them!

We’re looking for stories of creativity in action—projects, people, and ideas that are solving problems, strengthening connections, and shaping communities in the Midwest. 

What does creativity look like where you live? How is it distinctly of, by, and for your community? Tell us more!

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking engaging, people-centered stories that showcase the power of creative action across our coverage region—especially from Greater Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. 

We cover Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Native Nations that share this geography. Pitches from outside of this region will not be considered. 

Pitches are due April 6, 2025. 

Selected pitches will be contracted for 500-word written articles to be published by Arts Midwest’s Creativity News Desk starting May 2025. The compensation of the 500-word story is $500; paid once all deliverables are finalized and ready for publishing.

Our Coverage

Timeline

  • March 20, 2025 – Call for Pitches opens 
  • April 6 – Deadline to submit pitches 
  • Week of April 14 – Notifications to selected writers
  • May – July – Stories published 

How to Pitch Us

The Call for Pitches will close on April 6, 2025. We’ll send notifications to selected writers during the week of April 14. Due to high submission volume, we may not be able to respond to every pitch. 

To pitch us, fill out our pitch submission form. You’ll be asked for the following information: 

  • Who or what does your story feature? (50 words) 
    • Tell us about the person, project, or idea at the heart of your story. What excites or inspires you about it? 
  • What’s the story you want to tell?  (100 words) 
    • Tell us a little more about the specific angle you’d like to approach the story from. What aspects of the story/subject feel distinctly of, by, and for the community? What aspects of the story speak to “creativity at work”? 
  • What is your connection to this story? (50 words) 
    • Why this story or subject? 
  • Will you be the writer for the story idea you’re pitching?  
    • Yes.  
    • No, I’m just submitting the idea for Arts Midwest to assign to someone else. 
  • If you’ll be the writer, tell us about yourself.  (100 words) 
  • Provide links to up to three work samples and/or a portfolio so we can get an idea of your range of work. 
    • Work samples do not have to be published works, but should show your reporting, interviewing, and writing skills.  

Ready to Pitch?

Fill out the pitch submission form below! You are welcome to submit multiple pitches if you have more than one. If you have any questions about the pitch process, contact Managing Editor Angela Zonunpari.

Submit a Pitch Contact the Editor