Skip to content

Call for Pitches: Short-Form Video from Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota & Native Nations

by Angela Zonunpari

Three older people climbing on railings at a playground
Photo Credit: Lori Phillilps, MSCR
Seniors in Madison, Wisconsin, participate in a parkour class to strengthen balance and learn more about fall safety.

Tell us about something cool and creative happening around you! Selected pitches get paid to be community documenters for Arts Midwest.

Do you love documenting creative things in your community? Do you live in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or any of the Native communities in this area? Are there cool arts and culture things happening where you’re at? We’d like to work with you as a community documenter!

What does that mean? Film at least 10 short, vertical phone clips of a local art, culture, or community happening, and get paid to help us amplify Midwestern creativity.

We’ll handle the editing, scripting, and posting on our channels. You’ll get credit and $300 for your footage, a short write-up, and a couple of photos.

Where do I start?

The first step is to tell us what’s happening in your community by submitting a pitch by April 12 (more info below!). We’re looking for arts events, activities, and creative happenings that will take place between April 20 and June 21. They must be in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Native Nations and communities in these areas.

A brief pitch of what you plan to capture is due April 12, 2026, through our pitch submission form. You’ll be asked for the following information:

  • What are you proposing to cover? What makes it distinct or creative?  (100 words)
    • Tell us about the event, project, or person at the heart of your story. Why does it stand out to you?
  • When can you film it? (25 words)
  • What’s your connection to this story? (25 words)
  • Tell us about yourself. (50 words)
  • Provide links to up to two work samples and/or a portfolio so we can get an idea of your skills.
    • Work samples do not have to be published works, but should show your video filming skills.

You are welcome to submit multiple pitches if you have more than one idea.

Due to the high volume of pitches we receive, we won’t be able to send feedback or individual responses to ones that aren’t selected.

A good pitch makes us curious. It spotlights something creative or unexpected, or deeply rooted in the Midwest and the breadth of art and culture happening here. We like pitches that:

  • Spark curiosity. Is this something people haven’t seen before, or a fresh take on a familiar tradition?
  • Highlight community. Does it bring people together, or show how creativity shapes local life?
  • Have strong visuals. Will it look dynamic on camera—with movement, color, texture, sound, or process?
  • Connect to the Midwest. What makes this story uniquely rooted in the place you live?

It’s also important to think about the logistics! Before you pitch, ask yourself:

  • Can I film this between April 20 – June 21?
  • Can I provide a 200-word summary of what I’ve filmed?
  • If it features people or events, are they available and comfortable being filmed?
  • If it’s at a private event, are there filming restrictions and/or do I need permission to film videos?
  • Do I have a phone or camera that shoots high-resolution, vertical video?

We plan to select up to 10 pitches from this open call. If your pitch moves forward, we’ll set up a community documenter contract with you. You will be responsible for these deliverables:

  • Video documentation: At least 10 *solid* unedited clips, at least 15 seconds each, shot vertically and high resolution (min. 1080 x 1920)
  • Photo documentation: At least two vertical photos we can use to design the cover image on social media platforms for the completed video
  • Short summary: 200-300 words (who, what, when, why + any distinct details)
  • Contact info for a recommended source: for proofing and fact-checking purposes

Total compensation for these deliverables (from a selected pitch) is $300. Final videos will be published across social media platforms by Arts Midwest.

  • March 25, 2026 – Call for Pitches opens
  • Sunday, April 12 – Pitches due
  • Week of April 13 – Notifications to selected community documenters
  • April 20 – June 21 – Selected community documenters take videos and send them to us
  • May – July 2026 –  Final edited videos published

Have a question not answered here? Contact us at [email protected].

Need Examples?

Here are some recent short-form videos made with footage from documenters across the Midwest. You can watch more on our YouTube channel!

Our Video Guide

You don’t need to be a filmmaker—just a curious, thoughtful observer. Think: “What moments would I want to share with someone who couldn’t be here?”

Read More

A ground-level shot of three people in colorful regalia dancing; their faces are not visible.
Photo Credit: Jaida Grey Eagle / Arts Midwest

Share Your Pitch

We’re looking for arts events, activities, and creative happenings that will take place between April 20 and June 21, 2026.

A brief pitch of what you plan to capture is due April 12.

We plan to select up to 10 pitches from this open call. If your pitch is selected, you will be paid to be a community documenter.

Submit Here