Amplifying storytelling around Midwestern creativity.
Photo Credit: Marquis Martinez
About the Creativity News Desk
Arts Midwest programs are currently under review for compliance with state and federal laws.
The Creativity News Desk is a cultural reporting and storytelling initiative covering the creative Midwest.
We amplify Midwestern creativity and the voices of diverse Midwesterners. Our initiative constructs a new lens for the Midwest and its people—far beyond “flyover country.”
This project is led and activated by Midwesterners. We focus on stories of, by, and for Native communities, rural communities, and communities of color; and work with freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and illustrators to cover these stories. We also support partnerships, grants, and learning opportunities for community-engaged media organizations and individuals.
The Creativity News Desk is published by Arts Midwest, a U.S. Regional Arts Organization serving the nine-state region of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond.
Check out how you can get involved below!
Arts Midwest retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our initiative, the Creativity News Desk. We maintain a firewall between our coverage decisions and sources of all revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services, or opinions.
We accept gifts and grants from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities. Arts Midwest may consider donations to support coverage that aligns with the goals of the news desk and our organizational values. We will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content, nor of unauthorized distribution of editorial content. The Creativity News Desk recognizes the importance of transparency. We commit to disclosing the names of all donors who support this initiative.
Arts Midwest’s Creativity News Desk is generously supported by Builders Initiative. Builders Initiative is the philanthropic team of Builders Vision, an impact platform dedicated to supporting people and organizations building a more humane and healthy planet. Builders Initiative is a strategic philanthropy that includes grantmaking and impact investing.
This project is also supported by Arts Midwest’s gift from MacKenzie Scott, an unrestricted contribution received in 2021.
Collaborate With Us
We work with freelance writers, reporters and photographers year-round for our coverage. Pitch us your idea for a story about Midwestern Creativity!
We support innovative media outlets that are amplifying and celebrating Midwestern art and creativity. Ten organizations have received a total of $150,000 through the Creative Midwest Media Cohort, a new year-long program.
A new fellowship program by the Jazz Foundation of America and Mellon Foundation will award grants of $100,000 to 50 seasoned and accomplished jazz artists.
High-quality art from across the globe is landing in traveling exhibitions across the state, helping to connect rural students to art they otherwise may not have access to.
Wisconsin has some of the lowest per-capita funding for the arts. A Milwaukee solution? A cheesy, carby community meal to fund grants for emerging artists.
There’s nothing better than a meal with a story! Create delectable dishes with Midwest roots, from these cookbooks by chefs and foodies across the region.
