About the Creativity News Desk
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 from all backgrounds. Our initiative constructs a new lens for the Midwest and its people—far beyond “flyover country.”
We work with staff reporters as well as freelance writers, photographers, videographers, and illustrators from across the Midwest to cover stories. We also support 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.
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.
The Creativity News Desk was launched with the generous support of Good Chaos. This project is currently supported by Arts Midwest’s gift from MacKenzie Scott, an unrestricted contribution received in 2021, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the McKnight Foundation.
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!
Creative Midwest Media Cohort
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.
Recent Creativity News Desk Stories
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Creative Process and Identity Blend at This Summer Program for Teens
July 30, 2025
The two-week art intensive for Native American high school students embraces ‘creative futures,’ inspired by leading artists of the Northern Plains.
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Midwesterners Embrace Art to Improve Community Health and People’s Wellbeing
July 24, 2025
Here are stories of how arts, culture, and creativity tie into health and wellness in the region.
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Make That Idea a Reality at a Midwest Makerspace
July 23, 2025
Have a project, but not a way to give life to it? These accessible tools and resource hubs across the Midwest have got your back.
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Small Midwest Town on the ‘World’s Largest’ List, Thanks to Art (and Jim)
July 22, 2025
The city’s population isn’t wildly huge, but the things inside are. Meet the man creating dozens of colossal sculptures for neighbors and beyond.
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More Than a Sign: Midwest Artists Hand-Paint Local Identity
July 16, 2025
In Chicago and Minneapolis, these sign painters continue the precise, customized, and fun (their words!) tradition.
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Artists Bring Life to Death at Midwest’s First Cemetery Art Residency
July 9, 2025
On these Minneapolis, Minnesota, grounds, four artists in residence host events and create work throughout the year-long program.
Contact us about the Creativity News Desk
Reach out to Managing Editor Angela Zonunpari with questions.
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