Creativity News Desk
Amplifying storytelling around Midwestern creativity.
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!
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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‘East Boogie’ Inspired Blues, Jazz, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Joy
February 20, 2025
Lifelong residents of East St. Louis saw some of the world’s greatest entertainers hone their craft on their hometown stages.
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Meet Stafford C. Berry, Jr., an Artist-Scholar Teaching Embodiment Through African Dance
February 19, 2025
The Bloomington-based director of IU’s African American Dance Company continues a long lineage of dance, community, and exploration.
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East St. Louis, the Entertainment Gateway Across the Mississippi
February 18, 2025
The city’s venues provided respite from the grind of industrial life—embracing the joy of music, dancing, and community.
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This Giant Kite Festival Turns Winter Blues into the Coolest Hues
February 11, 2025
Iowa’s Color the Wind Kite Festival, the biggest of its kind in the Midwest, is in its second decade of flying massive kites in the middle of winter.
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Three Midwestern ‘Emerging Chefs’ in Top Culinary Awards List
February 10, 2025
If selected, they would be one of four Midwesterners to receive this early career recognition since the category’s inception in 2000.
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Blush, Blend, and Break Barriers One Makeup Course at a Time
February 5, 2025
Staff at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance created a free online course inclusive of all ages, hair textures, and skin tones.
Contact us about the Creativity News Desk
Reach out to Managing Editor Angela Zonunpari with questions.
Contact Us FAQs