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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Designing the Future: Indigenous Camp Inspires Young Architects
August 28, 2025
The week-long workshop aims to inspire and build for the future growth of Native architects across Minnesota, tribal nations, and the country.
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Young Minnesota Campers Find Art in Nature
August 26, 2025
We spent half a day at Camp Milkweed, finding respite in the outdoors and the art that so naturally draws from it.
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How Parking Lots Became Pop-Up Stages for Dance and Music
August 21, 2025
Over six years, Sioux Falls’s Headlights Theater gathered hundreds of community members for distinct performances—sparking joy and sharing a world of possibilities.
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Catch an Outdoor Movie in the Last Month of Midwest Summer
August 20, 2025
From drive-ins to park flicks, here’s a list of where to break out the popcorn (and out of doors) near you.
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How Midwest Volunteers Are Sending Books to Women in Prisons
August 13, 2025
This nonprofit provides hundreds of free GED books, crafting books, and more to prisons in Illinois and beyond.
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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.
Contact us about the Creativity News Desk
Reach out to Managing Editor Angela Zonunpari with questions.
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