Creativity News Desk
Amplifying storytelling around Midwestern creativity.
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. 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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Meet the World Capital for All Things Halloween
October 31, 2024
In Anoka, Minnesota, Halloween is more than a day—it’s a month-long celebration over 100 years in the making.
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Meet Dazmonique Carr, a Farmer Strengthening Detroit’s Local Food System
October 30, 2024
With Deeply Rooted Produce, Dazmonique Carr cultivates crops and a community of local food growers and consumers.
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A Chicago Cafe That Brews Creativity
October 22, 2024
Amid a “loneliness epidemic,” Crema Shop has become a hub of creative community life on Chicago’s north side.
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Meet the Rural Road Warriors of Jazz
October 21, 2024
JAS Quintet is making a case for the ‘Great American Art Form’ across North and South Dakota.
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Sharing Traditional Games with Dakota Youth
October 17, 2024
What do games have to do with cultural revitalization? Everything! Jeremy Red Eagle and youth in Lake Traverse Reservation share how it’s all connected.
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Latine Artists Shine at This Midwest Music Festival
October 15, 2024
At this year’s day-long Sonido Fest, artists performed indie, alternative, electronic and contemporary music at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago.
Contact us about the Creativity News Desk
Reach out to Managing Editor Angela Zonunpari with questions.
Contact Us FAQs