Creativity News Desk
Amplifying storytelling around Midwestern creativity.
About the Creativity News Desk
The Creativity News Desk amplifies stories about the power of arts and creativity in the Midwest.
We commission stories from writers, photographers, videographers, illustrators, and podcasters. We also support partnerships, grants, and learning opportunities for the media field.
We seek out stories that go beyond traditional arts coverage and celebrate creativity in all its forms. We are especially focused on stories of, by, and for Native communities, rural communities, and communities of color.
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 are actively commissioning stories and videos. Pitch us your idea for a piece 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
-
Indiana Artist Champions Spaces for Underrepresented Creatives, Defying Naysayers
September 12, 2024
For over 20 years, D. Del Reverda-Jennings has organized FLAVA FRESH!, a juried art show in Indianapolis celebrating the creative spirit of local artists of color.
-
Canning and Preserving: A Bridge Between the Past and the Future
September 10, 2024
Three recipes to stock your shelves with food, memories, and tradition.
-
Meet Tim Olson, an Artist Sharing Stained-Glass Portraits of Iowa’s Icons
September 9, 2024
The more Tim Olson learned about Iowa’s oldest city, the more he saw it as a place for artistic inspiration.
-
Treaty Fish Co. Sustains Anishinaabe Traditions and Community Spirit
September 5, 2024
Spending time with the John/Ogemagegedo family on the water, one experiences their connection to place and love for Gichi-wiikwedong (Grand Traverse Bay).
-
Meet Todd Perrine, the DJ Helping to Sustain Toledo Nightlife
September 5, 2024
For Todd Perrine, being a good DJ is as much about the community you bring together as it is the music you play.
-
A Tiny Bakery Thrives In This Rural Minnesota Community
September 4, 2024
For 10 years, a 100-year-old store stood empty in the little hamlet of Newburg. Now, it is home to an authentic French bakery where crowds of customers wait patiently for…
Contact us about the Creativity News Desk
Reach out to Managing Editor Angela Zonunpari with questions.
Contact Us FAQs