Arts Midwest Advancing Creativity and Community Through Regional Arts Support

Arts Midwest is a non-profit regional arts organization headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has been dedicated to advancing creativity and building unprecedented opportunities across a nine-state region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, as well as the Native nations within this geography. As one of six United States Regional Arts Organizations, Arts Midwest partners with the National Endowment for the Arts and state agencies to strengthen local arts ecosystems. The organization’s mission is centered on the belief that Midwestern creativity powers thriving, entrepreneurial, and welcoming communities. To achieve this, Arts Midwest operates several key programs and initiatives. The Grow, Invest, Gather (GIG) Fund provides essential grants to arts organizations to build capacity and fund artist engagements. The NEA Big Read encourages community-wide reading projects, while Shakespeare in American Communities supports professional theater productions for students. Additionally, programs like Arts Midwest World Fest bring international musicians to the region, fostering cultural exchange. Through strategic grantmaking, leadership development, and storytelling, Arts Midwest provides vital resources to artists and cultural organizations. They serve as a bridge between federal funding and local creative projects, ensuring that the arts remain an integral part of everyday life. By focusing on equity, trust, and learning, Arts Midwest continues to nurture the cultural leadership and artistic vitality that defines the heartland of America.