What is the Midwest Award for Disabled Artists?

The Midwest Award for Disabled Artists recognizes and celebrates visual artists with disabilities in the region and encourages their future work. This award is intended for artists who identify as disabled, create 2D or 3D visual art, and are mid-career, which we interpret as creating art and building a career for 5-15 years.

Over three years, it will recognize 27 individuals (9 per year) in the Arts Midwest region of: North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, or the Native Nations that share this geography. Each awardee will receive a $3,000 cash award, no match required. Total awards across the region will equal $27,000 per year. There are no requirements for how funds are used. Awardees’ submitted work will be featured in a virtual exhibit on the Arts Midwest website.

Apply to be a Panelist:

To apply for this panel, please fill out and submit the panelist interest form by April 17. Reach out to Carly Newhouse if you need to submit information a different way: carly.newhouse@artsmidwest.org or 612-238-8002). We will follow up with applicants by the end of April.

Who should apply for the panel?

We encourage those in the Arts Midwest region who align with one or more of the following to apply for the panel:

  • Artists or arts and cultural workers with disabilities
  • Disability and accessibility advocates
  • BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+, and other historically marginalized identities

What’s the commitment?

  • Week of May 22: Join a 60-90 minute orientation meeting on Zoom
  • Late May-June 20 (3 weeks): Individually review applications in SmartSimple (Arts Midwest’s grants portal) based on 2-3 criteria, and a potential final Zoom discussion

Accessibility and compensation:

  • Panelists will be compensated $300 for their work.
  • To review applications, panelists will need a tablet or computer with an internet connection that’s capable of reviewing files, participating in Zoom meetings, and visiting websites.
  • We are happy to work with those who need to review the digital application materials in a different way or need to engage an access service.
  • Please note: those selected to be panelists cannot apply for this award.