Calling all Midwest videographers and content creators! We’re commissioning nine videos to illuminate the work of Midwest Makers—creative Midwesterners who are deeply embedded in their communities.
Midwest makers are all around us. They are visual artists, chefs, community organizers, folk and traditional arts practitioners, musicians, oral historians, farmers, and next-door neighbors. They work in large and small communities, wear multiple hats, and add to the creative culture of the Midwest.
If you’re all about capturing the people who make the Midwest special, we want to hear from you! Selected videographers will receive $3,000 each to create a short documentary video showcasing a Midwest Maker. Your creation will be featured on Arts Midwest’s platforms as part of our Creativity News Desk, amplifying the creativity of these incredible Midwesterners.
Pitches are due September 24.
About This Series
Midwest Makers will highlight creatives from across the Midwest in a series of documentary shorts. This series is especially focused on stories of, by, and for Native communities, rural communities, and communities of color.
Our ideal Midwest Makers:
- Are deeply involved in their communities
- Have diverse perspectives and identities
- Represent a wide spectrum of creativity
Videos should blend behind-the-scenes footage illustrating the Midwest Maker’s craft or work with interviews that narrate their journey and connection to community.
It’s important that videos maintain a third-person perspective – meaning, the content creator or videographer who is proposing the video should not be the main subject.
We are focusing on Midwest Makers who live in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the Native Nations that share this geography. Pitches from outside of this region will not be considered.