fbpx
Skip to content

We the Many

We the Many was a program that supported communities in the creation of their own unique artist residency experiences, encouraging the exchange of voices, cultures, and ideas relevant to each community context.

A collage of colorful photos showing community members engaged in arts activites

About We the Many

We the Many was a program of Arts Midwest that supported communities in creating artist residency experiences. It encouraged the exchange of voices, cultures, and ideas relevant to each community. From 2019-2024, Arts Midwest partnered with six communities across the Midwest. Community partners received funding to guide and develop artist residencies in their local areas.

We the Many was a project of Arts Midwest with generous support from the Mellon Foundation and in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, North Dakota Council on the Arts (2022-2024), and South Dakota Arts Council (2019-2021). 

Arts Midwest is also generously supported by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Ohio Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council, Wisconsin Arts Board, 3M, Crane Group, and individual donors and partners. 

Explore What We Learned

From the beginning, We the Many was set up to embed decision making and resources in our community partners. Here’s what we learned along the way.

Learn More

A group of teenagers hold hands to bow on stage
Photo Credit: Honeywell Arts + Entertainment

Read the We The Many Phase 2 Program Report

This report dives into the program’s process, impact, and lessons learned during We the Many’s second phase. It sheds light on the successes, challenges, and resiliency of creative community work.

Read More (PDF)

Several dozen people standing in front of a storefront in front of orange, yellow, and black balloons, with a person dressed in a sun costume kneeling in front.
Photo Credit: Daveed Holmes

Stories from We the Many