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.
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.
Phase I: 2019-2023
Phase II: 2022-24
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.
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.