MdW Archive
Learn about our past summits, publications and projects.
Past Summits
Summits convene groups of artist-run projects, platforms, and spaces dedicated to growing our shared ecosystem of interconnected art and organizing scenes across the Midwest. We invite other folks doing work like ours to collaborate with us to build lasting coalitions of purposeful, artist-led action through workshops, programs, exhibitions, print exchanges, and art builds.
So far, we’ve held Summits in Itasca, MN and Kansas City, Missouri. Check out our past summits down below!
Over 100 artist-led projects convened to present their projects at Mana Contemporary Chicago to support each other across hyperlocal scenes and build pathways for lasting coalitions of purposeful, artist-led action. Two giant floors of the building were filled with huge pavilions from 6 central midwestern states, small art exhibitions, publisher tables, and experimental installations were interspersed with open programming platforms like a print lab, screening space, presentation space, and much more.
Chicago, IL - 2022
The MdW Coalition staged its largest gathering to date: the 2024 Kansas City Summit, which brought together 170 artist‑run organizations from across the Midwest. We released the 500+‑page MdW Atlas in print, continued monthly regional editorial contributions online, and began planning for the 2025 Itasca Gathering, which was to focus on climate, civic culture, and sustainability.
Kansas City, MO - 2024
The MdW Itasca Gathering was designed around open studio and open space concepts, providing space for artists to connect, share, and create in a non‑structured environment. It was hosted in collaboration with Manoomin Arts Initiative, MdW Coalition, The School for Rural Culture and Creativity, Racing Magpie, and the Region 2 Arts Council.