Arts Midwest World Fest brings international music ensembles to small, traditionally under served Midwest communities. Artists conduct intensive week-long residencies that include educational workshops for K-12 students; community outreach activities for youth, adults, and seniors; and public performances.

During the 2007-2009 Arts Midwest World Fest cycle, Inner Mongolian ensemble, An Da Union, toured nine communities in the Midwest. The reaction to their tour was overwhelmingly positive. As Valerie Stoelzel, Concert and Arts Information Coordinator at Grand Valley State University remarked:

"Without hesitation I can tell you this was the most thrilling educational experience I have ever had. I never thought I would be able to hear ‘live’ throat singing. The group received a standing ovation from the over capacity audience… I am so proud I was involved in this project. To think a liberal arts university in a small west Michigan town was able to host an acclaimed group of musicians from the Inner Mongolian region of China simply takes my breath away. I am so proud of our association with Arts Midwest."

Arts Midwest’s Performing Arts Fund also provides Midwestern communities opportunities to experience professional performing arts. Through this program, dance, theater, and music ensembles tour communities, conduct workshops, and offer public performances to residents across our nine member states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, and South Dakota.

The Midwest Arts Conference plays a vital role in connecting the performing arts to audiences across the United States. Each year, artists, artist managers/agents, performing arts presenters, arts funders and arts service organizations gather to strengthen business contacts and enhance their professional knowledge.

Arts Midwest also coordinates compelling visual arts exhibitions that connect Midwestern audiences with the visual culture of our region and beyond. Recent exhibitions include Stories of the Somali Diaspora and Russel Wright: Living with Good Design. Arts Midwest is in the process of developing an exhibition on The Photo League, which will showcase early documentary photographers from the working class boroughs of New York City.