For more than 35 years, Davis has been one of rural America’s most visionary arts leaders. His work has centered around weaving arts into the fabric of small communities, connecting economic impact with innovation.

Photo Credit: Marie Bergman

Davis began his career founding the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, where he launched programs like the Great American Think-Off, a national philosophy competition that continues to draw participants from across the country.

During his time as Executive Director of Lanesboro Arts, he spent nearly two decades reimagining the entire town as an Arts Campus. Under his guidance, Lanesboro became the first small town in the nation to adopt a citywide arts campus proclamation, was named one of the top 12 Small Town Artplaces in America, and saw more than $3.3 million in investment in its downtown and creative infrastructure.

Most recently, as the first Executive & Artistic Director of Warroad RiverPlace in northern Minnesota, Davis has shepherded the development and activation of a 20,000 sq. ft. arts, culture, and event center—a $20 million project with a mission of bringing the community together through innovative access to arts and culture.

Across every chapter of his career, Davis has championed rural creativity, cross-sector collaboration, and the belief that small towns deserve big artistic ideas. In celebration of his efforts, he has received a $2,500 unrestricted cash award from Arts Midwest.

About the Peter Capell Award

Established in 2022 to honor the legacy of longtime Arts Midwest Board member and former Board Chair, the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship recognizes individuals whose work exemplifies entrepreneurial thinking, creative accomplishments, and a commitment to community.

This year’s award focused on individuals based in Minnesota. Details about next year’s award will be available in 2026.

Q&A: John Davis on Cultivating Rural Creativity

Photo Credit: Betsy Roder

You’ve spent your career showing how rural communities can be national leaders in creativity. What led you down this path?

After graduating from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, I knew I wanted to live in rural America. I bought an abandoned farm outside New York Mills, Minnesota.

I really didn’t have a plan other than wanting to be involved in the arts. I painted barns to make money and listened to farmers, community members, senior citizens about their hopes and dreams for the future.

As it turns out, there was a yearning for the arts, just no access in a small rural community. I wanted to change that narrative.

So that’s what led me down this path. Listening.

Your motto is “the audience is everyone.” How has that shaped your leadership?

I came to my philosophy of “the audience is everyone” when I started working in New York Mills to renovate the first brick building in town into a cultural center and start an artist residency program. It seemed obvious that in a town of about 1,000 people, it was critical to reach everyone.

That’s when a friend gave me a toy plastic tractor and I had my ah-ha moment. The tractor would be the logo for the organization. The mission: Cultivate the arts.

Cultivation takes time. The day-to-day challenge was simply how to make art, culture and creativity relevant in everyday people’s lives. Do that with your programming, and you have your buy in and your audience.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Lanesboro Arts

You’ve partnered with beef councils, veterans groups, senior centers, civic government and more. How do you approach bringing such different groups into the arts? 

Sometimes it’s as straightforward as having a cup of coffee and starting a dialogue. It’s really not even about having an “arts conversation.” It’s more important to listen and learn how to make arts, culture and creativity relevant in people’s lives.

This can mean having conversations about the arts honoring veterans, or how the arts can help solve civic challenges.  Or, showing the value of the arts as a tool for economic development, rural narrative uplift and positive publicity. Or, engaging and cultivating the creativity of young people.

It’s all about inviting people to share ideas. Nontraditional partnerships expand your audience!

Photo Credit: Yvonne Meyer

Transforming a town into an arts campus or opening a $20 million cultural center takes long-term vision. What helps you stay focused?

For me it’s really not about focus, it’s about being patient and planting seeds of ideas.

It took 7 years for the Lanesboro Arts Campus vision to become a shared vision, and 15 years from concept to City Council proclamation declaring the entire community an Arts Campus.

In Warroad, it took guided hard hat tours of a 20,000 sq ft. facility under construction with civic organizations, teachers, school children, farmers and business owners to ask for their ideas for programming in order to get buy-in and to help create that shared vision.

Sometimes it just takes time to cultivate unique ideas that can spark community engagement and narrative shift. The Poetry Parking Lot in Lanesboro is one example. We replaced ordinary parking signage with regional poetry, solving a civic challenge and connecting visitor parking to downtown businesses.

What’s inspiring you lately? 

In September of 2025 Warroad RiverPlace culminated a one-year rural/urban partnership with Mixed Blood Theater who created a play by, for, with and about the people and cultures of Warroad. We had three sold out performances with dialog in Spanish and English.

In addition, we just hosted a “Festival of Cultures” with 12 different cultures represented through food, music, storyboards and dance. Cultures represented included Laos, the Philippines, Cuba, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Venezuela, Native America, Haiti, Canada, Puerto Rico and Nicaragua.

We had no idea if this event would work, however we had 50 people waiting in line for our doors to open, and over 450 attendees for the 3-hour event. (Warroad’s population is 1,983 for context.)

Two Laotian elders who were not planning on performing spontaneously took the stage to perform traditional Laotian music and dance. Multiple generations posed for selfies in front of their food and cultural booths. The definition of inspiring!

The post John Davis Receives 2025 Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship appeared first on Arts Midwest.

This one-time $2,500 award honors an individual whose work demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen in the creative sector. Each year, it rotates among Arts Midwest’s nine member states to celebrate individuals whose vision and business acumen fuel the creative sector.

If you’ve been working in Minnesota’s creative or cultural field for at least 10 years, this award might be for you! We are seeking individuals who embody Arts Midwest’s core values of togetherness, integrity, and learning, who find innovative solutions, and foster creative partnerships to increase access to the arts.

If you know someone who fits this description (or see yourself in it!) submit a nomination by October 16, 2025. Self-nominations are welcome.

Overview

Anyone may submit a nomination, and self-nominations are allowed.

Nominations will be submitted via our grants portal, SmartSimple. First time users of SmartSimple will need to register in the category of Individuals. Get instructions here on how to register in SmartSimple.  

About the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship

Our award namesake Peter Capell served on the Arts Midwest Board of Directors for 23 years and served as Board Chair from 2012 until 2021.

During his time as Chair, he led Arts Midwest through the creation and launch of new national programs like Creating Connection; the development of Arts Midwest’s first major giving campaign; and a founder leadership transition. He is a passionate advocate for creativity and entrepreneurialism, a markedly generous philanthropist, and is deeply committed to strengthening and celebrating the Midwest creative sector.

In honor of Peter’s contributions to Arts Midwest and Midwestern creativity, the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship was established as a time-limited award, running for nine years beginning in 2022.

Past awardees include:

• Tyrone Phillips, founding artistic director at Definition Theatre in Chicago, Illinois
• Brenda DeVita, artistic director of American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin
• Billy Weathers, founder and CEO of the B.WELL Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa.

Read the 2025 Application Guidelines

Learn more about the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship, eligibility requirements, and how to submit your application.

Learn More

Photo Credit: Art Shanty Projects

The post Nominate a Minnesota Arts Leader for the 2025 Peter Capell Award appeared first on Arts Midwest.

Weathers, a hip-hop artist, creative director, humanitarian, and co-founder, CEO, and President of the B.WELL Foundation, has made significant strides in supporting students, artists, and underrepresented communities in Des Moines, Iowa.

The B.WELL Foundation is an advocate for the city’s youth, committed to nurturing a future where young thinkers, designers, and creators can thrive. By focusing on connection, collaboration, and advocacy, the foundation drives transformative change, ensuring every young person has the chance to realize their full potential.

Photo Credit: Billy Weathers

“As a creator, you have blinders on for most of your journey. Creating. Refining. Adjusting. Sometimes you get to look up and see the progress you’ve made, sit back, and appreciate the ground covered,” says Weathers. “I speak for my entire team in saying we are honored to be recognized as creatives for the work we’ve put into the city of Des Moines. The intent remains to improve the landscape, opportunities and resources that creatives and youth have access to in the city.”

Weathers’s leadership at B.WELL Foundation has cultivated spaces where artistic expression and innovation flourish. Programs like the Creative Coaches Clubs, which pairs students with local artists and mentors, empower young people to pursue their aspirations. Another impactful initiative, Art For All, transforms underutilized spaces within schools into sensory-appealing, adaptive environments in collaboration with students.

Beyond his foundation work, Weathers has gained widespread recognition as a hip-hop artist, performing at major events such as the 80/35 Music Festival, Iowa Juneteenth Festival, and Capital City Pride. His annual event, The Move, brings together artists across mediums to celebrate creativity and community through music and connection.

In 2020, he also led thousands of peaceful protesters, standing at the forefront of social justice movements in Des Moines.

 
“Billy’s work is a shining example of creativity, artistry, and entrepreneurship delivered in a way that benefits our communities and has a lasting positive impact in our region,” said Peter Capell, for whom the award is named. “His ability to unite people and inspire change aligns perfectly with the values of this award.”

Weathers has received a $2,500 unrestricted cash award from Arts Midwest along with a matching $2,500 grant award from the Iowa Arts Council in celebration of his work.

Established in 2022 to honor the legacy of longtime Arts Midwest Board member and former Board Chair, the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship recognizes individuals whose work exemplifies entrepreneurial thinking, creative accomplishments, and a commitment to community. This year’s award focused on individuals based in Iowa. Details about next year’s award will be available in spring 2025.

The post Billy Weathers Receives 2024 Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship appeared first on Arts Midwest.

The Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship award celebrates Midwesterners whose work demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen in the creative sector.

If you’ve been working in Iowa’s creative or cultural field for at least 10 years, this award might be for you!

Overview

• What: A total of $5,000 in awarded funds, comprised of one unrestricted $2,500 award from Arts Midwest, accompanied by another $2,500 matching grant award from the Iowa Arts Council.
• Who: An Iowan who works in creative or cultural programming, demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen in their role, and who has at least ten years of experience in the field.
• Where: You must live and/or work in Iowa or the Native Nations sharing this geography. Your primary impact should be within that geographic region. 
• When: Nominations are due by September 16, 2024, with an awardee being announced at the end of October.

Anyone may submit a nomination, and self-nominations are allowed. Nominations are due on September 16, 2024.

Nominations will be submitted via our grants portal, SmartSimple. First time users of SmartSimple will need to register in the category of Individuals. Refer to this video walkthrough for registration assistance.  

About the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship

Peter Capell served on the Arts Midwest Board of Directors for 23 years and served as Board Chair from 2012 until 2021. During his time as Chair, he led Arts Midwest through the creation and launch of new national programs like Creating Connection; the development of Arts Midwest’s first major giving campaign; and a founder leadership transition. He is a passionate advocate for creativity and entrepreneurialism, a markedly generous philanthropist, and is deeply committed to strengthening and celebrating the Midwest creative sector.

In honor of Peter’s contributions to Arts Midwest and Midwestern creativity, the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship was established as a time-limited award, running for nine years beginning in 2022. Tyrone Phillips, founding artistic director at Definition Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, was the winner of the inaugural award in 2022.

Read the Application Guidelines

Learn more about the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship, eligibility requirements, and how to submit your application.

Learn More and Apply

Photo Credit: Art on the Prairie

The post Applications Now Open for the 2024 Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship appeared first on Arts Midwest.

“I am incredibly honored to be the 2023 recipient of the Arts Midwest Peter Capell Award,” said DeVita. “[Capell’s] example of creative thinking and his insistence that the arts are for everyone is inspiring to me. As a native Midwesterner, I have always been passionate about the need for access to the arts in areas the world has deemed too remote.”

DeVita has led APT’s efforts to become an equitable space that is welcoming for all people. She recently worked to launch Creating the Classics of Tomorrow, a program that commissions and develops new plays by BIPOC playwrights. She also developed and nurtured APT’s actor program, the Core Acting Company, and their renowned Voice and Text Program. During the COVID-19 pandemic, DeVita maintained APT’s audience by creating eleven productions that were streamed to thousands of patrons.

“Brenda has a track record of working effectively with others to drive the continuing success of American Players Theatre in Wisconsin and beyond,” said Peter Capell. “In putting the audience and the quality of work on the stage first and foremost, Brenda has led a strong and successful organization, even during the challenging pandemic dynamics. APT has maintained its fine financial footing and remains a critical and popular success as a result. This was accomplished while building a strong value-based culture of collaboration and inclusivity—all of which underscores this award’s focus on entrepreneurial thinking, creative accomplishments and community commitment.”

“One of my proudest accomplishments is that our audience here at American Players Theatre is peopled with my neighbors, the farmers up the road, the teachers and healthcare workers and their families, all who have built this theatre over the past 45 years,” said DeVita. “It has been my life’s privilege to serve this audience and lend a hand in developing the artists that can live and thrive here in the Midwest. Our artists deserve that; our communities deserve it as well. We are all better for it.”

The winner of the inaugural award in 2022 was Tyrone Phillips, founding artistic director of Definition Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. Definition Theatre celebrates stories created with, inspired by, and intended for individuals and communities of color.

The Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship celebrates Midwesterners in the creative sector whose work demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen. It was created in 2022 to honor longtime Arts Midwest Board member and former Board Chair Peter Capell. The 2023 award was open to individuals located in Wisconsin. The 2024 award will be available next summer, with more details to come in spring 2024.

The post Brenda DeVita receives 2023 Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship appeared first on Arts Midwest.

This award celebrates Midwesterners whose work demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen in the creative sector.

If you’ve been working in Wisconsin’s creative or cultural field for at least 10 years, this award might be for you!

Overview

• What: One $2,500 award
• Who: A Wisconsinite who works in creative or cultural programming, demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen in their role, and who has at least ten years of experience in the field.
• Where: You must live and/or work in Wisconsin or the Native Nations sharing this geography.
• When: Nominations are due by September 18, 2023, with an awardee being announced at the end of October.

Anyone may submit a nomination, and self-nominations are allowed. Nominations are due on September 18, 2023.

Nominations will be submitted via our grants portal, SmartSimple. First time users of SmartSimple will need to register in the category of Individuals. Refer to this video walkthrough for registration assistance.  

About the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship

Peter Capell served on the Arts Midwest Board of Directors for 23 years and served as Board Chair from 2012 until 2021. During his time as Chair, he led Arts Midwest through the creation and launch of new national programs like Creating Connection; the development of Arts Midwest’s first major giving campaign; and a founder leadership transition. He is a passionate advocate for creativity and entrepreneurialism, a markedly generous philanthropist, and is deeply committed to strengthening and celebrating the Midwest creative sector.

In honor of Peter’s contributions to Arts Midwest and Midwestern creativity, the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship was established as a time-limited award, running for nine years beginning in 2022. Tyrone Phillips, founding artistic director at Definition Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, was the winner of the inaugural award in 2022.

Read the Application Guidelines

Learn more about the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship, eligibility requirements, and how to submit your application.

Learn More and Apply

Photo Credit: CREATE Portage County

The post Applications are now open for the 2023 Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship appeared first on Arts Midwest.

Photo Credit: Joe Mazza

“Tyrone has been steadfast in his vision for the community since he launched his theatre in 2012,” said Gordon Liao, founder & managing partner of Promise Holdings LLC, one of Definition’s programmatic partners. “Many would have felt discouraged during the pandemic. But Tyrone and his team pushed on and have launched new programs, furthered their capital campaign, expanded their board of directors, continued to make art, gave back to the community through mask donations, backpacks, holiday gifts, and more. He is a true entrepreneur with a rare commitment to community.”

“I am honored to be recognized in such a unique way and to represent all of the amazing leaders in Illinois who think creatively and strive to make big dreams a reality every single day,” said Phillips. “I share this award with my incredible ensemble at Definition Theatre, who continue to push the needle of equity forward for artists and entrepreneurs.”

The Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship celebrates Midwesterners in the creative sector whose work demonstrates entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen. It was created in 2022 to honor longtime Arts Midwest Board member and former Board Chair Peter Capell. The 2022 award was open to individuals located in Illinois. The 2023 award will be available next summer, with more details to come in spring 2023.

The post Tyrone Phillips receives inaugural Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship appeared first on Arts Midwest.