Peter Capell Award

The Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship is a $2,500 one-time, unrestricted award presented by Arts Midwest to honor individuals whose work in the creative sector embodies entrepreneurial thinking and business acumen. This annual award rotates among Arts Midwest’s nine member states. For the 2025 cycle, the award is open to individuals who live and/or work in Minnesota or in Native Nations that share that geography. Named after Peter Capell, a long-serving board member and past Board Chair of Arts Midwest, the award celebrates leaders whose creative practice expands access to the arts and exemplifies business innovation and community impact. During Capell's tenure, he played a key role in shaping new programs and campaigns, including Arts Midwest’s national initiatives and major donor outreach. Eligible applicants must have at least 10 years of experience in the creative or cultural sector and must currently serve in a leadership position—such as manager or director—within an organization that offers creative or cultural programming. The organization may be nonprofit or for-profit. Applicants should demonstrate a history of cross-sector partnerships, community engagement, and alignment with Arts Midwest’s core values of togetherness, integrity, and learning. Nominations open on September 16, 2025, and close on October 16, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Self-nominations are allowed. Applications are submitted through Arts Midwest’s SmartSimple online grants portal. New users must register as individuals and complete a personal profile before accessing the nomination form. Applicants are required to submit responses to eligibility questions and a narrative statement of up to 500 words addressing the nominee’s entrepreneurial thinking, creative accomplishments, and community commitment. Additionally, one supporting document must be uploaded—this may be a short document (e.g., resume, media coverage) or a video/audio file not exceeding five minutes. A panel of Arts Midwest staff and board members will review the applications and recommend a recipient to Mr. Capell for final concurrence. The awardee will be notified in late November 2025. Questions regarding the award or application process can be directed to grants@artsmidwest.org. Applicants requesting accessible formats or accommodations should make requests by October 5, 2025.