"I want to figure out how to use the creativity of the arts to build community so that when people encounter things that are different, the first response is curiosity rather than fear." — Torrie Allen, Arts Midwest

Torrie Allen has been the CEO and President of Arts Midwest, one of the six U.S. Regional Arts Organization, since 2020. In addition to their own programs, Arts Midwest also partners with the NEA on two national initiatives: the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read, which brings communities together through the joy of sharing a good book, and Shakespeare in American Communities, which uses Shakespeare to empower high school students and youth in juvenile justice facilities. Here's more on Allen's commitment to building community through the arts.