Filling the Well

Filling the Well is a new podcast from Arts Midwest created to nourish, provoke, and inspire artists and arts leaders. Hear from creative changemakers as they share their takes on how to shift power dynamics, avoid burn-out, build authentic community, share resources, and advocate for support. With each episode, you’ll find links to explore these ideas further and act in your own community. (Filling the Well is a forum for dialogue, conversation, and learning. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Arts Midwest or the Barr Foundation.)

On this episode, we talk with Sam Miltich, a professional jazz guitarist from rural Minnesota who lives with schizophrenia. Sam shares how he’s found solace in nature and how he’s been able to balance his music career and mental health. Please note that this episode contains discussion about attempted suicide.

In this episode, hear from two Ojibwe artists whose creative practices are deeply connected to the land. Birchbark and quill artist Pat Kruse and water walker Sharon Day share their perspectives on the importance of having a reciprocal relationship with the natural environment and caring for community.

On this episode, embark on a thought-provoking exploration as Native artist advocates Christina Woods and Graci Horne dig into the intricacies of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990. This landmark truth-in-advertising law prohibits misrepresentation in the marketing of Indian arts and crafts, but many say that the legislation doesn’t go far enough to protect Native artists.

On this episode, Donna Neuwirth and Jay Salinas, co-founders of Wormfarm Institute in rural Wisconsin, share how curiosity, presence, and time have helped them learn more about their community. Their farm and its artist residency program continually intersect the “rural” and “urban,” exploring what it means to belong and take pride in a place.