The Keys to the City Initiative™ is a regional collaboration designed to strengthen economic and cultural ties between major Midwest markets through the arts. Modeled after the Sister Cities International program, the initiative connects leaders in business, government, education, faith, and the creative sector to drive inter-city investment, youth development, and cultural innovation.
The Keys to the City Initiative™ aligns creative enterprise with community and economic development. The initiative positions the arts as a catalyst for talent attraction, tourism, and small-business growth—helping cities build stronger identities, deeper collaboration, and more resilient local economies beginning at the grassroots level.
Keys to the City strengthens regional ties through formal collaboration among arts, business, civic, faith-based, and community development leaders. Our mission is to demonstrate how creativity can drive both economic renewal and racial reconciliation, fostering inclusion, engagement, and shared prosperity across city lines.
Through joint performances, exhibitions, workshops, and business partnerships, we create opportunities where art, commerce, and community reinforce each other—turning inspiration into investment, and connection into measurable progress.