The Midwest Arts & Unity Initiative is a regional platform dedicated to advancing healing, opportunity, cultural connection, and collaborative innovation through the arts across the Midwest and beyond. 

Its flagship program, the Keys to the City Initiative™ brings together artists, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, faith leaders, and community institutions to create transformational projects that bridge divides, celebrate regional identity, and inspire lasting impact across generations. 

Launching in Fall 2026 between Chicago and Fort Wayne, Indiana, our inaugural effort will feature the Unity Piano Project, with creative direction from celebrated Fort Wayne visual artist Theopolis Smith, also known as Phresh Laundry, and performances from world-renowned jazz pianist and Chicago native Jahari Stampley. 

The Unity Piano Project will include showcases, performances, and educational experiences in both cities, with support from leading corporations, civic partners, and private supporters. 

For more information, please contact Founding Director Stephen Styles at stephen@sstylesis.com

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.

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.

For more information, please contact  Stephen Styles at stephen@sstylesis.com