Arts Commission invests over $3.5M to strengthen communities through art and creativity
July 28, 2024
(INDIANAPOLIS) Today, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it has awarded $3,521,351 to 338 nonprofits to fund arts projects and organizations around the state through the Arts Organization Support and Arts Project Support grant programs.
During its June 14 Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved the funding recommendations for the two grant programs. Arts Organization Support grants operate on a two-year cycle and provide annual operating support for the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of eligible arts organizations. Arts Project Support grants provide funding of up to $4,000 to Indiana 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations and public entities for a specific arts project or arts activity(ies). 77 of Indiana’s 92 counties will receive funding through these grant programs, which are administered in partnership with the Commission’s
Regional Arts Partners.
“All across Indiana we have seen the positive impact that investing in arts and creativity has on quality of life,” said Anne Penny Valentine, Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. “Each of the projects and organizations selected to receive funding are doing exceptional creative work in and for Hoosier communities. The Commission is excited and honored to support the work these organizations are doing to engage the public, develop their communities and encourage creativity across our state.”
In Fiscal Year 2024, changes to the Arts Organization Support program were made to decrease barriers in the application process, increase support to smaller and first-time applicants, and provide more meaningful award sizes to grant recipients through a field-driven input process. One resulting change was that all Arts Organizations Support grant recipients were approved for two years of grant funding, pending compliance with state and federal requirements. Arts Organization Support recipients did not have to apply for funding for the current Fiscal 2025 funding cycle.
Following are examples of arts organizations receiving Arts Organization Support awards:
- The Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts of Warsaw in Kosciusko County dedicates itself to providing performing arts experiences that create community unity, educational opportunities, and economic growth. Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts provides their rural community with exceptional artistic performances in theatre, orchestra, and music, increases access to arts education services for youth, adults, and professionals, and strengthens the local economy through tourism and quality of place.
- In Ripley County, the Batesville Area Arts Council is committed to promoting the arts by providing opportunities for artistic education, expression and enjoyment in Batesville and the surrounding area. The Batesville Area Arts Council supports arts education in Batesville schools, provides a Young Artist Showcase, hosts an Annual Community Arts Show, and leads a Summer Children’s Theatre Camp.
Similar to Arts Organization Support, the Arts Project Support was modified in Fiscal Year 2025 to create a better applicant and grantee experience. The Arts Project Support program received a record number of applications for Fiscal Year 2024, with 322 applicants representing 71 Indiana counties. This applicant pool represented a 34% increase in applications from Fiscal Year 2024, with 115 Fiscal Year 2025 applicants being first-time applicants to the program.
In recognition of the increased interest in and need for Arts Project Support, the Indiana Arts Commission took a one-time withdrawal from the Arts Trust Plate Endowment, which is supported by sales of the Arts Trust License Plate. Plate holder contributions through the Arts Trust License Plate directly supported an additional 30 arts projects being funded around the state in Fiscal Year 2025.
Applications were reviewed by over 120 panelists from around the state and country with expertise in the arts, community development, and nonprofit management.
Following are examples of Arts Project Support award recipients:
- The Charlestown-Clark County Public Library will offer quality art programs for elementary school children with its 2025 Summer Art Program with support of an Arts Project Support Grant. The summer art program will provide an introduction into different art mediums and techniques including ceramics, printing making and fiber art. The programming will conclude with the project with a week-long art show displaying the children’s artwork at the Charlestown Public Library.
- The Gary Youth Poet Laureate Society will utilize an Arts Project Support grant to support the 2nd Annual Gary Youth Poet Laureate Commencement, where the 2025 Gary Youth Poet Laureate will be named. The Gary Youth Poet Laureate Society aims to empower and inspire the youth of their community through the literary art of poetry. By providing a platform for self-expression and creativity, the organization strives to nurture a love for poetry and writing among young individuals.
“Art and creativity foster connection and cohesion, support the entrepreneurial spirit communities need to thrive, and help build the kinds of communities where people want to live, work, play, study, and stay,” said Miah Michaelsen, Executive Director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “In every corner of the Hoosier state, public funding for arts and creativity continually proves to be a high-return investment that positively impacts the cultural, economic, and educational climate of Indiana. It is a privilege to support the organizations building stronger Indiana communities through arts and creativity.”
