Indiana Governor Mike Braun awarded READI 2.0 Arts & Culture grants to 49 projects across all of Indiana’s 15 regions. These awards are expected to generate $369.6 million in investment in the state’s arts and culture economy, enhancing Indiana’s quality of place while accelerating tourism, talent retention and attraction, and continued economic and job growth.
“As a state, we’re powering our communities forward by investing in the vision and strategies of Indiana’s regions,” said Gov. Braun. “Indiana’s art and culture sector already contributes $10.1 billion annually to the state’s economy. These investments in our creative assets and workforce will transform Hoosier neighborhoods and communities while boosting tourism and commerce, creating new jobs and career pathways, and fueling Indiana’s economy for years to come.”
Indiana’s READI (Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative) is a $1.25 billion program investing in community-led projects that improve quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity. The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative, supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. , allocates $65 million to the state’s creative economy – a first-of-its-kind, statewide initiative to advance regional creative transformation by investing in public art, cultural amenities and the creative economy.
As part of the initiative, Indiana’s 15 regions developed strategic arts and culture plans, identifying assets and opportunities to invest in arts and culture that support their overall economic and community impact. Nearly 320 project proposals were submitted, representing $1.4 billion in potential arts and culture investments.
Applications were reviewed by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), along with an international team of industry experts, to identify projects that have the greatest opportunity to positively impact Hoosiers and the region’s economies.
A full list of selected projects is available here. READI 2.0 Arts & Culture funding will be leveraged to revitalize historic landmarks, pavilions and entertainment venues; bring museum exhibits, galleries and learning spaces to life; create public art, displays and sculptures; and support initiatives focused on building Indiana’s creative workforce and economy by investing in artists and entrepreneurs.
“READI continues to bring Indiana communities together like never before, collaborating and creating paths toward regional growth and prosperity,” said Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “These arts and culture projects will transform Indiana’s creative economy, creating new community assets, destinations and programming to support the industry statewide while increasing the vibrancy of Hoosier regions.”
“Arts and culture are a key part of the civic infrastructure of a community, whether it’s a small town, big city or region,” said Miah Michaelsen, executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “A vibrant arts and culture environment retains and attracts talent and employers, diversifies local economies, and celebrates local heritage and traditions. These stories that are happening because of this groundbreaking READI investment will transform quality of place in our regions and establish Indiana as a leading destination for arts and culture.”
Project Highlights
Southeast: Arts and culture initiatives in the region include a new Maibaum festival and the development of Maypole Heritage Park in Oldenburg; an open-air pavilion and a companion documentary series highlighting local creative entrepreneurs in Liberty; new investments at the Archaeological Research Institute campus in Lawrenceburg; and the creation of the Dillsboro Studio Residency in Dearborn County to develop local artists and cultivate creative entrepreneurs.
Indiana also awarded READI 2.0 Arts & Culture capacity building grants to 15 projects in nine regions. These creative initiatives were recognized by the state and the review committee as projects that would have a long-term, positive impact on their communities. These capacity building grants will enable organizations to access additional support, such as professional services and planning assistance, to further bring these arts and culture project visions to life.
More information on READI and the READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative is available at IndianaREADI.com.
