Arts Commission Invests Nearly $3M To Strengthen Communities Through Art And Creativity

The Indiana Arts Commission announced it has awarded $2,904,102 to 413 nonprofits in Indiana, including $5,617 to Athens Arts in Crawfordsville. The purpose of the money is to fund arts projects and organizations through the Arts Organization Support and Arts Project Support grant programs.  

During its June 10 Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved the funding recommendations for the two grant programs. Applications were reviewed by 85 Hoosiers from around the state with expertise in arts, community development, and finance. 

“The projects and organizations that are receiving funding are improving the economic and educational climates of the state of Indiana,” said Alberta Barker, Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. “The Commission is delighted to support this investment in Hoosier communities. It is a privilege to uplift the impressive creative work being done around the state.”

The commission also voted to distribute funds from the Arts Trust, which is supported by the sale of the Celebrate the Arts license plates. One Arts Project Support grant recipient from every county with a funded application has been designated as an Arts Trust Project. Their funding will be supported through the Arts Trust Plate funding. These beneficiaries were selected based on exemplary commitment to community, education, economy, and health.

“Arts and creativity strengthen the fabric of Indiana’s communities.  They promote connection and cohesion, foster the entrepreneurial spirit communities need to thrive, and create the kinds of communities where people want to live,” said Miah Michaelsen, Executive Director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “In each of Indiana’s 92 counties, public funding for arts and creativity continually proves to be a high-return investment that improves the quality of life of every Hoosier and drives economic development within our state.”