Southern Indiana Business Report
INDIANAPOLIS – A statewide call for arts and culture projects opened Wednesday with the launch of the $65 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced the initiative, which will be led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission.
The funding will target projects that strengthen quality of place, attract and retain talent, and position Indiana communities for long-term economic growth. The application period closes April 15 and awards are anticipated to begin in July.
The Arts & Culture Initiative is part of the READI 2.0 program and invites regional development authorities and partners across Indiana’s designated READI regions to submit proposals for catalytic projects that leverage the arts to drive economic development and community vitality. This initiative is made possible through generous support from the Lilly Endowment Inc.
“Strong communities are built on more than infrastructure – they’re built on culture, creativity and opportunity,” said Braun. “Through this initiative, we’re empowering our regions to invest in arts and culture projects that enhance quality of life, attract talent and fuel economic momentum across Indiana.”
The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative is designed to:
- Advance quality-of-place investments that support economic competitiveness
- Encourage collaboration among regional stakeholders
- Support projects that demonstrate long-term sustainability and measurable impact
- Elevate Indiana’s cultural assets as drivers of community and economic growth
Eligible applicants include READI-designated regional entities and their community partners. Proposed projects must align with regional development strategies and demonstrate clear economic and community impact.
The Indiana Uplands region is offering a webinar Feb. 24 to provide an overview of the region’s arts and culture plan as well as discuss the funding application process.
Detailed information about program goals, eligibility requirements, application guidelines and evaluation criteria is available at IndianaREADI.com.
“Indiana’s creative sector plays a vital role in shaping vibrant, attractive communities,” said IEDC President Josh Richardson. “By integrating arts and culture into our broader economic development strategy, we’re ensuring that Indiana remains competitive not only as a place to do business, but as a place to live, work and thrive.”
The state anticipates awarding READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative funding to selected projects beginning in 2026, following a competitive review process.
For more information and to access application materials, visit IndianaREADI.com/resources.