The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) opened the Indiana Cultural District certification and re-certification process to Hoosier communities. A certified Indiana Cultural District is a well-defined, navigable geographic area with a recognized concentration of arts and culture assets where creativity is visible, accessible, and rooted in the character of the place. Cultural Districts celebrate and preserve a community’s unique identity while also driving economic and community development by attracting businesses, supporting quality of life, and creating purposeful spaces where residents and visitors come together.
“Quality of place is a big part of what makes communities attractive to families, businesses and visitors,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “Indiana’s Cultural Districts build on the unique character of our communities, using arts and culture to create vibrant destinations, support local businesses and tourism, and make Indiana an even better place to live, work and visit.”
The Indiana Cultural District program began in 2008, and there are currently 12 state-designated Cultural Districts throughout Indiana. Certified Cultural Districts receive statewide recognition from the IAC and its partners and are eligible for $5,000 in non-competitive funding for research, planning, or marketing and promotion. As part of the Indiana Cultural District consortium, they also have access to statewide convenings, technical assistance, capacity-building, and other learning opportunities from the IAC.
“The Indiana Cultural District program is creating another opportunity for Hoosiers to invest in their community,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “Indiana Cultural Districts represent the growth and prosperity that communities can see because of quality of place investments, and it is a privilege to support the communities strengthening our state through this work.”
“We are thrilled to offer Indiana communities a way to deepen their commitment to art and creativity as a tool to strengthen our state,” said Anne Johansson, IAC Community Services Program Manager. “We are proud to support the cultural and economic goals of Indiana communities through the Cultural District program.”
Interested communities, and communities looking to re-certify, must submit a Letter of Intent to apply by October 15th. Following the review of the Letter of Intent, communities will be invited to submit a full application for certification or re-certification. An informational webinar will be held on Friday, October 2nd at 10AM ET. Register to attend the webinar. A recording of the webinar will also be available on the IAC website and YouTube page.