INDIANA – Arts and creativity drive community vitality, bridge divides, and bring people together. Engagement in the arts creates an authentic and lasting shared identity, fostering a sense of place and state and local pride.
Through the Arts Project Support Program (APS), the Indiana Arts Commission supports creative projects for both arts and non-arts organizations, fostering growth for Hoosier communities.
APS-funded organizations support cultural heritage, present opportunities for creative entrepreneurism, and provide a vital source of creative activity in many rural areas. Here are seven projects that are promoting cohesiveness and vitality in their communities:
1.) Central Indiana Powwow, “Andersontown Powwow and Education Day”
Madison County
The Andersontown Powwow and Education Day brings the community together for a two-day powwow and market that features Native art, culture, music, history, and language. The program seeks to increase cultural awareness of Native American art and culture, and foster acceptance and appreciation of Native American heritage and arts, all while celebrating the community’s Native history.
2.) Area 10 Council on Aging, “Endwright East Music & Art Program”
Monroe and Owen Counties
Studies show that involvement in arts programming leads to decreased feelings of isolation among older adults. Area 10 Council on Aging and Monroe and Owen Counties connect adults through music and art classes geared toward seniors and persons with disabilities. Their mission is “to serve as a leader in providing resources, solutions, and connections for seniors, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers.”
3.) City of West Lafayette, “Global Fest”
Tippecanoe County
Global Fest brings community members in and around the Greater Lafayette area, Purdue student organizations and clubs, and regional and international performing artists together to put on a family-friendly event meant to enrich the community through educational cultural experiences. At no cost, attendees of all ages and ethnicities can enjoy live music, international dance groups, and a variety of food and cultural booths, breaking down barriers and fostering new connections.
4.) Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, “Infusing Art into Mentoring Hub”
Marion County
In partnership with GANGGANG, BBSCI used this project to bring life, culture, and the perspective of youth and families into the agency’s office and mentoring hub through the visual arts. Through the help of professional local artists and the input and participation of the voices of youth, mentors, and caregivers, BBSCI installed a mural on one of the walls in the primary location of the building where mentors and mentees meet, and activities are hosted.
5.) Town of St. John, “St. John: Tradition and Growth”
Lake County
In the Town of St. John, local photographer Thomas Hocker spent two years documenting the growth of the town. Through an Arts Project Support grant, the town displayed these images throughout the community to create a common feeling of belonging and mutual respect for both individual and group identities in the area. This project was brought about in part to supplement the limited arts venues in St. John.
6.) Indiana State University African and African American Studies, “Generational Listening: Dancing the Rythm’s of Youth and the Chants of Elders”
Vigo County
Indiana State University hosted the Viver Brasil Dance Company for a 4-day residency to promote generational understanding through Afro-Brazilian dance, music, and storytelling traditions. The residency culminated in an evening showcase of music and dance presented by local students and community performers with artists from Viver Brasil. The program focused on educational enrichment, youth development, and the promotion of intergenerational relationships through targeted community partnerships.
7.) Sustainable Muncie/Madjax, “Arts for All Ages at Madjax”
Delaware County
Madjax is the home of Muncie’s Maker force – a collaboration of makers, artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses – which builds on community and creativity. Madjax hosts a Makers-in-Residence guild that includes artists, craftsmen, and teachers that provide workshops and classes to the public. Sustainable Muncie/Madjax aims to create community spaces that allow creative expression to emerge.
