READI funds to aid art related projects in Wabash, Logansport, Tipton

Indiana Governor Mike Braun today 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 regions' economies.  

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 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 projects 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.” 

Projects include a nearly $20 million restoration and renovation of the historic Lafayette Theater; a public art initiative led by The Arts Federation that will bring murals and sculptures to life across 14 counties in Greater Lafayette, North Central and Northwest Indiana; and an arts access and education initiative led by Wabash College.  

Grants will accelerate the transformation of the Mary Asplet Pottery Barn in Logansport and a multi-million-dollar revitalization of the Diana Theatre in downtown Tipton, preserving a 100-year-old landmark while creating a regional destination for cultural and economic vitality.