We Make Things Here
In 2021, Governor Eric Holcomb launched READI 1.0, allocating $500M to all of Indiana’s 92 counties. 2023 brought READI 2.0 with a focus on Quality of Life, Quality of Place, and Quality of Opportunity. It encouraged regions to include arts and culture initiatives in their plans, to help that sector know how to work proactively with economic development, and to prepare Indiana’s creative economy to be better poised to access future funding.
In January 2024, the Lilly Endowment (LEI) put money behind that piece of the puzzle — a $250M grant with $65M to support arts and culture initiatives that enhance quality of life and build vibrant communities in every region:
- Public art (mural, sculpture, installation, programmable lighting on key asset, artistic community improvement)
- Culturally significant attractions/facilities (museum, performing arts venue, art center/studio complex)
- Art and cultural competitions or festivals with long-term funding commitments to sustain them
- Attraction of nationally and internationally recognized arts and cultural performances to Indiana
- Development of of a region’s creatives and creative economy
- Development of visual architectural design elements that are unique to local communities
The Process
The process began with information gathering – desk research for each county, review of existing plans, and conversations with key informants across the region.
A kickoff webinar in late February, introduced the region the project, invited individuals to collaborate in building the Cultural Asset inventory, and ask that they spread the word far and wide.
In April, the consultant team held Community Visioning Sessions in each county. Those sessions asked three fundamental questions:
- What are the characteristics and assets that define your county – that form the backbone of its cultural identity?
- If the county were to adopt and successfully implement a ten-year arts and culture plan, what would be different by 2035? Asked another way, what was their vision for a vibrant arts and culture future?
- Where is there momentum today that could be leveraged to jump-start activity, or challenges that could likewise hinder progress?
With the cultural asset inventory, vision session and desk research results, the team drafted initial goals and strategies then refined them in interviews and focus groups through the summer. The team workshopped the results with a group of economic development, arts and culture leaders to arrive at final vision, goals and strategies.
A public survey was then used to set priorities and test the content one last time before drafting the full plan. By the end of the process, more than 450 individuals had participated, adding their voice to the final product.
Cultural Asset Mapping
By gathering all of the region’s cultural assets in one place, the map helps us — residents, visitors, artists, and local leaders — better understand the depth and breadth of what we offer.
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It reveals connections: between artists and venues, between communities and traditions, between history and modern creativity.
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It supports planning: for community events, tourism, education, public art, and future investment — building on the resources we already have.
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It builds identity & pride: helping us see and celebrate the full tapestry of our region’s people, history, and creative life
December 2025 Plan Launch
We were excited to officially launch our Regional Arts and Culture Plan on December 5! The event highlighted the vision, goals, and key initiatives for supporting arts and culture across our communities. If you weren’t able to attend, you can view the full recording here to catch all the insights and discussions from the launch.
The Plan
We’re proud to share the plan with the region, a roadmap designed to celebrate, strengthen, and connect the creative assets of East Central Indiana. Explore the full plan here: [ECI Arts & Culture Plan] and view the Executive Summary here: [ECI Arts & Culture Plan Executive Summary]
READI 2.0 LEI Project Selection
The IEDC is expected to release additional information soon regarding the project review and selection process. We will share additional information as soon as it becomes available.
Contact Us
For more information on East Central Indiana’s READI program, please reach out to Caitlin Hancock at chancock@forgeeci.com.
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