The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative is a $65 million statewide investment led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission, made possible through a historic grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The initiative invites regional development authorities and community partners across Indiana to submit proposals for transformative arts and culture projects that drive economic development and community vitality.
The initiative recognizes that strong communities are built on culture, creativity, and opportunity. Projects funded through the program are expected to strengthen quality-of-place, attract and retain talent, and build vibrant, livable communities that appeal to current and future generations of Hoosiers. Indiana’s creative economy already contributes $7.6 billion annually to the state’s overall economy, making this investment a natural extension of Indiana’s broader economic strategy.
Eligible applicants include READI-designated regional entities and their community partners, with projects required to align with regional development strategies and demonstrate clear economic and community impact. The application period closes April 15, 2026, with awards anticipated to begin in July.
Applications are open now through April 15, 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local and regional government entities, Main Street and place-based organizations, colleges and universities, and consortia led by eligible nonprofit or public entities. Projects must align with your region’s adopted arts and culture plan and demonstrate clear community and economic impact.
Awards are made on a project-by-project basis and are structured as reimbursement grants. In addition to capital and programmatic support, the initiative also informs future technical assistance and capacity-building efforts statewide. Awards are anticipated to begin in July 2026.
Before applying, review the Program Guidelines, FAQs, and Review Process. The deadline to submit your application is April 15, 2026.
The funds will provide support to regions as they work with a broad cross-section of regional and community residents to envision and develop arts and culture projects that align with their strategic plans, such as:
