Arts Commission Supports Projects Around the State

(INDIANAPOLIS) Today, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it has awarded $206,164 to 53 nonprofits and public entities to fund arts projects around the state through the Fiscal Year 2026 Fall Arts Project Support grant program.

During its December Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved the funding recommendations for the grant program. Applications were reviewed and evaluated by 36 external grant reviewers from around the state and country with expertise in the arts, community development, and nonprofit management.

Arts Project Support grants provide funding to Indiana nonprofit organizations and public entities for a specific arts project or arts activity(ies). The Arts Project Support program is facilitated in partnership with the IAC's Regional Arts Partners , who work alongside the agency to promote and expand participation in the arts in Indiana. Between the spring and fall cycles of Arts Project Support, 432 total grant applications were submitted, representing a 34% increase in applications to the program since Fiscal Year 2025. In total,167 projects were funded in Fiscal Year 2026, representing 79 of Indiana's 92 counties.

"The Arts Project Support program allows Indiana communities to invest in their vibrancy, connectedness, and quality of life," said Miah Michaelsen, IAC Executive Director. "Hoosier families and communities are strengthened by the educational, health, and economic impacts of the arts, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support those who are building their communities through Arts Project Support grants."

The South Madison Community Foundation in Pendleton, Indiana will utilize an Arts Project Support grant to support the Pendleton Porch Music Festival. The South Madison Community Foundation will partner with local residents to host this one-day music and performance mini-festival in October 2026. Local residents along Broadway Street in downtown Pendleton will open their front porches to welcome performers who will provide entertainment to the public, activating the downtown and providing an opportunity for community connection.

The Town of Newburgh will support the 2026 Murals Project through an Arts Project Support grant. Newburgh currently has no public art within the town limits, and the goal of the 2026 Murals Project is to produce two murals with the input and feedback of the community. The murals will highlight the cultural identity and history of the community and foster civic pride.

View all Arts Project Support grant recipients. Arts Project Support grants are offered twice per fiscal year. Applications for the Fiscal Year 2027 Spring cycle of the program are currently open and will be accepted through March 5, 2026 at 11:59PM ET.

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