The city of Indianapolis has launched a new, one-time $500,000 fund to help residents bring a cultural project to their neighborhood.
The Cultural District Fund is designed to help celebrate community culture and heritage through the lived experiences of its residents, language, cuisine and music.
All applicants must be a part of an established organization and prove that the community supports them to be a representative of the cultural district.
The one-time investment can help artists, entrepreneurs and residents complete previous projects. Projects include, but are not limited to:
- Public art installations
- Community events
- Beautification and maintenance projects
- Public space enhancements
- Operating expenses that are directly tied to increased impact
Projects can range from $10,000 to $100,000, but there is no limit on the amount that you can request. No matching funds are required.
To be eligible, applicants must fall into two tiers: an existing district or emerging district. Wholesale, White River State Park and the Canal, Broad Ripple Village, Fountain Square, Market East and Mass Ave are considered existing cultural districts in Indianapolis. Emerging districts will need to define why they believe they are a cultural district in the application.
In September, applications will be scored by a committee on four criteria: cultural impact, economic impact, community engagement, and feasibility and budget.
Awardees will be notified in September. They will also be announced at a public meeting held by the Metropolitan Development Commission in October.
You can submit an application through August 31. Funding is not guaranteed.
For more information, email DMDCommunications@indy.gov.
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Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
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