Indiana Arts Commission

10/21/2026

Nominations are open for the 2026 Governor's Arts Awards, the highest honor the state gives in the arts. These awards honor those who support, build, or amplify arts and creativity in Indiana, creating strong Indiana communities where people choose to live, work, and create.

In addition to the award nominations, the IAC is seeking an artist or artist teams to submit qualifications for the creation of seven custom works of art to be presented to the 2026 awardees.

Learn more and submit a nomination or request for qualifications by October 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET https://www.in.gov/arts/programs-and-services/partners/governors-arts-awards/

10/20/2026

Join the IAC for a virtual learning series all about planning, producing, and sustaining successful live music events and experiences in public spaces of all shapes and sizes!

Pathway to Performance sessions are led by Jenny Boyts, Executive Director of the Parks Alliance of Indianapolis. Learn more about the training series and how to register: https://www.in.gov/arts/programs-and-services/training/pathway-to-performance

10/01/2026

The Indiana Cultural District certification and re-certification process for Hoosier communities is open through October 15. Cultural Districts celebrate and preserve a community's unique identity while driving economic and community development by attracting businesses, supporting quality of life, and creating purposeful spaces where residents and visitors come together.

Communities interested in becoming a state-designated Cultural District are invited to submit a Letter of Intent by October 15. Existing state-designated Cultural Districts are invited to re-certify. Following the review of the Letter of Intent, communities will be invited to submit a full application for certification or re-certification.

Want to learn more? Register for an informational webinar: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_c3nHCRtqSzSCxz-o93ZZKA #/registration

09/29/2026

09/24/2026

The Celebrate the Arts license plate has long been a symbol of support for the arts in Indiana. But did you know the true impact of your purchase? Funds raised by the Celebrate the Arts license plate directly support arts programming around the state through Indiana Arts Commission grants. In 2026, plate sales supported 60 Arts Project Support grants, bringing arts and creativity to Hoosier communities!
Visit bmv.IN.gov to learn more and get your plate today!

08/31/2026

One day left to apply! The IAC is accepting applications through September 1 for the Lifelong Arts Indiana Teaching Artist training program. Lifelong Arts Indiana is a creative aging initiative of the Indiana Arts Commission focused on providing creative programming for older adults to improve quality of life and combat social isolation and loneliness.
The five-part virtual training series is designed for teaching artists seeking to expand their careers and grow their skills in facilitating meaningful creative aging programs for older adults in Indiana. Learn more about the Lifelong Arts Indiana program and apply: https://www.in.gov/arts/programs-and-services/training/lifelong-arts-indiana/

08/28/2026

There’s only one week left to apply for a spring cycle Arts Project Support grant through the Indiana Arts Commission! You have until September 3. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen arts and creativity in your community!
Access the guidelines and apply: https://www.in.gov/arts/programs-and-services/funding/arts-project-support

08/21/2026

Midwest Storm Recovery Resources

Artists, arts organizations, and cultural institutions affected by the August 11 storms across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio may be eligible for emergency assistance, recovery funding, and collections support.

NCAPER has gathered resources to help you recover, rebuild, and protect your work.

Find help and recovery resources here:https://www.ncaper.org/disasterresources

08/21/2026

Federal Disaster Relief Can Be Confusing. Start Here.

After a federally declared disaster, figuring out where to turn for help can feel overwhelming.

NCAPER's Arts Field Guide to Federal Disaster Relief was created specifically to help artists and arts organizations understand the federal assistance landscape.
The guide explains programs including FEMA and SBA assistance, what may be available, what may not be available and whether pursuing federal aid makes sense for your situation. It is available in both English and Spanish.

This is one of those resources worth knowing about before you need it.
Save the Field Guide and share it with an artist or arts organization in your network: https://www.ncaper.org/ncaperfieldguide

08/21/2026

Our hearts remain with everyone affected by the historic flooding along the White River, especially those who experienced damage, displacement or loss. As our community begins the difficult work of recovering, here are a few ways you can help:

✅ Volunteer with SERVE Village: https://www.servevillage.org/

✅ Donate to the Hamilton County Community Foundation: https://hamiltoncountycf.org/donate/
After entering your donation amount and selecting “Next,” choose “Hamilton County Relief Fund.”

✅ Donate needed items to Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County: https://www.gsnlive.org/

Out of an abundance of caution, Nickel Plate Rail Bikes paused operations for three days while our team assessed the condition of our railbike route. The route has now been thoroughly inspected and tested, and upcoming railbike rides will proceed as scheduled.

If you already have tickets, you can feel confident keeping your plans. If you have been considering a railbike adventure, this is a wonderful time to plan your visit. Riding with us supports our employees and helps our small nonprofit care for this historic rail line.

Thank you for standing with our neighbors and supporting our community. We are ready and looking forward to welcoming you back. 💛