(Indianapolis, IN) – Brookville is one of 11 communities across the state to receive training and grant funding through the Indiana Arts Commission’s (IAC) Creative Convergence program.
Creative Convergence was launched in 2023 and consists of a two-day training workshop and an Early Action Grant Program.
Teams of community members representing local government, arts organizations, educational institutions, and other community-focused roles were in attendance.
The two-day Creative Convergence workshop was held on April 17 and 18 in Lebanon. The training focused on how to embed arts and creativity in community and economic planning and solutions, how to work collaboratively across sectors, and how to effectively engage with community. View photos of the training.
Brookville was represented at the workshop by Brookville Town Councilmember Bridget Hayes and Franklin County Community Foundation Executive Director Shelly Lunsford (pictured).
Following the training program, communities had the opportunity to apply for a Creative Convergence Early Action grant. This grant program is designed to allow communities to apply the learnings from the workshop to a project that benefits creatives and the community. Each community will receive $10,000 in grant funding to support their project.
Brookville will use funds for its “Small Town Pics” project.
A number of historic buildings and businesses in the town are undergoing major renovations and façade updates.
The structures need attention to improve the overall aesthetic of the area.
IAC says “Small Town Pics” will update five outdoor Brookville areas with an artistic flair and provide an enhanced quality of place for both residents and visitors.
Each of these areas will also provide a great photo opportunity – hence, the name “Small Town Pics.”
Other participating communities and their projects are as follows:
Gas City, “Historical Main Street Tour”
LaGrange, “LaGrange, INspired”
Lebanon, “The Lebanon Story Booth”
Martinville, “Martinsville Public Bench Mural Art”
Rockport, “The Main Attraction”
Rockville, “MainStreet Mural on Jefferson”
Shoals, “Re-CREATE-ing Overlook Park”
Spencer, “Sweet Owen River Arts Park”
Union City, “Union City Arts Project Pitch Competition and Delivery”
Washington, “Building Deeper Appreciation for the Arts in Daviess County”
Read about each of the Creative Convergence Early Action Grant Projects.
Participating communities were identified and invited to participate in the program by the Indiana Arts Commission.
Communities interested in learning more about participating in the future should contact Lydia Campbell-Maher, IAC Communities Services Manager, at [email protected].
