(Indianapolis, IN) – Governor Mike Braun has announced nearly $65 million in READI 2.0 Arts & Culture grants to fund 49 community projects across the state.
With backing also provided by the Lilly Endowment, the investments are expected to generate over $369.6 million dollars in investment in the state’s arts and culture economy, enhancing Indiana’s quality of place while accelerating tourism, talent retention and attraction, and continued economic and job growth.
Several area projects received funding:
Kids Discovery Factory/Batesville (pictured) —
- READI Award: $500,000
- Total Project Expense: $5.96 million
Kids Discovery Factory (KDF) is completing construction of a permanent three-story STEAM discovery center in downtown Batesville, which is set to open in early 2027.
READI 2.0 Arts & Culture funding will support the implementation of four key priorities: 1) permanent placemaking and public art, including a downtown Music Trail connecting KDF to the Batesville Memorial Public Library; 2) “Things Are Made Here” heritage exhibits celebrating Indiana’s manufacturing and craftsmanship; 3) build out of the ArtWorks Studio, Spark!Lab, and
Purdue IN-MaC Design & Innovation Studio for youth; and 4) a regional marketing and visitor tracking initiative.
Once complete, KDF’s 12 interactive galleries and school outreach programs will serve more than 40,000 annual visitors, more than 10,000 K-8 students, and communities across the Accelerate Rural Indiana and Southeastern Indiana regions. The project is expected to have an annual economic impact of more than $12 million, while fostering public art and education.
Oldenburg Freudenfest, Inc. —
- READI Award: $148,000
- Total Project Expense: $296,000
Inspired by 50 years of volunteer-driven success at Freudenfest, Oldenburg will create a vibrant new cultural tradition: the Oldenburg Maibaum Celebration, a spring festival honoring the community’s German heritage through music, dance, storytelling and shared artistic expression. The Maibaum Celebration will complement Oldenburg’s heritage, enrich community life and invite visitors to experience Oldenburg’s authenticity in a fresh, joyful and enduring way.
The community will also develop Maypole Heritage Park, investing in the creative infrastructure needed to support the Maibaum Celebration as well as year round concerts, performances and arts and culture programming.
READI 2.0 Arts & Culture funding will support construction of the Maibaum Performing Arts Pavilion and a new 195-foot, hand-painted mural that will transform the park into a dynamic gathering place for artist, residents and visitors. Together, these enhancements will strengthen Oldenburg’s identity as a place of authentic celebration, expand opportunities for local artists and musicians, and create a welcoming destination for year‑round cultural activity.
Dillsboro Arts Friendship Gallery —
- READI Award: $40,300
- Total Project Expense: $48,800
The Dillsboro Arts Friendship Gallery will create the Dillsboro Studio Residency, a community artist in residence program for young artists that supports the local creative economy while expanding access to the arts. By adding new artists to the space, Dillsboro Arts will be able to expand hours of operation, add new patron contacts, and increase arts programming for the community.
Dillsboro Arts will expand into its second-floor space, completing renovations to provide individual studios for three or more emerging artists to connect and work in a shared environment. These artists will present an exhibition of their work at the completion of the residency and will have opportunities to earn money through teaching or performances. Along the way, with continuing mentorship from established artists, they will develop their studio work, learn curating and gallery operation skills and, most importantly, add new voices and energy to an already strong arts community.
“As a state, we’re powering our communities forward by investing in the vision and strategies of Indiana’s regions,” said Gov. Braun. “Indiana’s art and culture sector already contributes $10.1 billion annually to the state’s economy. These investments in our creative assets and workforce will transform Hoosier neighborhoods and communities while boosting tourism and commerce, creating new jobs and career pathways, and fueling Indiana’s economy for years to come.”
As part of the READI 2.0 initiative, Indiana’s 15 regions developed strategic arts and culture plans, identifying assets and opportunities to invest in arts and culture that support their overall economic and community impact. Nearly 320 project proposals were submitted, representing $1.4 billion in potential arts and culture investments.
Applications were reviewed by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), along with an international team of industry experts, to identify projects that have the greatest opportunity to positively impact Hoosiers and the region’s economies.
A full list of selected projects is available here.
READI 2.0 Arts and Culture funding will be leveraged to revitalize historic landmarks, pavilions and entertainment venues; bring museum exhibits, galleries and learning spaces to life; create public art, displays and sculptures; and support initiatives focused on building Indiana’s creative workforce and economy by investing in artists and entrepreneurs.
“READI continues to bring Indiana communities together like never before, collaborating and creating paths toward regional growth and prosperity,” said Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “These arts and culture projects will transform Indiana’s creative economy, creating new community assets, destinations and programming to support the industry statewide while increasing the vibrancy of Hoosier regions.”
“Arts and culture are a key part of the civic infrastructure of a community, whether it’s a small town, big city or region,” said Miah Michaelsen, executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “A vibrant arts and culture environment retains and attracts talent and employers, diversifies local economies, and celebrates local heritage and traditions. These stories that are happening because of this groundbreaking READI
Gov. Braun will honor grant recipients at a celebration next week, on Wednesday, July 22, in Indianapolis.
More information on READI and the READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative is available at IndianaREADI.com.
