The Northwest Indiana Forum is encouraging regional partners, arts organizations, and communities to explore a new statewide funding opportunity designed to strengthen quality of place and support long-term economic growth across Indiana.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun recently announced the launch of the $65 million READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative, a program that will invest in transformative arts and culture projects aimed at attracting talent, strengthen quality of place, and advancing long-term regional economic development.
The initiative, led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission and made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc., invites regional development authorities and partners across Indiana’s READI-designated regions to submit proposals for catalytic projects that leverage arts and culture to drive community vitality and economic development. Applications close April 15, 2026, with awards anticipated to begin in July 2026.
“This state initiative builds on the Forum’s Arts & Culture study and ongoing regional planning efforts,” said Heather Ennis, President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum. “Northwest Indiana is home to a wealth of cultural assets, and through our IGNITE The Region Arts & Culture Strategy, we are working with partners to coordinate investments, set regional priorities, and position arts and culture as a catalyst for economic growth. We encourage applicants to review our regional Arts & Culture Strategy, which provides a roadmap for projects that maximize impact and support long-term economic development goals.”
The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative supports a wide range of arts- and culture-driven projects, including public art and placemaking, cultural facilities, festivals and programs, arts education, creative workforce development, cultural tourism, digital innovation, feasibility studies, and adaptive reuse. Awards will be made on a project-by-project basis and structured as reimbursement grants, supporting both capital and programmatic efforts that strengthen regional cultural infrastructure and economic vitality.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit arts and culture organizations, local governments, Main Street or downtown organizations, colleges and universities, and consortia led by an eligible entity. All projects must align with regional strategies and demonstrate measurable community and economic impact.
The Northwest Indiana Forum is the regional economic development organization dedicated to jobs and capital investment in harmony with the environment for Lake, Porter, LaPorte, Starke, Jasper, Newton and Pulaski counties.
Key program milestones include:
The Northwest Indiana Forum encourages organizations and communities to consider joint or combined applications that reflect regional collaboration and maximize the impact of potential investments.
For more information on eligibility requirements, program goals, and application materials, visit IndianaREADI.com.
