Since 1987, the annual grants program has been a core component of the city’s support for arts and culture in Indianapolis. In 2016, the program adopted its “equity priorities,” which have led to significant advancements in expanding access to funding for the local creative economy. This year, the number of organizations receiving funding increased from 45 to 91, marking a record investment for 2024.
The annual grants program not only provides financial support but also enables organizations to plan for the future and ensure long-term stability, benefiting the community as a whole. Organizations that received funding were evaluated based on criteria such as community impact, artistic alignment, and organizational capacity. One organization that has benefited from this program is El Sistema Indianapolis.
This expansion of the annual grants program demonstrates the importance of fostering a vibrant creative sector and supporting local cultural initiatives in Indianapolis. To provide further insights into the significance of this initiative, WISH-TV contributor Gloria Jimenez joined News 8 to discuss its impact on the local creative economy. The record investment for 2024 reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to promote equity and support the growth and development of the arts and culture sector in Indianapolis.