11 new public art projects in Indianapolis
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Middle school artist Cassia Malbone is one of the local creators working to beautify the city. Photo: Courtesy of Indy Arts Council
Nearly a dozen new public art projects will make an impact in the Circle City with support from the Indy Arts Council.
Driving the news: The local arts organization recently announced the first wave of grantees receiving funding under the 2024 Public Art for Neighborhoods grant program and the 2024 Public Art for All grant program.
- Art for Neighborhoods focuses on pairing artists with communities to collaborate on projects that all residents can enjoy. Grants range from $500 to $5,000.
- Art for All awards creators with the capacity and desire to address public art equity issues. Grants range from $5,000 to $45,000.
Zoom in: Nine Art for Neighborhoods and two Art for All projects have been announced:
Irvington Development Organization and Andrea Light
- A mural commemorating Irvington resident Madge Oberholtzer's 100th death anniversary.
Ellenberger Park Family Center and Cassia Malbone
- A garden-inspired mural to help beautify the park and historic Irvington.
Eagle Branch Library and Jarrod Stone
- Creating a large-scale painting highlighting the diversity of the local community.
The MLK Center and Boxx the Artist
- A mural at Tarkington Park's facility that houses Tea's Me Café.
Aspire Higher Foundation and Tia Sublett
- The Urban Bloom project aims to empower Northwest Landing residents to transform their neighborhood through colorful, tactical and resourceful art interventions.
Brookside Neighborhood Associations and Zola Lamothe
- Lamothe will exhibit "Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy," photography showcasing real stories of Black neighborhoods along Indiana Avenue.
Near East Area Renewal and Addie Hirschten
- A mural under the 10th Street rail bridge highlighting the flowers found in residents' gardens of Windsor Park and Cottage Home Neighborhood.
Hanna Commons, Tiffany Black Behzad and Qahar Behzad.
- A mural at the supporting housing development that spotlights residents' narratives through large-scale art, aligning with the community's housing-first mission.
Ladywood Estates Historic District and Melissa Gallant
- On June 30, grantees hosted a celebration of trail-blazing designer Avriel Shull featuring musicians and visual artists.
Still Waters Adult Day Center
- A collaborative project that will bring together a local artist and seniors at Still Waters Adult Day Center to create an outdoor mosaic that celebrates the legacy of their resilience and creativity.
The Ross Foundation
- The Ross Foundation's project highlights mural art as an important community resource on the Far Eastside, promoting community pride, access to public art, social cohesion, cultural expression and neighborhood revitalization.
What's next: More grantees and projects will be announced for both programs soon.
- Art for Neighborhoods' second application period ended July 7, and a third round of applications will be accepted this fall.
- Art for All's second application round ends Sunday. Interested creators can apply here.