Overview
The Indy Arts Council is pleased to offer project grants between $2,000 and $10,000 to artists and nonprofits for arts activities in public spaces in Marion County, like parks and libraries, taking place between April 1, 2027 and March 31, 2028.
Applicants and proposed activities must meet all requirements listed herein. There is a limited pool of funding available. Applicants will propose a specific program or project.
Funding will be awarded to applicants who best meet the review criteria and priorities of the grant program. In general, the strongest applications will provide relevant and engaging arts experiences that meaningfully connect with a specific audience, and have a clear plan to implement the activities. Projects may be prioritized for funding if they take place at Indy Parks and/or Indianapolis Public Libraries and align with the site's goals.
Indy Arts Council will make final award determinations with assistance from a group of outside reviewers, including local artists and staff from Indy Parks and Indianapolis Public Library.
Timeline
- January 10, 2027, 11:59 pm: Application deadline
- January–February 2027: Applications reviewed
- Early March 2027: Grant award notifications
- April 1, 2027 – March 31, 2028: Grant period (all grant activities must start and end during this time)
- April 30, 2028, 11:59 pm: Final report deadline
Project Requirements
Projects may include, but are not limited to: festivals, performances, workshops, programming, etc. that take place in public spaces and center artistic disciplines such as dance, design arts, folk/traditional arts, literary arts, media arts, music, opera/musical theater, spoken word, theater or visual arts. Permanent public art installations are not eligible in this grant opportunity.
Grant activities must take place in public spaces in Marion County such as parks or libraries.
Allowable Expenses
Grant funds may be spent on any project-related activities, including artist fees, space rental, production costs, art supplies and materials, project administration, marketing, and outreach to target population(s), etc.
Artist Pay
Artistic labor must be compensated fairly. A strong application will demonstrate that the artists involved have established the fees and/or that the artists affirm the pay is agreeable.
Application Process
Applicants will submit an online, written application via indyarts.grantplatform.com. The application will include details about the project, information about artists involved (including samples of their work), intended audience, use of funds, and location.
Application Assistance
- Call-Out Meetings will provide an overview of the grant opportunity and application process, and will cover Indy Parks' and Indianapolis Public Libraries' goals, interests and priorities for these activities. Attending one of these meetings is optional and encouraged.
- To discuss your ideas or specific questions with the grants team, email grants@indyarts.org to schedule a virtual meeting.
Award Details
- Approved applicants may be awarded their full or partial grant request, depending on funds available. Awards are paid in full after the grant contract has been completed (April 2027), unless otherwise requested.
- Awardees will be issued a grant contract.
- Awardees will publicly acknowledge Indy Arts Council and the City of Indianapolis as a funder.
- Awardees will post their public event details to indyarts.org/events.
- Awardees will submit a final report via indyarts.grantplatform.com by April 30, 2028.
- Grants to individuals may be taxable income.