Overview
Funding is available to community arts and cultural organizations to compensate an Art & Soul Featured Artist participating in programs, festivals, and venues. These activities must include Art & Soul Featured Artist alumni and/or 2027 Featured Artists. Indy Arts Council will publicly promote funded activities in the Art & Soul 2026 schedule of events. Applicants may request $500-$2,000.
Timeline
- October 5, 2026: Application available at indyarts.grantplatform.com
- January 3, 2027: Application deadline
- Early March 2027: Award notification
- March 2027: Schedule of events publicly promoted
- August 31, 2027: All activities must be completed
- September 30, 2027: Final report deadline
Contact
Korie Griggs, Program Manager
317-624-2561, ext. 222
grants@indyarts.org
Eligibility
Eligible applicants:
- Have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
- Organizations that are fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit entity are eligible.
- Schools and universities are not eligible. Booster clubs, foundations, and organizations that exist for the sole purpose of fundraising are not eligible.
- Must primarily serve Indy Arts Council's nine county service area (Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, Boone, and Madison) and must not be physically headquartered outside this service area.
- Must not have an outstanding final report and/or incomplete project for a previous activation grant.
Eligible activities:
- Proposed grant activities should meaningfully incorporate Art & Soul Featured Artists in arts and culture programs, festivals, and venues. Applicants are encouraged to speak with artists before submitting a proposal and align the activities with the artist's interests, skills and goals.
- Activities must take place between March 1, 2027 and June 30, 2027
- Activities should be open to the general public, but exceptions can be made.
Which artists can be involved?
Proposed grant activities must include Art & Soul Featured Artist alumni and/or 2027 Featured Artists. Featured Artists are listed at the end of this document. If you need help getting in touch with them, contact us.
Request Amount: $500 – $2,000. All grant funds must be used to compensate Featured Artists.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted via indyarts.grantplatform.com by January 3, 2027.
This is an online, written application. If you prefer an alternate format (i.e. dictated responses, video responses, other languages), please reach out to grants@indyarts.org, and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Indy Arts Council staff and 2027 Featured Artists will review all applications and select those that best meet the priorities below.
Selection Priorities
Applications that accomplish the following will be prioritized for funding:
- Activities are clearly described and are feasible in the timeline and budget. Artists are paid fairly.
- Activities use 2027 Featured Artists and match their goals and interests.
Additional Guidance
Indy Arts Council will publicly promote funded activities in the Art & Soul 2027 schedule of events and will provide marketing assets and tips to co-promote the activities. Funded organizations must also promote their own activities.
Indy Arts Council values fair pay to artists. 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. Fees vary based on the deliverables, the artist's expertise, preparation required, and more. Before applying, applicants should discuss pay with the artists involved.
Funded organizations are encouraged to establish a simple, mutually beneficial agreement with the artist that outlines deliverables and compensation. Indy Arts Council staff is available to support as needed.