We’re proud to announce the 9 recipients of the first round of Public Art for Neighborhoods grants, supported by the City of Indianapolis. These grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, pair artists with communities to collaborate on arts and culture projects that residents can enjoy and appreciate.
The Irvington Development Organization and artist Andrea Light will create a mural commemorating Irvington resident Madge Oberholtzer’s 100th death anniversary. They aim to engage the community, preserve local history, and inspire change. This project reinforces Irvington’s status as an art hub and educates about Madge’s role in taking down the Ku Klux Klan in Indiana.
Middle-school artist Cassia Malbone is partnering with the Ellenberger Park Family Center, Friends of Ellenberger Park, and muralist Andre Parnell to create a garden-inspired mural to help beautify the park and historic Irvington. The mural will enhance the Pollinator Patio area, which will support camps, family activities, and educational gardening events.
Painter Jarrod Stone partners with Eagle Branch Library to create a large-scale painting highlighting the diversity of the local community. Engaging residents as photo references, each image tells a unique story, in the process promoting community acceptance, unity, and creativity. The project also encourages utilization of library resources and the pursuit of one’s creative dreams.
The MLK Center, with neighborhood artist Boxx the Artist and other partners (Indy Parks and Recreation, Butler-Tarkington Neighborhood Association, Midtown Indy, and Catch the Stars Foundation), will create a mural at Tarkington Park’s facility that houses Tea’s Me Café. Aligned with the Tarkington Park Master Plan, it celebrates the community’s diverse history, culture, and arts initiatives.
Aspire Higher’s Urban Bloom project aims to empower Northwest Landing residents to transform their neighborhood through colorful, tactical, and resourceful art interventions. The project, led by artist Tia Sublett, focuses on DIY-ing alleys, parks, homes, and entry points to foster community ownership and change residents’ perceptions about where they live.
Photographer Zola Lamothe will exhibit “Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy” in Brookside and produce an exhibition catalogue. Hosted by 1000words gallery in Fall 2024, the photography showcases real stories of Black neighborhoods along Indiana Avenue, prompting reflection on community displacement and cultural preservation.
Near East Area Renewal (NEAR) will collaborate with artist Addie Hirschten of Studio Alchemy, a resident and working artist in the Cottage Home Neighborhood, to create a mural under the 10th St. rail bridge highlighting the flowers found in residents’ gardens of Windsor Park and Cottage Home Neighborhood.
“Creating Home: A Collaborative Mural Project” led by artists Tiffany Black Behzad and Qahar Behzad at Hanna Commons, a supportive housing development in south Indianapolis, spotlights residents’ narratives through large-scale art, aligning with the community’s housing-first mission.
In June 2024, Ladywood Estates Historic District celebrates Avriel Shull, their trail-blazing designer, with “Celebrate Avriel 2024.” Musicians and neighborhood residents Melissa Gallant and Wendy Reed, along with guest musicians and visual artist Giselle Trujillo, will focus on mid-20th century women as they showcase Shull’s designs and offer a unique multi-media art experience.
Photo courtesy of MLK Multi-Service Center
