We welcome your nominations for the 2025 ARTI awards, honoring people and organizations who are advancing equity and innovation in Indianapolis arts & culture. Deadline to nominate is 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 16.
Indy Arts Council will present these awards sponsored by Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) at our annual fundraiser, Start with Art, on Thursday, August 21 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.
The guidelines for the six categories are below. Please nominate only once per category. To qualify for consideration, the nominee (person or organization) must live, work, or be based in Indianapolis.
Thank you taking the time to help us recognize the creative people and organizations that make our city unique.
ARTI Award Categories:
Cultural Entrepreneur 2024 winner: Naptown African American Theatre Collective
This category recognizes an Indianapolis-based person or organization that creates cultural products, experiences, and opportunities that bring about change and impact the broader economy.
Neighborhood Impact 2024 winner: Big Car Collaborative
This category will recognize an Indianapolis-based arts and culture organization or person whose work has impacted the livability, community identity, and social wellbeing of a particular neighborhood.
Artist / Activist 2024 winner: Chris Smith of 1000 Words Gallery
This category will recognize an Indianapolis-based artist who uses the power of the arts to create social and/or political change.
Corporate Leadership 2024 winner: AES Indiana
This category recognizes an Indianapolis business whose investments in arts and culture create high-profile opportunities for artists and help shape the city’s creative identity and landscape.
Community Partnerships 2024 winner: Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra & the “Black Keys” Program
This category recognizes two arts and culture organizations or two individuals who, through a mutually beneficial relationship and open dialogue, were able to create community change.
Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 winner: Anthony Radford
This category celebrates a person whose longtime commitment to innovation and equity in the arts has had a lasting impact on Indianapolis arts and culture.
Please note, this award does not include a monetary award.