The City of Indianapolis is launching a new effort to reimagine and expand cultural districts, backed by a $500,000 pilot program. In 2025, this funding was approved to plan how cultural districts can support the creative economy, equity, and community development citywide. Open from August 1 to August 31, the application allows neighborhood organizations to apply for one-time funding to bring a cultural project to their community.
Neighborhoods and organizations can apply for one-time funding for cultural projects. Cultural projects can highlight arts, foodways, language, traditions, and more which make the district unique.
There are two tiers of eligibility:
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- Tier 1 – Existing cultural districts (Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Indiana Avenue, Mass Ave, Canal/White River, Wholesale District, Market East)
- Tier 2 – Emerging districts (areas with a visible cultural identity, but not yet formally recognized as a cultural district; applicants will have the opportunity to describe why they feel they should be considered as a cultural district)
All applicants must be an established organization and provide proof that the community supports the organization as a representative of the Cultural District.
Funding Goals
- Support public art, community events, beautification, and cultural infrastructure.
- Empower BIPOC-led, multilingual, and historically underfunded communities.
- Strengthen small businesses and the creative workforce.
Scoring Criteria – All applications will be scored by the evaluation committee in September. Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Cultural Impact
- Economic Impact
- Community Engagement
- Feasibility & Budget
How to Apply