Herbert Simon Family Foundation is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Indianapolis Creative Risk Fund, a grant opportunity designed to support experimentation in the arts. With an award of $20,000 per recipient, the Creative Risk Fund encourages individual artists, collectives, and collaborative teams to pursue daring creative projects. In addition to financial support, grant recipients will benefit from public exposure, networking, and individualized artistic support. Up to 10 awards will be made in this cycle.
Applications will be reviewed by a committee of arts professionals and community members, including:
- Sylvia Thomas, 2024 CRF recipient
- Jeri West, 2024 CRF recipient
- Joshua A. Thompson, 2024 CRF recipient
- Maurice Broaddus, author
- Nikki Kirk, Indy Arts Council
- André Zhang Sonera, arts administrator
The program includes a final public event and exhibition in October 2026, produced by Rishard Allen, Creative Director and Performing Arts Curator, and Lindsey Lord, Visual Arts Curator. Throughout the year, Allen and Lord will also provide artistic support and guidance to each recipient, helping shape their process and project development. More details about the event will be shared in 2026.
ELIGIBILITY
Artists aged 18 and older who are based in Central Indiana — including Marion, Boone, Hamilton, Madison, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, and Hendricks counties. Artists working in any discipline are encouraged to apply, including visual art, performance, music, fashion, multimedia, and interdisciplinary work. The program especially encourages applications from artists who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, or persons with disabilities.
TIMELINE
- June 23, 2025 – Application opens
- August 11, 2025 – Application deadline at 11:59 p.m.
- October 6–9, 2025 — Finalist interviews
- October 20, 2025 – Selected artists notified
- October 2026 – Final public showcase and exhibition
HOW TO APPLY
Complete an online application and provide a link to a professional website or social media account with work samples. Optional uploads include a resume/CV and a project concept, or other supporting documents.
About Herbert Simon Family Foundation
Established in 1999, Herbert Simon Family Foundation has been providing support for organizations in hopes of creating more equitable, sustainable and vibrant communities with an emphasis on Indianapolis and Indiana. Herbert Simon Family Foundation works in partnership with Central Indiana Community Foundation to support the foundation’s grantmaking and community involvement. The foundation grants to organizations in the areas of: Arts + Culture, Basic Needs, Environment + Climate, Equity + Justice, and Jewish
Causes.
QUESTIONS? Contact Rebekah Corwin, RebekahC@cicf.org