Access to the arts in Indianapolis is what the Arts Council of Indianapolis is all about –

Access to the city's incredibly diverse arts community for residents and visitors. Access for artists and arts organizations to the tools, support and services they need to flourish and produce art. To better accomplish these objectives, the Arts Council now has two distinct websites:

Indyarts.org – focuses on arts consumers – provides a searchable calendar of more than 600 events, resources and information on hundreds of artists and arts organizations, public art guides and maps, and lots more to connect patrons to the arts.

This site focuses on our organization and provides the tools and services for artists, arts organizations, and others to deliver art and arts programs to our community. Here you'll find all the grant information, guidelines, and application forms for individuals and organizations, resources for artists – such as how to join the artist data base or perform in the Artsgarden, media resources, and more.

Since 1987, the Arts Council of Indianapolis has been working to build central Indiana through the arts. By serving as a champion and advocate for local artists and arts organizations, the Arts Council's mission is implemented by granting the city's arts-related public funds, participating in and leading community initiatives, reaching out to new and established audiences, elevating the arts community through increased visibility and programming, and convening groups and encouraging collaborations.

Our mission is to build financial support and widespread appreciation for meaningful engagement in the arts. This site details the extensive work of the Council in accomplishing our mission.

For more information about the Arts Council, click here.

The nonprofit arts in Indianapolis boost the local economy with nearly half a billion dollars ($468 million) each year, according to a 2007 study released by the Arts Council, in partnership with Washington, D.C.-based Americans for the Arts. That's an increase of 59% since the previous study five years earlier, which gives credence to the city's ongoing cultural initiatives. It's also more than double the increase of the national average, a testament to the growth and development of the arts here.

As the region's leading arts advocate, the Arts Council works to demonstrate that the arts are a critical component of our city enhancing the quality of life, adding to the economic viability, providing positive solutions to some of the city's challenges such as crime and violence, and enhancing tourism.

To download a current arts funding fact sheet, click here.

To contact city councilors to express your support of public arts funding, click here.

For more information about the Arts Council, click here.

MISSION:
Build financial support and widespread appreciation for meaningful engagement in the arts.

STRATEGIES/TACTICS:
Ensure long-term financial viability of the arts.

Encourage the development of new and existing cultural product to make Indianapolis an arts destination.

Elevate our arts and cultural community's profile (locally, regionally, nationally).

Be the unified voice and leader for the arts and cultural community.

Produce high-quality programs and services that meet the needs of artists and arts and cultural organizations.

For more information about the Arts Council, click here.