INDIANAPOLIS — Artwork created by local artists is now displayed inside the window frames of a building at the corner of East 10th and Tuxedo streets.
"When I first drove by I was like, 'Oh my gosh, is that my piece up there?'" Sameena Rao said.
It's all part of the Indy Keeps Creating Initiative, an effort that started in 2021 when the entire NCAA tournament was held in Indianapolis.
"We want to support our artists and creatives as they are coming out of the pandemic help them restart their creative practice and reconnect with the community," said Julie Goodman, president & CEO of The Indy Arts Council.
Goodman says the effort was so impactful, the City-County Council approved an allocation of $500,000 from the American Rescue Plan for another round of engagement.
"We have been able to engage 265 artists through the Indy Keeps Creating series to date, which has been so meaningful," Goodman said.
In total, more than 75 storefronts and counting around the city are filled with artwork. The second round is focused on neighborhoods outside of downtown.
In addition to East 10th Street, work is also displayed on West Morris Street, East Washington Street, Guilford Avenue, and Broad Ripple Avenue.
Rao says the initiative is not only important for artists, who need income; it also helps beautify the community and expose even more Hoosiers to art.
"I think it's super important to not just support art but to support our community and areas where people may not be exposed to art as much. It's great in so many ways," Rao said.
The artwork along East 10th Street will be up until at least April.
"Indy Keeps Creating" also provided grants to community organizations supporting art, funded a public music performance series and most recently an artist fellowship program that will help local artists take the next step in their careers.
-
Indiana advocates and governor highlight National Child Abuse Prevention Month
The event will bring together Governor Mike Braun, Indiana legislators, child welfare advocates and community members in a collective effort to protect children and prevent abuse.
$600 million redevelopment kicks off at Circle Centre Mall
The $600 million redevelopment of Circle Centre Mall has officially started, with plans to transform it into a vibrant open-air destination. Completion is expected in 2030.
1 dead following double shooting on near northeast side
One person is dead following a double shooting on the near northeast side of Indianapolis on Tuesday.
Orlando Mitchell sentenced to 66 years for murder of Krystal Walton
Orlando Mitchell has been sentenced to 66 years in the Indiana Department of Correction for the murder of Krystal Walton, the mother of his son, outside an Indianapolis daycare in 2022.
