Lilly Endowment Launches $25 Million Indianapolis Arts Initiative

The Lilly Endowment has announced the launch of a $25 million initiative to encourage community building and celebrate creativity in Indianapolis.

Through the initiative, Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation, the endowment will award grants ranging from $7,500 to $10 million in support of ideas that uplift the role of the arts and culture in building strong communities. To that end, the initiative is looking for creative ideas that can bring people together and broaden their perspectives; make arts and culture a larger part of the lives of individuals and families; increase access to arts and cultural offerings among diverse audiences; enhance Indianapolis's national and international reputation; and foster dialogue, community spirit, and tourism. Projects should be designed to enhance the quality of life in Indianapolis; bolster the city's image as a desirable place to live, work, and visit; and/or foster a creative, energized, and forward-thinking community. 

Indiana-based public charities, including arts institutions, museums, zoos, schools, religious congregations, community centers, community foundations, and colleges and universities, as well as governmental departments or agencies, are eligible to apply.

"Arts and culture bring joy and meaning to our individual and collective lives and help our city [present itself as] a vibrant and attractive place to live, work and visit," said Ace Yakey, the endowment's vice president for community development. "Arts and culture matter because they help all of us build common ground, learn other perspectives, and strengthen human connection."