Two transformational arts and culture projects in the Evansville region have been awarded more than $1.8 million through Indiana’s READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative, bringing significant investment to expand public art, cultural programming and community spaces in Southwest Indiana.
The Evansville region projects receiving funding include:
- Evansville Family Arts Corridors & Regional Creative Learning Initiative – The Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) will receive $1.5 million to expand programming and create new placemaking experiences, including interactive sidewalk murals, outdoor music experiences and a rooftop cultural space that will enhance downtown Evansville as a destination for families and visitors.
- Evansville Museum Sculpture Garden – The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science will receive $310,000 to transform its riverfront lawn into a vibrant public sculpture garden, creating an engaging outdoor arts destination along Evansville’s riverfront.
Together, these investments will strengthen the Evansville region’s creative economy while creating new opportunities for residents and visitors to experience arts and culture in dynamic public spaces.
“Arts and culture play a vital role in creating vibrant communities that attract talent, support economic competitiveness, and strengthen regional identity,” said Lloyd Winnecke, President and CEO of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. “We’re proud to see these transformational projects receive support through READI 2.0 and look forward to the lasting impact they’ll have on our communities.”
Indiana’s READI (Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative) is a $1.25 billion program that invests in community-led projects to improve quality of life, quality of place and quality of opportunity across the state. The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative, supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., dedicates $65 million to advancing Indiana’s creative economy through investments in public art, cultural amenities and creative workforce development.
Statewide, the 49 funded projects are expected to generate approximately $369.6 million in investment in Indiana’s arts and culture economy. Nearly 320 project proposals representing more than $1.4 billion in potential investments were submitted for consideration.
“As a state, we’re powering our communities forward by investing in the vision and strategies of Indiana’s regions,” said Gov. Braun. “Indiana’s art and culture sector already contributes $10.1 billion annually to the state’s economy. These investments in our creative assets and workforce will transform Hoosier neighborhoods and communities while boosting tourism and commerce, creating new jobs and career pathways, and fueling Indiana’s economy for years to come.”
Projects selected for funding were evaluated by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), and an international panel of industry experts based on their potential to strengthen regional economies and enhance quality of place.
Governor Braun will honor grant recipients at a celebration on Wednesday, July 22, in Indianapolis. More information on READI and the READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative is available at IndianaREADI.com.