The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) is now accepting applications for the Creative Convergence program. Creative Convergence is a team-based workshop and funding opportunity aimed at creative community development. The program is held in partnership with the Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) at Ball State University’s Miller College of Business.
The Creative Convergence program consists of a two-day, in-person training and the opportunity to apply for a Creative Convergence Early Action grant. The in-person workshop will take place from November 4-5 in Fishers, Indiana. The training focuses on how to embed arts and creativity in community and economic planning and solutions, how to work collaboratively across sectors, and how to effectively engage with community. The grant program is designed to allow communities to apply the learnings from the workshop to a project that benefits creatives and the community and offers awards of up to $5,000.
The program is designed to be completed by teams of three to four community members, including at least one representative from government, economic development, neighborhood or community development, or the business community, one representative from an arts or civic organization, and one local artist or creative. The team will work together throughout the training and the execution of the project.
Now in its fourth cohort, Creative Convergence was developed in response to a research study released by ICI, in partnership with the IAC, in 2022. “Planning with Arts & Culture” examined how Indiana municipalities utilize local arts and culture in their community and economic strategies. Key amongst the findings was the expressed need for support in identifying and leveraging the creative sector to improve quality of life for all.
Applications are open now and will close on Tuesday, September 30th at 11:59PM ET. Questions can be directed to Anne Johansson, IAC Community Services Manager, at AJohansson@iac.IN.gov.