Indiana Launches $65M READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative

Published on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 by Nicole Shakir, Managing Editor of Expansion Solutions Magazine

INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 18, 2026) — Indiana Governor Mike Braun has announced the launch of the $65 million READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative, a statewide effort designed to leverage arts and culture investments to strengthen quality of place, attract and retain talent, and accelerate long-term economic growth across Indiana communities.

Led by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission, the initiative opens a competitive call for transformative regional projects that integrate arts and culture into broader economic development strategies. The application period closes April 15, 2026, with awards expected to begin in July.

The Arts & Culture Initiative represents a key component of Indiana’s broader Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 program and is supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. The program invites regional development authorities and partners across Indiana’s designated READI regions to submit catalytic proposals that use cultural assets as engines for community vitality and economic competitiveness.

“Strong communities are built on more than infrastructure — they’re built on culture, creativity and opportunity,” said Governor Braun. “Through this initiative, we’re empowering regions across Indiana to invest in projects that elevate quality of life, attract talent and fuel sustained economic momentum.”

Advancing Quality of Place as a Competitive Advantage

The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative is designed to:

Advance quality-of-place investments that enhance economic competitiveness
Encourage collaboration among regional stakeholders
Support projects demonstrating long-term sustainability and measurable impact
Elevate Indiana’s cultural assets as drivers of community and economic growth

Eligible applicants include READI-designated regional entities and their community partners. Proposed projects must align with established regional development strategies and clearly demonstrate economic and community impact.

IEDC President Josh Richardson emphasized the importance of cultural investment within the state’s broader growth strategy.

“Indiana’s creative sector plays a vital role in shaping vibrant, attractive communities,” said Richardson. “By integrating arts and culture into our economic development framework, we are strengthening Indiana’s position not only as a place to do business, but as a place to live, work and thrive.”

Building Long-Term Regional Competitiveness

Awards are expected to begin in 2026 following a competitive review process. State leaders view the initiative as a strategic investment in community development that complements infrastructure, workforce and business attraction efforts underway across Indiana.

Detailed program information, eligibility requirements and application guidelines are available at IndianaREADI.com, with additional resources accessible at IndianaREADI.com/resources.