When people come together in pursuit of a shared goal, a lot can be accomplished, and the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) is proof of that. A transformative program led by the Indiana Economic Development Corp., READI provides funding that empowers individual communities to pursue strategic projects that align with their long-term development goals.

Investing in the Arts

“The program emphasizes partnerships among public, private and nonprofit sectors,” says Trevor Friedeberg, president and CEO of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership. “It fosters initiatives that improve housing, infrastructure, workforce readiness and cultural vitality.”

The program has been so successful that it has already moved into a second phase. With READI 1.0, the East Central Indiana region received over $15 million in grants. With an additional $35 million in funds from READI 2.0 and input from over 3,300 local voices, East Central Indiana is pursuing a new vision for the region’s future – an emphasis on arts and cultural development.

“Investing in arts and culture aligns with the region’s goals of attracting talent, retaining residents and fostering economic diversity,” Friedeberg says. “Projects like the Gas City Performing Arts Center and the Kennedy Art Center exemplify how such initiatives contribute to regional vibrancy and growth.”

The newly constructed Gas City Performing Arts Center, which was partially funded by a READI grant, is a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a hub for performance, education, community and engagement. READI funds were also used to enhance the Kennedy Art Center, a center for the arts in Marion that is housed in a revitalized historic space.

Other READI-funded projects on the horizon include regional public art initiatives, arts districts and cross-county collaborations designed to highlight the region’s unique cultural identity – all of which are part of a regional arts and culture strategy designed to boost economic growth.

Making the Arts Accessible

Other organizations throughout East Central Indiana are working on significant projects to enhance the region’s arts scene. One notable project is the Creative Corridor in downtown Muncie. Spearheaded by The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, the Creative Corridor set out to amplify an area of Muncie’s downtown that was already anchored by key arts organizations nearby.

“The Creative Corridor emerged as a unifying idea to physically and symbolically connect cultural hubs, making arts and culture more accessible to everyone,” says Marcy Minton, president and CEO of the foundation. “It focuses not only on the physical assets in our downtown, but on the connections to other areas across our community through a trail and motorized transportation system.”

Landmarks on the Creative Corridor include the Cornerstone Center for the Arts, Muncie Civic Theatre, Madjax Maker Force and Muncie Public Library. With help from a $70,000 planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Community Foundation worked with a consulting group to gather input from local voices – artists, organizations, business leaders and residents – through public meetings, focus groups and on-site visits to focus in on the community’s needs and desires.

The resulting Creative Space Action Plan put together goals to expand creative spaces, enhance public engagement and support the region’s arts and culture scene for years to come.

Today, the Creative Corridor serves as a roadmap that showcases Muncie’s vibrant arts and culture sector.

“East Central Indiana’s arts and culture scene is a dynamic mix of tradition and innovation,” Minton says. “What makes our arts scene special is its accessibility and the way it fosters a sense of belonging. From galleries to performances and festivals, there’s something for everyone.”

Additional access to the corridor is on the horizon, as a project to revitalize The Village, the commercial district next to Ball State University’s campus, is in the works. With a multi-year grant commitment, this project will bring about a walking trail and motorized transportation program to provide a clear connection to the downtown Creative Corridor.