Mission

The mission of the Arts Council of Indianapolis is to build financial support and widespread appreciation for meaningful engagement in the arts. 

When founded in 1987, the Arts Council served as the arts granting agency for the City of Indianapolis, and had a primary focus of overseeing funding for arts organizations and artists. The Arts Council continues to oversee and award City funding for artists and arts organizations, our role within the region’s arts community has grown dramatically.

The Arts Council provides marketing, technical, and other business-related services to artists and arts organizations throughout central Indiana. The council is responsible for Public Art Indianapolis, the city’s public art program and corresponding works and exhibitions; and provides an online database featuring more than 800 artists involved in various disciplines including dance, visual arts, theater, literary arts, music and more.

The Arts Council also offers the region’s most comprehensive, and up-to-date calendar of arts exhibitions, performances, and events. With IndyArts.org it’s easier than ever for audiences to find and enjoy the artistic programming of their choice.

The Arts Council continues to evolve. Today, we exist so that artists may make a viable living, arts organizations flourish, and a broad menu of arts programming is available for everyone. We are the support mechanism – the connector, the convener. The results of our efforts enhance the community through economic development activity while enriching the lives of everyone in central Indiana – through the power and passion of artistic expression.