The Indiana Economic Development Corp. awarded $9.15 million total for five projects in the South Bend-Elkhart area.
The Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative awards are a part of at $1.25 billion investment in 15 regions throughout the state. Arts & Culture grants totaled $62.3 million and are expected to generate a $369.6 million investment in the state's arts and culture economy.
“As a state, we’re powering our communities forward by investing in the vision and strategies of Indiana’s regions,” said Gov. Mike Braun in a press release. “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.”
Each region developed an arts and culture plan, including South Bend-Elkhart. Local leaders worked with consulting firm Designing Local to conduct a public survey. A steering committee was then developed to draft a plan. That plan was brought to the community for feedback at workshops. The Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority approved the plan in December.
The region submitted 34 applications for projects that totaled $400 million. Projects ranged from $3,000 to $19 million.
“These awards tell a story about how our region works,” said Bethany Hartley, president and CEO of the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership, in a press release.
She said local and private investors matched these READI funds by 10 times.
“That doesn't happen by accident,” she said. “It happens because our communities built an arts and culture plan together and then put real skin in the game.
“From the potential transformation of the State Theater to the Freight Street District to a new bandshell at Howard Park, these are projects our residents will feel in their daily lives, and they're proof that investing in creativity is investing in economic growth.”
The following projects received funding:
- Historic State Theater South Bend Transformation, Community Foundation of St. Joseph County – $4 million
- Howard Park Bandshell, City of South Bend – $3 million
- Freight Street District Initiative, City of Elkhart – $1.5 million
- Music Town, Visit South Bend Mishawaka – $350,000
- Northern Indiana Clay Center, Northern Indiana Clay Alliance – $300,000
The initiative funded 49 projects across all 15 Indiana regions. Learn more about the READI 2.0 2026 Arts & Culture Awards here.
