INDIANAPOLIS – Artists on the southside of Indianapolis will soon transform a spot along Bean Creek if this crowdfunding campaign reaches its goal of raising $50,000 by Jan. 13, 2024. If successful, the project led by Big Car Collaborative will receive a matching grant as part of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s (IHCDA) CreatINg Places program.
“There are many benefits to spending time in nature, recreation, and engaging with one’s community,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “CreatINg Places is a great program to connect Hoosiers to their neighborhoods, towns, and natural spaces. We are excited to help revitalize this natural space in the heart of Indianapolis.”
Funds from this campaign will be used for a new landscape design and horticulture restoration along Bean Creek and on the Tube Factory campus for the benefit of the natural ecosystem there and human visitors, creating more space to gather.
“This restorative space will beautify a highly visible, easily accessible area of our creative campus that has been overlooked for too long. We know we need to embrace and emphasize our waterways now more than ever,” said Big Car executive director Jim Walker. “This project will further expand what we offer at Tube Factory as a very different kind of contemporary art museum and community space — with a surprising amount of natural beauty — all located in the heart of our city.”
Since the CreatINg Places program began in 2016, projects have raised more than $10 million in public funds and an additional $8.2 million in matching IHCDA funds. The program is available to projects located in Indiana communities. Non-profit entities (with 501c3 or 501c4 status) and local government units can apply. Eligible projects must have a minimum total development cost of $10,000, where the recipient will receive $5,000 in IHCDA matching funds should it successfully raise $5,000 through Patronicity. IHCDA will provide matching grant funds up to $50,000 per project.
