BLOOMINGTON — Rural communities across Indiana are being called to action! The Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement (CRE) and the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design are now accepting applications for the highly sought-after 2026 Rural Placemaking Studio.
This innovative, collaborative program is designed to help rural towns revitalize their public spaces and cultivate a stronger sense of local pride by connecting residents with the creative expertise of IU faculty and students.
A Partnership for Creative Transformation
The Rural Placemaking Studio is a unique opportunity for communities to transform creative ideas into tangible art and design projects, such as:
- Murals and public art installations
- Wayfinding signage and branding
- Architectural and park design
- Downtown revitalization efforts
The program is structured to support resident-led groups in developing a scope of work, creating initial designs, and establishing an implementation plan.
Applications are open through December 18, 2025.
The Studio is seeking applications from “rural movers, shakers, and placemakers”—any resident-led group or organization dedicated to enhancing a public space.
While the program is designed for rural communities of 50,000 people or fewer, preference is typically given to communities within a roughly 90-mile radius of Bloomington. Eligible applicants include:
- Main Street committees
- Volunteer groups and resident committees
- Chambers of commerce
- Local government and municipal organizations
- Nonprofit community or arts organizations
The initiative does not provide direct funding, but it offers invaluable technical assistance, pre-architectural design services, and planning guidance to help communities move projects toward fruition. This partnership allows rural communities, which often lack the resources for professional design services, to leverage the creative strengths of IU’s academic community.
Interested community groups can find the application and more information on the IU Center for Rural Engagement website.
