For over twenty years, Hoosiers have supported the arts in Indiana through the purchase of an Arts Trust License Plate, funding the Arts Trust Plate endowment. To honor plate holder contributions to the Arts Trust Plate endowment, purchasing an “Arts Trust” license plate not only contributes to an established long-term trust but, along with funds from the IAC’s appropriation from the Indiana General Assembly, supports the Arts Project Support program.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the IAC received a record number of Arts Project Support grant applications, with 322 applicants representing 71 Indiana counties. This applicant pool represented a 34% increase in applications from Fiscal Year 2024, with 115 Fiscal Year 2025 applicants being first-time applicants to the program. Plate holder contributions through the Arts Trust License Plate directly supported an additional 30 arts projects being funded around the state in Fiscal Year 2025.
Fiscal Year 2025 Arts Project Support grant recipients include:
- The Charlestown-Clark County Public Library will offer quality art programs for elementary school children with its 2025 Summer Art Program with support of an Arts Project Support Grant. The summer art program will provide an introduction into different art mediums and techniques including ceramics, printing making and fiber art. The programming will conclude with the project with a week-long art show displaying the children's artwork at the Charlestown Public Library.
- The Gary Youth Poet Laureate Society will utilize an Arts Project Support grant to support the 2nd Annual Gary Youth Poet Laureate Commencement, where the 2025 Gary Youth Poet Laureate will be named. The Gary Youth Poet Laureate Society aims to empower and inspire the youth of their community through the literary art of poetry. By providing a platform for self-expression and creativity, the organization strives to nurture a love for poetry and writing among young individuals.