Indiana Arts Commission invests in Pulaski County Tribe

Indiana Arts Commission invests in Pulaski County Tribe to strengthen Pulaski County through arts and creativity.

On July 28th the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it awarded $3500 to Pulaski County Tribe for their Monterey Mural project through the Arts Project Support grant program.

During its June 10th Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved funding recommendations for the Arts Project Support and Arts Organization Support grant programs. Over 460 applications were reviewed by 85 Hoosiers from around the state specializing in arts, community development, and finance.

“The projects and organizations that are receiving funding are improving the economic and educational climates of the state of Indiana,” said Alberta Barker, Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. “The Commission is delighted to support this investment in Hoosier communities. It is a privilege to uplift the impressive creative work being done around the state.”

The mural will be the first of its kind in Monterey and prominently displayed in the downtown area. The artwork will be designed by Lafayette artist, Zach Medler. It will celebrate a resilient Pulaski County community’s pride in their heritage and home. Community members are invited to have a conversation with the artist and PCT members on Thursday, August 4th at 12:00 at the Monterey park.

A dedication ceremony will take place during the annual Monterey Days Festival on Labor Day weekend. PCT will release additional project details in the near future.

IAC funds will support artist, promotional, and operational fees.“The investment from the State to support Pulaski County communities is an integral component to celebrate and enhance the quality of life in our rural communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to implement another art project to create connections and embrace the place we call home,” stated Brandi Larkin, Founder and President of the Pulaski County Tribe.

The Commission also designated PCT’s Monterey Mural as an Arts Trust License Plate Project. Interest accrued from the Arts Trust, supported by donations through the sale of Celebrate the Arts license plates, is distributed to one Arts Project Support grant recipient from every county in which there is a funded application. Beneficiaries were selected based on the exemplary commitment to community, education, economy, and health.

“Art and creativity strengthen the fabric of Indiana’s communities. They promote connection and cohesion, foster the entrepreneurial spirit communities need to thrive, and create the kinds of communities where people want to live,” said Miah Michaelsen, Executive Director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “In each of Indiana’s 92 counties, public funding for arts and creativity continually proves to be a high-return investment that improves the quality of life of every Hoosier and drives economic development within our state.”

PCT is grateful for the financial support of the Indiana Arts Commission. Appreciation is extended to Indiana State Senator Ed Charbonneau, State Representative Doug Gutwein, and Congressional Legislators Jackie Walorski, Todd Young, and Mike Braun for the appropriation of these funds through the Indiana General Assembly. These connections and collaborations will allow us to create another positive project for Pulaski County.

Funding for the Indiana Arts Commission and its programs is provided by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.