Forge ECI

03/18/2026

County Spotlight: Jay County
Arts and culture are more than amenities—they’re essential to how communities grow and thrive.

In Jay County, local assets such as cultural venues, festivals, creative spaces, heritage sites, and public art contribute to a strong sense of place and community identity. These investments enhance quality of life, support local economies, and help position the region as a place people want to live, work, and visit.

Strong places help build strong regions.

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03/16/2026

As communities begin thinking more seriously about arts & culture opportunities, one of the most helpful early steps is understanding fit.

While each project is unique, strong arts & culture investments typically:
• Strengthen quality of place
• Have long-term community value
• Involve multiple partners
• Support broader economic outcomes

Projects that focus solely on short-term activities or lack sustainability may struggle to compete.

Early clarity helps communities focus energy where it matters most—and build stronger proposals from the start.

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03/13/2026

📍 County Readiness Spotlight: Henry County

Across East Central Indiana, communities are beginning to align around shared goals—bringing partners together, identifying assets, and exploring how arts and culture can support broader economic outcomes.

In Henry County, this collaborative mindset reflects a readiness to think beyond individual projects and toward regional impact.

This kind of early alignment strengthens not only local ideas, but the region as a whole.

When communities collaborate, East Central Indiana moves forward—together.

For those relocating to Henry County, IN watch videos about the area and find trusted local businesses.

03/11/2026

One of the most common questions we’re hearing is:
“Who should be involved in an arts & culture project?”

Strong projects often include:
• Local government and community leadership
• Arts, culture, and creative partners
• Economic development and tourism voices
• Organizations connected to workforce and place

No single group carries this work alone.

The most effective ideas are shaped by collaboration from the start.
Bringing the right voices to the table early helps projects grow stronger—and more competitive.

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Each year, Indy Arts Council offers a number of grant programs to artists and arts administrators. These grants enhance and support the development of quality arts performances, programs, professional development, services, exhibitions, and arts activities throughout central Indiana. Grant applicati...

03/09/2026

The opportunity is here.

Communities across East Central Indiana now have the chance to explore arts & culture investments designed to strengthen quality of place and support long-term economic vitality.

This moment isn’t about rushing ideas—it’s about aligning vision, partnerships, and regional impact.

At Forge ECI, we’re focused on helping communities think strategically, ask the right questions, and approach this opportunity with intention.
Strong projects start with clarity—and collaboration.

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03/06/2026

As communities begin thinking more seriously about arts & culture opportunities, one of the most helpful early steps is understanding fit.

While each project is unique, strong arts & culture investments typically:
• Strengthen quality of place
• Have long-term community value
• Involve multiple partners
• Support broader economic outcomes

Projects that focus solely on short-term activities or lack sustainability may struggle to compete.

Early clarity helps communities focus energy where it matters most—and build stronger proposals from the start.

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03/05/2026

Our final workshop will take place at Earlham College on March 12th from 5-6:30PM. Register today to secure the guidance you need for a successful grant proposal!

Join us at Earlham College for the ECI READI 2.0 LEI Arts & Culture application workshop—get ready to create!

03/05/2026

Our next workshop session is on March 10th in Muncie at Ivy Tech Community College from 5-6:30. Registration is open here:

Join us at Ivy Tech Muncie for a hands-on workshop on LEI Arts & Culture apps with ECI READI 2.0!

03/05/2026

Don't miss your chance for help creating the best possible grant proposal. We are hosting a series of regional workshops next week to assist projects with your READI 2.0 LEI Arts and Culture applications.

Our first workshop is Monday, March 9 @ Taylor University in Upland from 5-6:30. Register today!

If you or a team member cannot attend a workshop next week, please feel free to reach out to us to schedule a call to discuss your project!

Join us in person at Taylor University for the ECI READI 2.0 LEI Arts & Culture Application Workshop!

03/04/2026

We are hosting a series of regional workshops next week to assist projects with their READI 2.0 LEI Arts and Culture applications.

The workshops will provide projects with an opportunity to:

Walk through the application process and timeline
Clarify eligibility requirements and project expectations
Curate potential collaboration and alignment between projects across the region.
Monday, March 9 @ Taylor University in Upland
Tuesday, March 10 @ Ivy Tech Muncie
Thursday, March 12 @ Earlham College in Richmond

If you or a team member cannot attend a workshop next week, please feel free to reach out to us to schedule a call to discuss your project!

03/04/2026

As conversations around major funding opportunities increase, a few common myths tend to surface.

Let’s clear the air:
❌ “Only big communities are competitive.”
✔ Impact matters more than size.
❌ “You need a fully developed project today.”
✔ Strong ideas grow through planning and partnership.
❌ “Arts & culture aren’t economic development.”
✔ They are critical drivers of quality of place and regional vitality.

The strongest projects start with alignment, not perfection.

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03/02/2026

Investments in arts and culture do more than fund projects—they shape communities.

When thoughtfully planned, these investments can:
• Revitalize downtowns
• Support local creatives and small businesses
• Attract visitors and talent
• Strengthen community pride and identity

Across the region, we’ve seen how quality-of-place investments create ripple effects that extend well beyond a single site or event.

This is why arts and culture remain a critical part of long-term economic development strategy.

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Indiana Main Street Previous Slide Next Slide What is Indiana Main Street? Indiana Main Street encourages community-driven revitalization of downtown areas in Indiana cities and towns. Click here to learn more Becoming a Main Street Community Welcome to the Indiana Main Street application process. C...