Commission Selects Artists to Boost ‘Creative Economy’

Billy Easton

The Indiana Arts Commission has selected 36 Hoosier artists to participate in its inaugural On-Ramp accelerator program for early-career creative entrepreneurs. The three-day workshop in Madison, which attracted 100 applicants, will help them develop business skills, career goals and learn about community engagement.

IAC says 57 percent of the creative workforce in Indiana is self-employed, which exceeds the national average of 20 percent.

“Helping these Hoosiers be successful in their careers not only benefits them, but also strengthens the communities in which they live and work,” says IAC Executive Director Lewis Ricci. "Creative Economy is at the heart of all economy, as it sets the stage for job creation, talent attraction and retention, and the sought-after quality of life demanded by employers, employees and their families.”

The IAC says the artists chosen for the On-Ramp program represent all corners of the state and a variety of creative disciplines. After completing the accelerator program, the entrepreneurs will be eligible for financial support. IAC’s On-Ramp Fellowship includes up to $2,000 of project funding to help creative entrepreneurs apply lessons learned through On-Ramp to advance their careers.

“We’re intending that this program will help retain some of the best and brightest creative workers in Indiana," says Ricci.

Elaine Grogan Luttrull will lead the workshop May 18-20, 2018 in Madison. Click here to learn more about the artists and their careers.