READI 2.0 Strategic Initiative
Arts & Culture Strategy
Integrating cultural assets into South Central Indiana's economic and workforce development approach across Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings counties & the town of Edinburgh.
Our Process
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered every READI Region in the state the opportunity to apply for grant funding to create a regional Arts and Culture plan using a predetermined firm list. The SCITR Region was awarded a grant and we chose to work with national firm, Public Sphere Projects (PSP). PSP led us through a multi-phase planning process that helped us create our Regional Arts & Culture plan.
Phase 1:
Discovery and Analysis
February - May 2025
Phase 1 established a baseline understanding of regional conditions.
Phase 2:
Community Engagement and Draft
June - July 2025
Building on the discovery phase, Phase 2 emphasized direct engagement with SCITR communities to validate and expand initial findings.
Phase 3:
Final Plan and Handoff
August - December 2025
In the final phase, PSP and the SCITR Steering Committee refined the draft framework into a comprehensive regional arts and culture strategy. The IEDC and Indiana Arts Commission also offered suggested edits and potential plan enhancements.
Launch and Implementation
January 2026 and Beyond
Using the plan as a guide, identify regional projects that are a fit for interested potential funders.
Explore Our Region’s Cultural Assets
Read Our Regional Plan
This a first of it’s kind for our region! We can’t wait to share it with you. This plan contains a look at where we are today and where we might go together.