South Central Indiana Talent Region Completes First-Ever Regional Arts & Culture Plan
COLUMBUS, IN – The South Central Indiana Talent Region (SCITR) is proud to announce the completion of its first-ever regional Arts & Culture Plan, a milestone achievement that sets a new course for creative investment and community vitality across Bartholomew, Jackson, and Jennings counties and the Town of Edinburgh.
The finalized plan is the result of a collaborative, year-long process led by the SCITR Steering Committee in partnership with local arts and culture representatives and national consultants Public Sphere Projects (PSP). Development of the plan was informed by extensive community focus groups, a public survey, recent regional studies, and is closely aligned with SCITR’s READI 2.0 Regional Strategy.
“This plan is really a milestone for the region,” said Dan Davis, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Jackson County. “It sets us up to make meaningful progress locally and also positions us to attract additional funding that will help elevate the arts and cultural experiences across our communities.”
The SCITR Arts & Culture Plan was supported by a planning grant through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s (IEDC) READI 2.0 program. It prepares the region to pursue project funding from the IEDC’s $65 million statewide Redevelopment & Arts Initiative, which will be awarded on a competitive, project-by-project basis beginning in 2026. Groups within the region will be allowed to apply directly for funding through a process managed by the Indiana Arts Commission expected to be announced in February. Funding requests submitted through that process are expected to align with the SCITR Arts & Culture Plan.
The SCITR Arts & Culture Plan identifies strategic priorities and future project opportunities that aim to strengthen the region’s creative economy, support public art and cultural spaces, and ensure arts and culture are accessible to all residents.
“This is a first-of-its-kind effort for our region,” said Kathy Ertel, Executive Director of the Jennings County Economic Development Commission and SCITR Steering Committee member. “It reflects who we are, where we’re going, and how we can use arts and culture to improve quality of life and drive economic vitality.”
SCITR invites all community members to review the full plan hosted on the SCITR website at www.southcentralreadi.com .