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Indiana Arts Commission awards funds for art projects

On Tuesday, Dec. 28, the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it has awarded $204,000 to 102 creative entrepreneurs to fund arts projects around the state through the agency’s On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator program.  

Each funded project will support the pursuit of a clearly defined business goal that also supports the entrepreneur’s community.

“The projects that are taking place around the state are reflective of the diverse talents of Indiana’s creative entrepreneurs,” said IAC Deputy Director of Programs Paige Sharp. “This fellowship allows On-Ramp participants to grow in their career while strengthening the fabric of their community.”

 Northeast Indiana cohorts from Huntington include:
Drew Fletcher
Visual Arts

“My main creative work is graffiti and modern art influenced paintings that incorporate urban and street art methods. I have worked in large and small scale,” Fletcher said. “I complete paintings in layers with graffiti style backgrounds and drippings as underlay before the full image is created using acrylic paint, watercolor, sharpie, paint markers and pastels. I also experiment with collaging recycled papers and the use of crayons in paintings to create urban portraits.”

Curtis Jarrett
Painting

“As an artist, I practice large scale oil painting that has been described as ‘graphic surrealism.’  I have shown my work all around the Midwest,” Jarrett said. “I want people to enjoy my work and be able to afford its value.”

Sarah Schwab
Interdisciplinary

“Mainly I work with sewing and fiber arts, jewelry making, paper mache, painting, pottery and a variety of other crafts at Pathfinder Services Creative Arts Studios. I also teach and coach individuals with disabilities,” Schwab said. “Creating ceramic pieces and collaborative watercolor and acrylic works are also current pursuits. I want to use arts business tools for my personal practice as well as for professional development when assisting individuals with disabilities in pricing their work and gain a sense of independence.”

About the On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator program
On-Ramp is a three-day accelerator course for Indiana-based creative entrepreneurs to foster their business skills, followed by a funded fellowship to put the learning into action. According to new research performed by the Indiana Arts Commission and course leader Elaine Grogan-Luttrull of Minerva Financial Arts, individuals from the inaugural cohort developed business knowledge and sustained skills following their participation in the program.  
Applications to take part in the 2022 On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator are open through Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.
For more information, visit in.gov/arts/programs-and-services/training/on-ramp-creative-entrepreneur-accelerator.