102 Hoosier artists strengthen careers, communities through fellowships from the Indiana Arts Commission

Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) 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 Paige Sharp, IAC Deputy Director of Programs. “This fellowship allows On-Ramp participants to grow in their career while strengthening the fabric of their community.” 
 
Franklin County resident Katherine Magalski is using funds from her project to assist with the cost of an electric kiln for her ceramic studio, allowing her to produce functional ceramic ware that will generate revenue. Additionally, in the spirit of giving back to her community, Katherine will participate in the 23rd Clay Alliance Empty Bowls benefit for the Freestore Foodbank by creating and glazing bowls, and by serving several times during the event. Participating in this event will help others in need and build Magalski’s network in the Tri-State area.
 
Marion County resident Manon Voice's long-term creative business goal is to find new and innovative ways to use art as a means of conversation and awareness around social issues and as a tool for community building, engagement, and empowerment. She will utilize the fellowship funding to create poetry and hip-hop to fuel more social awareness around housing stability issues in Indiana. Each produced piece will explore a different topic, such as eviction, gentrification, and redlining. After completing the album, Manon will pair performance with panel discussion on these topics, inviting people from impacted communities and those working on the issues to participate in discussions that can lead to actionable steps toward solutions. 
 
Read the project descriptions of each of the 102 entrepreneurs. 
 
About the 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 January 6, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. ET.