Creative Placemaking

Building Community Through Arts & Place-Making

What Was Creative Placemaking?

Funded by Lilly Endowment, and in partnership with The Harrison Center, this program used arts and culture strategies to bring neighbors together, strengthen community identity, and transform places across Indianapolis. From murals to gardens, concerts to interactive installations, Creative Placemaking gave neighbors the tools, space and support to re‑imagine their blocks.

Outline of a house with a wrench and screwdriver crossed inside, enclosed in a circle on a purple background.

Over 20 projects completed

Line drawing of a hand holding money with dollar bills above it, set against a purple background.

More than $170K distributed

Icon representing support and care with two figures, a house shape, and a heart, on a purple background.

90,000+ neighbors benefitted

Check out some of our awardees…

  • Two artists paint a colorful mural that says 'Seeds of Change' on a large outdoor wooden fence, with house and tree in background and art supplies on the ground.

    1000 Words Inc.

    1000 Words Inc.’s project involved the creation of an Artsgarden for St. Clair Place neighbors to enjoy nature, utilize garden space, and participate in events focusing on the arts. The garden includes a little library, picnic tables, and reusable flower beds.

  • Group of diverse people posing outdoors on a grassy field with trees in the background.

    Arlington Woods

    Arlington Woods Neighborhood Association enhanced a neighborhood nature trail and park. The greenspace is available to community members of all ages to enjoy and connect.

  • A smiling man wearing a gray bucket hat and a white t-shirt standing in front of a wall with colorful paintings displayed in an art gallery.

    BRIDGE Collective

    BRIDGE Collective, an artist collective local to Fountain Square, project expanded First Friday events and workshops for emerging artists.

  • A mural painted on the side of a building depicting city life scenes in black and white, including people walking, a person with sunglasses eating, and a person working at a computer, with buildings and a lamp post in the background.

    Fountain Fletcher District Association

    Fountain Fletcher District Association created a mural to highlight the rich history of the Fountain Fletcher District. The mural also features a QR code that features additional information on their work to create an asynchronous history tour to increase resident engagement and interest in the community’s history.

  • Musicians and singers performing on stage at a concert with purple lighting, with an audience in front taking pictures.

    Frederic & Ronza

    Local Vocals Community Choir, led by Frederic and Ronza, held 3 neighborhood concerts focusing on genres including soul, blues, and rock n’ roll.

  • Colorful mural of a person in a luchador mask and wrestling costume, supporting their fists in a fighting stance, painted on a blue background.

    La Sardina Gallery

    The La Sardina Gallery features art from local Latino artists as well as other diverse groups. Their project involved creating an installation of work from artists with a Luchador theme with history on the sport and its culture.

What’s Next?

Although the Creative Placemaking program concluded in 2022, its legacy continues. Neighborhoods, artists and residents are still using the spaces, art and connections built through the program.


Looking to create your own community or arts project? Check out our active programs that support resident‑led change.

Explore Current Programs

With special thanks to…

Logo of Lilly Endowment Inc., featuring a large stylized letter L in white against a black background, with the words "LILLY ENDOWMENT INC" underneath.
Logo for Harrison Center for the Arts and the City with stylized vertical bars in blue, green, yellow, and teal.