Central Indiana ballet studio lands competitive grant to support youth programming
On Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Metropolitan Youth Ballet of Indiana (MYB) announced it has received key grant funding from the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) to support youth ballet programming and to bring classical dance repertoire to the central Indiana area.
MYB serves 156 students from Boone, Hancock, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Marion, Madison, and Starke counties and holds 15 performances throughout the year for more than 4,000 attendees.
The IAC has awarded nearly $2.5 million to 345 nonprofits and public entities to fund arts projects and organizations throughout Indiana for Fiscal Year 2026. The Arts Organization Support grants provide annual operating support for the ongoing artistic and administrative functions of eligible arts organizations. Arts Project Support grants provide funding to Indiana nonprofit organizations and public entities for specific arts projects or activities.
MYB and other grant seekers were evaluated by 133 external grant reviewers from around the state and country with expertise in the arts, community development, and nonprofit management.
“Metropolitan Youth Ballet is honored to receive this extraordinary Arts Organization Support grant funding from the Indiana Arts Commission,” MYB Artistic Director Jane Hachiya-Weiner said. “Thanks to this support, we’ll be able to expand our reach and offer more youth the opportunity to experience the unique blend of physical, mental, and emotional benefits of ballet that will positively impact their lives now and in the future. As they grow as artists and individuals, they will develop strength and coordination, learn focus and teamwork, and build confidence and creativity.”
IAC Executive Director Miah Michaelsen said, “Art and creativity create stronger, more connected Hoosier communities. Across Indiana, public funding for arts and creativity continually proves to be a high-return investment that improves the quality of life of Hoosiers and drives economic development within our state. We are proud to support organizations and projects that develop connections, foster the entrepreneurial spirit of communities, and create the kinds of places where people want to live, work, study, and stay.”
For more information about programs, registration, and events, or to donate, visit my-ballet.org.