What if Indiana’s next big idea comes from an artist?

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What if an artist could help solve the next big challenge facing an Indiana community? What if creativity could influence how cities build neighborhoods, attract visitors, strengthen local businesses, create unforgettable places, and make Central Indiana an even better place to call home?

From 6 to 9 p.m.  Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Road, Fishers, Noblesville Creates will put those questions center stage with its inaugural Creative Economy Pitch Night, a high-energy evening at Conner Prairie combining the competitive excitement of Shark Tank, the big ideas of a TED Talk, and the community impact of Noblesville Creates’ primary fundraiser of the year.

Unlike most fundraisers, the audience won’t simply watch. They’ll help decide which ideas deserve to move forward.

Eight creative entrepreneurs. Big ideas. One stage.

Eight Creative Entrepreneur presenters representing different corners of Indiana’s creative economy will take the stage with short, compelling pitches for ways creativity can drive economic development, strengthen communities, and build Hoosier pride.

This year’s presenters are Cory Constantine, Ros Demaree of Indiana Artisan, Rachel Kavathe, Cairo Morada, Nica Post, Eric Thornbury, Marianne and Caroline Vogt, and Katina Washington. Their ideas will explore topics ranging from incorporating artists into planning and development to public art, needed creative spaces, place-defining events, and new ways to celebrate Hamilton County’s artistic identity.

A panel of regional leaders will evaluate the pitches and ultimately select a winner, who will receive a cash prize along with donated professional services to help advance their idea.

But the judges won’t have the only say.

Audience members will cast votes for their favorite presenters, putting everyone in the room directly into the conversation about the future of Central Indiana’s creative economy.

“Creative people are natural problem-solvers,” Noblesville Creates Executive Director Ailithir McGill said. “Pitch Night gives artists and creative entrepreneurs a seat at the economic development table and asks a powerful question: what could happen if we invested in their ideas? We want people to leave inspired not only by what they heard, but by what those ideas could mean for the future of our communities.”

This isn’t your typical fundraiser

The evening begins at 6 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and live music before the pitch competition gets underway at 6:30 p.m. The program will also explore the impact of Central Indiana’s creative economy and culminate with the 2026 Noblesville Creates Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations demonstrating leadership in arts and culture.

Then there’s the fun.

Guests can try their luck with fundraising games and raffles, including Noblesville Creates’ Whiskey Pull, where a $50 entry guarantees a donated bottle valued at $50 or more – with some special bottles waiting to be discovered. (Gaming License #015150)

The evening concludes with a celebration and networking session, giving attendees an opportunity to meet the creative entrepreneurs, civic leaders and fellow supporters helping shape Central Indiana’s creative future.

Your ticket helps put creativity to work

Creative Economy Pitch Night is also Noblesville Creates’ primary fundraising event of 2026. Money raised during the evening supports the nonprofit’s work connecting people with artists, cultivating arts resources, and using creativity to strengthen communities throughout Central Indiana.

During a special Fund-A-Need moment, Noblesville Creates will reveal a new project and invite attendees to directly invest in bringing that next piece of its mission to life.

For attendees, that creates several ways to make an impact: buy a ticket and join the conversation, participate in the evening’s fundraising activities, or make a direct gift to support Noblesville Creates’ work.

Businesses can put their name behind the next big idea

Noblesville Creates is also inviting businesses, corporations, and community leaders to become sponsors of the inaugural event.

Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 Award Sponsorships to a $10,000 Title Sponsorship, with additional Premiere, Entrepreneur, and Presentation levels available. Organizations can also sponsor a $75 ticket, helping someone attend who otherwise could not afford to participate.

Current supporters include Conner Prairie as Venue Sponsor, Peterson Architecture and Boomerang Development as Presentation Sponsors, Citizen’s State Bank as Award Sponsor, and prize support from Indiana Artisan, Fishers Arts Council, Coverdale Consulting, and Copper Z Creative Wellness.

“Sponsoring Pitch Night isn’t simply putting a logo on an event,” McGill said. “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate that your organization believes creative talent belongs in conversations about economic development, quality of place and Indiana’s future.”

Be in the room where the ideas begin

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, business leader, developer, philanthropist, or simply someone who believes Indiana’s best ideas can come from unexpected places, Creative Economy Pitch Night is designed to put you in a room with people asking, “What could we build together?”

Tickets, table packages and sponsorship opportunities are available through Noblesville Creates.

Get tickets and learn more about Creative Economy Pitch Night at this link. Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities may email Ailithir McGill at amcgill@noblesvillecreates.org.