Creative Economy Pitch Night puts Indiana’s creative thinkers in the room where decisions get made

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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 of 900 North Studios, Ros Demaree of Indiana Artisan, Rachel Kavathe, Cairo Morada of Cairo Cious, Nica Post of Looking Glass Pottery, Eric Thornbury of Avant Guard, Caroline and Marianne Vogt of Capavo Creations/SillyHeart Art, and Katina D. Washington of Katina Washington LLC. 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 four-person 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.

• Karen Radcliff, President and CEO of Hamilton County Tourism
• Jake Bates, Vice President of Development at BW Development
• Erin Bourff, Operations Manager at Citizens State Bank
• Hannah Morrison, Corporate Communications Manager at SMC Corporation of America

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.

Don’t just applaud creativity. Invest in it.

Creative Economy Pitch Night also serves as Noblesville Creates’ primary fundraising event of 2026, giving attendees and businesses several ways to invest directly in the region’s creative future.

Guests can purchase tickets and tables, participate in interactive fundraising opportunities throughout the evening, cast votes for their favorite pitches and contribute during a special Fund-A-Need appeal supporting the continued work of Noblesville Creates.

Businesses and community organizations can make an even larger investment through event sponsorship, putting their organizations alongside the artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders working to strengthen Central Indiana through creativity.

Funds raised support Noblesville Creates’ mission to connect people with art, artists with opportunities and communities with the creative resources that help them thrive.

Community partners are already investing

Creative Economy Pitch Night is possible because businesses and community organizations have already stepped forward to invest in the people, ideas and partnerships that strengthen Central Indiana’s creative economy.

Noblesville Creates gratefully recognizes Conner Prairie as the event’s Venue Sponsor; Peterson Architecture and Boomerang Development as Presentation Sponsors; Citizens State Bank and American Structurepoint, Inc. as Award Sponsors; and Indiana Artisan, Fishers Arts Council, Coverdale Consulting and Copper Z Creative Wellness as Prize Sponsors.

Their support does more than make one evening possible. It demonstrates the kind of cross-sector investment Creative Economy Pitch Night hopes to inspire: businesses, civic organizations and creative leaders working together to give strong ideas the resources and relationships they need to grow.

“Creative economies don’t grow through artists alone – they grow when communities choose to invest in their creative people,” said McGill. “We’re incredibly grateful to each of our sponsors for demonstrating that commitment and helping us create a space where new relationships, new ideas and new opportunities can begin.”

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.