The Fishers Arts & Culture Commission (FACC) continues to work to expand the city’s public art landscape and invest in local artists and art organizations.
The FACC aims to foster a community where arts and culture activities are a vital component of everyday life. Since its formation in 2018, the Commission has helped to fund new art projects around the city, including the Wes Montgomery traveling mural, honoring the late Hoosier jazz guitarist who served as inspiration for Jimi Hendrix; the dynamic Seasons Nouveau banner series currently on display at The Edge Parking Garage, 8890 E. 116th St.; and a large-scale interactive artwork to debut in the new entrance plaza for Fishers’ Hamilton East Public Library, set to open early next year.
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One of the Commission’s latest funded projects – a 1,000 square-foot mural along the Nickel Plate Trail on the rear wall of the Fishers Police Department Parking Garage, 4 Municipal Drive – is currently underway. Blazing the Trail by Terre Haute-based artist Becky Hochhalter showcases local community life and will serve as a key activation point along Fishers’ Nickel Plate Trail.
The mural includes iconic Fishers landmarks, traditions, and heroes, including the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, Conner Prairie’s Cedar Chapel covered bridge, the Fishers High School and Hamilton Southeastern High School mascots, and a tribute to Fishers Police Department’s late K-9 Harlej.
This month, the FACC launched its first grant program aimed at nurturing creative partnerships within the Fishers arts community. The Commission is seeking a diverse group of applications that will highlight the contributions to the innovative and vibrant community, including artists, creative companies, non-profits, and for-profit businesses. Projects considered for the 2021 FACC Grant Program can be exhibits, events, programs, displays, or other artistic or cultural expressions. Projects must take place within the city boundaries of Fishers and should relate to two or more of the Commission’s core values: inclusive, authentic, engaging, collaborative, innovative, and educational.
Awarded grants will range from $1,000 to $2,500. Applications are currently being accepted through July 5, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Grant recipients will be announced in late July.