The Indy Arts Council launched Indianapolis’ fall arts season on a record-setting note as its annual Start with Art celebration raised 0,000 to support the region’s artists and cultural organizations.
Held August 20 at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, the signature event exceeded its fundraising goal while bringing together more than 700 arts, business, civic and community leaders. Presented by Schahet Hotels, the celebration highlighted the artists, organizations and partnerships that make arts and culture an essential part of life in Central Indiana.
The fundraising total included $15,000 unlocked through a matching-grant challenge from the Efroymson Family Fund. Fifty-eight sponsors and table hosts supported the event, which featured eight performances and interactive activations involving more than 20 local artists.
“Start with Art is a reminder of what’s possible when our community comes together around the belief that the arts belong to everyone,” said Judith B. Thomas, president and CEO of the Indy Arts Council. “This record-setting support allows us to continue investing in artists, connecting people with creative experiences, and building a city where a creative life truly is possible for all.”
The annual gathering serves as both a fundraiser and a celebration of Indianapolis’ creative identity. Proceeds support the Indy Arts Council’s work to champion local artists, connect residents and visitors with cultural experiences, and help strengthen the organizations contributing to the city’s arts landscape.
Celebrating the 2026 ARTI Award Winners
A centerpiece of Start with Art was the presentation of the annual ARTI Awards, which recognize individuals, businesses and organizations advancing equity and innovation throughout Central Indiana’s arts and cultural community.
Presented by the Indy Arts Council with support from the Central Indiana Community Foundation, the 2026 awards featured “Beautiful Souls,” a song by Indianapolis jazz artist Brandon Meeks. Meeks is a prominent figure in the city’s jazz community and a member of the hip-hop jazz trio Native Sun.
Six honorees received ARTI Awards during the celebration:
- Cultural Entrepreneur: Epicurean Indy
- Neighborhood Impact: Downtown Indy Alliance
- Artist/Activist: Alexa Adamson of Alley Cat Ceramics & Patina Gallery
- Corporate Leadership: First Merchants
- Community Partnership: Indy Indie Book Crawl
- Christel DeHaan Lifetime Achievement: Deborah Asante
From neighborhood engagement and community collaboration to artistic activism and lifelong creative leadership, the honorees reflected the many ways the arts shape Indianapolis.
With a record $330,000 raised, more than 20 local artists featured and hundreds of community leaders in attendance, Start with Art offered a powerful beginning to the fall arts season—and demonstrated what Indianapolis can accomplish when its creative and civic communities come together.
