2025 was a big year for Arts for Learning Indiana, and we’re looking forward to carrying this same energy into 2026! While a lot has changed for us over the past year, our latest Annual Impact Report showcases a constant many of us already know: the arts continue to change lives across the Hoosier state.
Through performances, workshops, artist residencies, and partnerships in schools and community spaces, tens of thousands of young people experienced creativity, connection, and joy last year—all made possible through the arts. We don’t take successes like this lightly, and are endlessly grateful to our amazing Teaching Artists and supporters who keep this important work moving forward.
Looking Back: Our 2025 Highlights
Along with our ongoing commitment to equity, creativity, community, and amplifying voices and experiences through art, here are some of our most meaningful takeaways from the past year:
- Widespread Reach: We continue to be Indiana’s leading arts education provider, delivering over 40,000 learning hours of in-depth, transformative arts programs and experiences.
- Building Our Roster: We understand the vital part thriving artists play as members of our community, which is why expanding our roster to 70 Teaching Artists is just so exciting!
- New Strategic Vision: In July 2025, we rolled out a new multi-year Strategic Plan built on five guiding “Rays of Impact”: expanding access, uplifting artists, staying relevant, leading boldly, and building a strong, sustainable future.
- Free Art Supplies: We delivered more than 800 free ARTables art kits for students to take home during school breaks to extend their arts education.
- Creative Roots: We launched a free community program over the summer, with each session combining visual and performing arts to create immersive, multidisciplinary art experiences.
- New Location: In November 2025, we moved to a brand-new space: 3328 East 10th Street, STE A, Indianapolis, IN 46201 — part of the city’s East 10th Street Arts District.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2026
With a new address and renewed sense of purpose, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year. Expect expanded partnerships, more opportunities for students and educators, fun events, and a stronger presence in our community. Here’s what has us excited:
- ABC Fellowship: We’re adding 3 new Artist Building Community Fellowships! Through the fellowship, an Arts for Learning teaching artist is paired with a K-12 educator or administrator for a 3-year residency that explores the assets of the school, the socio-cultural history of the surrounding community, and the needs of the students they are serving. The fellows create a new Arts for Learning program, by and with the school community, based on this deep integration. These programs are provided to the schools at NO COST due to the generosity of our supporters.
- 2026 Artforce Cohort: Artforce is a three-week summer intensive visual arts program on the Central Indiana Ivy Tech campus, co-taught by an Arts for Learning Teaching Artist and member of the Ivy Tech faculty. This is a three-week program for high-schoolers that ends with an exhibition featuring their artwork and a potential stipend.
- Creative Roots Spring Showcase: Creative Roots is expanding to new parks this spring! These FREE programs will be held at Krannert Park, Garfield Park, and Washington Park and feature Arts for Learning Teaching Artists Beatriz Vasques, Krystal Breakley, and Ronne Stone.
- Young Audiences Conference: We’ll be heading to Washington, D.C. in March for the Telling Our Story Young Audiences Arts for Learning National Arts in Education Conference! We’re coming together to write the next chapter of arts education, where policy meets purpose, and where every voice helps shape the story.
- Open House: We’re throwing an open house at our new space in 2026! It’ll be the perfect chance to see our new gallery, meet the team, and feel the impact of this work up close. Stay tuned for more details!
Why You Support Matters
As we settle into our new home and look ahead to an exciting 2026, we’re reminded time and time again that community support isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
Your support is what makes all of this possible. Every gift, partnership, volunteer hour, and shared moment of advocacy helps ensure that young people across Indiana have access to creativity, confidence, and connection through the arts.
In a world where arts and creative learning are too often optional or dismissed, Arts for Learning Indiana continues to shine bright—and we hope you’ll shine with us.
There’s a lot to look forward to! Stay connected with us and consider supporting our journey!
