Johnson County legislators: State funding awarded to support local arts and culture projects

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 11, 2026) – Johnson County legislators are highlighting local arts and culture projects that received funding through the READI 2.0 Arts & Culture grant program. The investment will help strengthen quality of place, support local economic development and enhance community amenities throughout the region.

The project, the Creative Economy Activation Initiative, received a $250,000 READI grant and was among 49 projects selected statewide through the initiative, which supports community-driven investments in arts and culture that encourage tourism, attract talent and improve quality of life.

"Years from now, our communities across Johnson County will be better off because of this investment," said State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland). "Stronger communities attract residents, businesses and visitors, which benefits everyone in our county."

State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) said the project will launch a regional speaker series at the Historic Artcraft Theatre featuring nationally recognized creatives, along with workshops and scholarships designed to help artists and aspiring creatives build their careers.

"The Artcraft Theatre has shaped Franklin’s sense of place, and I’m thrilled to see them receive this grant," Greene said. "This investment seeks to strengthen important parts of what makes our local communities unique, meaning more reasons to put down roots in Indiana."

The project also includes the development of the DO ART Cart, a mobile gallery that will bring rotating exhibitions into public spaces, festivals and community events, creating new opportunities for artists to showcase and sell their work.

State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) said through the READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative, $65 million is being invested in projects that strengthen Indiana’s creative economy through efforts such as public art, cultural amenities and other community-focused improvements.

Indiana’s 15 READI regions developed arts and culture plans to identify opportunities for investment, and projects were selected based on their potential to create lasting community and economic impacts. More than 300 projects were proposed, representing over $1 billion in potential investments for arts and culture.

"When neighbors invest in the places they care about, the entire community shares in the benefits of what follows," Haggard said. "Johnson County is blessed to be in a state that rallies behind projects like this."

Click here to view a full list of READI Arts & Culture Initiative award recipients, project details and funding amounts. More information about the initiative is available at IndianaREADI.com.

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State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) represents House District 57,
which includes portions of Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

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