Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority adopts new Regional Arts & Culture Plan
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (December 8, 2025) – The Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) adopted a new community-driven arts and culture strategy for the South Bend – Elkhart region.
The RDA and staff at the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership worked with consulting team Designing Local to develop the regional arts and culture plan. The plan provides a comprehensive vision for more deeply integrating arts and culture into the region and will serve as a roadmap for regional organizations and local governments in implementing the community’s vision.
“The State of Indiana’s Regional Acceleration and Development Initiative – or READI – program has transformed the way communities across our region think about quality of place,” said Tim Sexton, chair of the RDA. “This plan elevates that progress by showing how strategic investments in arts and culture can deepen our identity, strengthen our neighborhoods, and amplify the impact of the work already underway. With the state’s Redevelopment & Arts Initiative on the horizon, we now have a community-driven roadmap to guide meaningful investment in 2026 and beyond.”
Earlier this year, Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced funds for regions to take part in an arts and culture planning process. After a data gathering phase – with a public survey, focus groups and one-on-one conversations, as well as the development of a steering committee – a draft plan was presented to the region over the summer through a series of workshops in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties to gain further insight.
“The South Bend – Elkhart region has never lacked creativity or talent – what we’ve needed is a shared vision to elevate what’s already exceptional,” said Bethany Hartley, President & CEO of the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. “This plan gives us that. It captures our tenacity, our commitment to excellence, and our belief that world-class arts and culture don’t just belong in big cities – they belong right here at home. With this plan, we’re not asking ‘Why us?’ but ‘Why not us?’”
In January of 2024, the State of Indiana announced a $250 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to help bolster quality of place efforts throughout the state. Named the Redevelopment & Arts Initiative, the grant will support reviving blighted areas, as well as boosting arts and culture in the community. The Arts & Culture Plan will be the lead document in the region’s bid for these funds. Under the direction of Governor Braun and in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission, the IEDC plans on awarding funds from the Arts Initiative to specific projects across the state in 2026.
For more information on the South Bend – Elkhart region’s Arts & Culture Plan, click here.
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About South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership
The South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership seeks to unify and collaborate so that together, communities across the region can work collectively to achieve what cannot be done individually. For more information about the Regional Partnership, visit SouthBendElkhart.org.
About the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA)
Formed in 2015, the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) represents the three Indiana counties of Elkhart, Marshall, and St. Joseph. The RDA is overseen by a five-member board, each appointed by the mayors and commissioners of member counties and municipalities. The RDA is committed to the continued improvement of the South Bend – Elkhart region and receives staffing support from the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, the lead regional economic development organization for the region. For more information about the RDA, click here.
About the Indiana READI Program
Indiana is committed to investing in the growth and prosperity of the individuals and families that call the Hoosier state home. READI builds on the framework and successes of the Indiana Regional Cities Initiative and the 21st Century Talent Initiative, encouraging neighboring communities across the state to work collaboratively to develop a bold vision for their future that, when implemented, will attract, develop and retain talent in Indiana.
Media Contact
Liz Folkerts
South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership