09-15-2026 Gov. Braun Builds Momentum in Indiana’s Creative Economy

Gov. Braun Builds Momentum in Indiana's Creative Economy

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Governor Mike Braun today highlighted the growth of Indiana's creative economy, delivering video remarks at the 2026 Indiana Creative Economy Summit hosted Sept. 15-16 in Indianapolis, thanking artists, entrepreneurs and industry leaders for their many contributions to the state and its communities. Gov. Braun designated September as Creative Economy Month in Indiana for the first time in recognition of the state's arts and culture sector that contributes $10.1 billion annually to the Hoosier economy.

"Indiana's arts and culture sector is on a roll thanks to Hoosier creatives, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and innovators that are investing in their crafts while powering jobs, wages and communities forward," said Gov. Braun. "This month's designation as Creative Economy Month is a powerful recognition that Indiana's creative industries are a significant driver of economic growth, workforce development, talent attraction and quality of place, building the character of our communities and making Indiana a place where people want to put down roots."

The fourth annual Indiana Creative Economy Summit, hosted by Pattern, is designed to support, power and grow the state's creative economy, convening founders, funders and civic leaders driving the sector and recognizing that 'creativity is big business' - the theme of this year's event. Key topics at this week's summit focus on the use of creativity in community infrastructure and place building; the link between creative ideas, new products and business growth; and supporting creatives in the formation and growth of small business.

Tomorrow's agenda will feature a session focused on the state's Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI 2.0) Arts & Culture program, a $65 million, first-of-its-kind statewide initiative recognizing arts and culture as powerful drivers of regional growth. The program, made possible through a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant, is propelling 49 creative projects across all of Indiana's regions while accelerating tourism, talent retention and attraction, and continued economic and job growth.

These READI 2.0 Arts & Culture projects, announced in July, are expected to generate more than $369 million in investment in the state's arts and culture economy. These regionally driven projects will revitalize historic theatres, pavilions and entertainment venues; bring museum exhibits, galleries and learning spaces to life; create public art and sculptures; and support initiatives focused on building Indiana's creative workforce and economy by investing in artists and entrepreneurs.

"Creativity is an essential part of economic development," said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. "Indiana's artists, creatives and entrepreneurs are contributing to job creation, small business formation, tourism and innovation in urban and rural communities across Indiana while bringing energy to our neighborhoods and downtowns, telling our stories, and creating the state's identity. This week's summit is a unique opportunity to convene industry leaders, advocates and partners to define the future of Indiana's creative economy and set it on a trajectory of growth for years to come."

Indiana's arts and culture sector contributes $10.1 billion annually to the state's economy, increasing nearly 33% from $7.6 billion in 2020 and representing approximately 2% of the state's GDP. The sector employs more than 92,600 Hoosiers statewide and provides workers $6 billion in combined wages and benefits.

Additionally, the industry supports Indiana's newest trade association, the Creative Economy Leadership Alliance (CELA), which was created to be a unified voice for creative industries and to give the creative economy a stronger voice at the policy, legislative and economy development tables. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, arts and cultural production alone generated over $1 trillion in economic activity and supported more than 5 million jobs nationwide, demonstrating significant opportunity for Indiana and Hoosiers to leverage arts and culture toward economic growth.

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