The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced that 12 Indiana artists have received micro-support grants through the Work In Progress Exchange Labs program. The Work In Progress Exchange Lab Micro-Support Grant Program is a competitive grant program providing funding of between $250 - $1,000 to support a current project connected to Exchange Lab discussions, topics, or an artist’s individual practice. Applications are evaluated based on artistic vision and project alignment, project management and planning, and community benefit and career development.
Work In Progress Exchange Labs are in-person convenings for artists of all disciplines to gather to discuss topics of interest pertaining to creatives such as the status of current projects and their creative practices and careers. Attendees exchange strategies and resources with their creative peers and connect with local arts leaders to support the completion of projects that advance their creative careers in Indiana. Work In Progress Exchange Labs are free to attend and are regionally based. Artists who participate in at least one Exchange Lab meeting are eligible to apply to the Work In Progress Exchange Labs Micro-Support Grant.
Aaron Nicholson, an iron sculptor in Delaware County, will utilize the Work In Progress Exchange Lab Micro-Support Grant to develop sand molds for coming public programs. Nicholson will use the sand molds for the Fire Up Downtown event in Muncie and for a project in which he will create 20 sculptural manhole covers for downtown Muncie, inviting community participation through workshops where the public can design mini-covers.
Katie Wood, a jewelry artist from Putnam County, will utilize the Work In Progress Exchange Lab Micro-Support Grant to acquire a Quick Form Press, an all-in-one tool for shaping metal. The tool will allow Wood to create eyeglass frames from an heirloom platter, using thin, concave metal to securely hold the lenses. This tool will allow Wood to expand and grow her business’ offerings.
The full list of micro-support grant recipients is below:
- Aaron Leif Nicholson, Delaware County
- Carl James Johnson, Putnam County
- Connie Wagner, Putnam County
- Jennifer Johnson, Putnam County
- Zach Evans, Vanderburgh County
- Katie Wood, Putnam County
- Laura Foster Nicholson, Posey County
- Lavinia Hale, Putnam County
- Mary Ann Michna, Posey County
- Phoebe Scott, Owen County
- Rachel L Curtis, Putnam County
- Rebecca Bailey, Vanderburgh County
Work In Progress Exchange Labs take place monthly in five different areas of the state. Artists and creative entrepreneurs who attend at least one Exchange Lab are eligible to apply for the Micro-Support Grant. Applications for the next cycle of the program will open in September. Learn more and find a Work in Progress Exchange Lab in your region.