Public Art For All
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick connects to and supports the vibrancy of downtown Indianapolis. Along the 8-mile path, Cultural Trail users will pass by and through the many cultural destinations that make Indianapolis a recognized leader in the arts. However, the Cultural Trail is not just about the destination; it is about the journey.
From its inception, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail was planned as a place for public art. It was to be a place where artists could stretch their imaginations and careers; a place that embraces artistic interventions using diverse materials, concepts, and creative professionals. During design and construction, approximately $4 million in private funding supported new public art projects along the Trail.
The principles of art integration that informed the commissioning of the first art projects were established during a charrette that took place with the design and management team prior to the start of the formal design of the Trail.
Those initial principles included the following:
- Focusing on quality over quantity
- Site sensitivity
- Engaging both experienced and emergent artists
- Supporting innovation
- Promoting Connectivity
The $4 million of public art that was commissioned as a part of the Cultural Trail’s constructions was reviewed and recommended by a Curatorial Advisory Committee comprised of local curators of contemporary art, local artists, and relevant design professionals. Artists for the initial projects were selected through a state-wide request for qualifications as well as through a direct selection process.
Public art remains an important part of the Cultural Trail and the City. For those individuals or organizations who desire to install, donate, display or fabricate art on or along the Cultural Trail, please review the Public Art Policy for Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc. by clicking here. If your project meets the criteria, please complete the Art Application by clicking here and submit it via email to Kären Haley at khaley@indyculturaltrail.org.
