Today, Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced a $4 million READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative grant to Pearl Arts Inc. in a formal ceremony at the Indiana State House.
Pearl Arts news release:
Pearl Arts, Inc. represents Northeast Indiana at statehouse celebration of READI 2.0 grants
On Wednesday, July 22, representatives for the Pearl Arts Creative Talent Academy Program joined Gov. Mike Braun at the statehouse in celebration of $4 million in grant money provided to the organization through the READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative. The governor’s office announced the investment on July 13, detailing the distribution of $65 million across 49 projects throughout Indiana.
Pearl Arts CEO & Executive Director Angie Fincannon and Surack Enterprises Director of Development Nancy Townsend were among just a handful of recipients asked to present their projects at Wednesday’s celebration.
“Pearl Arts and the Innovation Institute, in partnership with the downtown theater project, are deeply honored to receive $4 million in READI 2.0 funding,” Fincannon said. “This investment strengthens our capacity to deliver a unique program that features high-quality creative learning and workforce development for youth and adults across Northeast Indiana. It’s an extraordinary moment for our organization, Northeast Indiana, and the communities we serve.”
The READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative is a first-of-its-kind initiative to advance regional creative transformation by investing in public art, cultural amenities, and the creative economy.
Pearl Arts. Courtesy photo.
The $4 million awarded to Pearl Arts, Inc. will help fund two capital improvement projects. First, the renovation and expansion of the historic downtown theatre at 431 W Berry Street into a fully equipped training venue for stage production, music technology, and live event operations. Second, the renovation of Pearl Arts’ training facilities inside the Innovation Institute. This will include expanding classrooms, rehearsal spaces, instructional labs, and a recording studio. The two projects’ combined overall price tag is $55.59 million.
Fincannon said, “Applying for READI 2.0 was an incredibly competitive process. More than 320 projects were submitted for consideration, with Pearl Arts being just one of 49 selected.”
About Pearl Arts
Pearl Arts is the vision of a small group of committed volunteers, including local philanthropists Chuck and Lisa Surack, to create a one-of-a-kind community hub for arts and entrepreneurship.
