Future Festivals

Cultural, faith-based, educational, health and human service organizations, libraries, community centers, and other civic institutions are invited to create innovative programming for upcoming festivals. Application guidelines are posted in the fall. Contact Program Coordinator Jennifer Gilles at 317-278-3623 or gillesj@iupui.edu. Learn more. 

2013 Theme (Nov 1-10): Risk
Hoosiers are not generally considered risk-takers. A recent essay on Indiana's history noted, "We are followers, not leaders; the state of vice-presidents, not presidents. Our motto is ... 'Good enough is good enough'." At the same time, our history is dotted with impressive contrary evidence, from the revitalizaton of downtown Indy and construction of a football stadium (without a team!) to hosting the 1987 Pan Am Games and the 2012 Super Bowl. What issues need strategic risk-taking? How can we surf the space between safety and danger in ways that stimulate community vitality? What risks can we take during Spirit & Place to galvanize change for pressing social concerns? (Read more about RISK here.)
2014 Theme: Journey
The journey between “here” and “there” is filled with movement and meaning. How is this movement shaping—and being shaped by— identity, spirituality, public policy, and civic life? From the instruments of mobility in all its forms (education, money, waterways, trails, bus lines, bike lanes, policies, etc.), to the reasons (quality of life, self-expression, community development, health, persecution, pilgrimmage, etc.), JOURNEY will explore the dynamic passages of peoples and places. 
2015 Theme: Dream
If, as Robert Fulgum posits, “dreams are more powerful that facts,” how might we dream together about the future? What past dreams are present day realities? How do myths and stories, prophets and mystics, as well as art forms give voice to deep yearnings of the soul? What aspirations and ambitions do we have for Central Indiana in the next 20 years?
2016 Theme: Home
The geography of home is complex and nuanced. Home is where we start from; home is where we are; home is what we long for.  Home is about place, relationships, opportunities, identity, community and connections. What does “home”  mean for Indiana and Central Indiana as we celebrate 200 years?