Imagine what Central Indiana would look and feel like if we practiced 10 days of gratitude? If we collectively reflected, enacted, and demonstrated what it means to give, accept, and center a spirit of appreciation while sharing space with strangers, wrestling with new ideas, and creatively expressing ourselves?

Gratitude plays a role in several of the world’s religions, influences ancient and modern philosophical thought, and finds expression in a range of artistic practices. In November of 2024, Spirit & Place invites you to move beyond cliched interpretations of “thanksgiving” to explore the theme of GRATITUDE in all its depth and meaning.

By asking how our communities and organizations could be different if we foregrounded gratitude, we hope festival applicants will craft events designed to explore from where gratitude emanates, how it is expressed, the function it serves in public and spiritual life, and the ways in which human creativity has blossomed and shined when expressing gratitude. We also hope the community will be given a chance to express its own feelings of gratitude in participatory events aimed at strengthening our collective sense of place and belonging.

Click here to download theme prompts!

The phenomena we call “nature” includes plants, insects, animals, and everything living thing in between. Sometimes we call it Mother Nature, the environment, or wilderness.

But Nature (with a capital “N”) is the whole system of existence, arrangement, forces, and events not controlled by humankind. Let’s call that the Universe or Creation.

Fascinatingly, nature also refers to something – or someone’s – basic and inherent features. Their character, essence, or substance.

Whether exploring the literal aspects of nature such as earth, wind, fire, and water, or deeply philosophical or religious ideas about “human nature,” the theme of NATURE welcomes you to delve into the elements of life.

Explore topics tied to the natural world and its flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Or, engage with the world’s philosophies and religions to take a deep look at what makes us human. Examine or create art with or about nature; make music in harmony with the landscape; or tell stories out in the woods! Have fun with NATURE and consider it from a variety of perspectives.

Using the arts, humanities, and religion, Spirit & Place encourages you to explore the theme with a broad lens and to create moments of reflection, delight, and wonder for our Central Indiana community.

Download theme prompts by clicking here.

Learn what 2024 festival goers think about the NATURE theme. Click here.

The United States will commemorate the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. In planning for Spirit & Place’s theme, we learned the community is interested in exploring topics and values tied to American democracy. Especially if these explorations lead to deeper CONNECTIONS.

What connects us—to one another, to history, to place, and to purpose? In a time of polarization and loneliness, Connections remind us of our shared humanity. The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence invites us to reflect on democratic values and the ties that bind us as citizens. But connections are more than civic—they’re spiritual, emotional, artistic, and relational. Through the lenses of the arts, humanities, and religion, how might we explore the ways connection is formed, lost, and rebuilt? What practices help us reconnect with ourselves, each other, and the world around us?

Click here to download a theme prompt

We expect a dynamic array of events in 2026 inspired by the Connections theme—and now we’re turning our attention to what comes next. Our tentative theme for 2027 is Wonder, but recent feedback suggests it may feel too broad or abstract. That’s where you come in!

Knowing that Connections will anchor our work in 2026, would you spare a few minutes to take a short survey on five (5) newly proposed themes? Which do you think would be the most compelling for 2027 and beyond? We’d love your input as we shape a theme that sparks curiosity, creativity, and meaningful engagement through the arts, humanities, and religion.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY