Arts Commission invests in North Coast Cultural Association to strengthen Chesterton and the Region through arts and creativity 

The Indiana Arts Commission (IAC) announced it has awarded $23,826 to North Coast Cultural Association through the Arts Organization Support grant program.  This award is split between the 2023/2024 operating period and 2024/2025.

During its June 9 Quarterly Business Meeting, the Commission approved funding recommendations for the Arts Project Support and Arts Organization Support grant programs. Over 480 applications were reviewed by 146 panelists from around the state and country with expertise in the arts, community development, and nonprofit management. $3,431,351 was awarded to 414 nonprofits to fund arts projects and organizations around the state through the Arts Organization Support and Arts Project Support grant programs.

“The projects and organizations selected to receive funding are strengthening our state,” said Anne Penny Valentine, Chair of the Indiana Arts Commission. “The Commission is excited and honored to invest in Hoosier communities, supporting organizations that are doing exceptional creative work to make Indiana a great place to live, work, play, study, and stay.”

“We would like to thank Governor Eric Holcomb and our State Legislators, Senator Rodney Pol and Representative Pat Boy, as well as our Congressional Legislators Representative Frank Mrvan and Senators Todd Young and Mike Braun” said Angela Heid, President of NCCA.  She also stressed the importance of these funds to keep the arts alive in our communities.

The North Coast Cultural Association has operated the 4^th Street Theater in downtown Chesterton for over 22 years and has produced over 65 award-winning plays and musicals.  The creation of the annual 10 Minute Play Festival will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2024.  This festival is unique to the Region and showcases playwrights, directors and actors and from all over the Region and the country.  The festival provides opportunities for local playwrights, directors and actors, both experienced and fledgling, to take a shot at creating performance art.  Information is available at www.4thstreetncca.com

“Art and creativity strengthen the fabric of Indiana’s communities.  They promote connection and cohesion, foster the entrepreneurial spirit communities need to thrive, and create the kinds of communities where people want to live,” said Miah Michaelsen, Executive Director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “In every corner of our state, public funding for arts and creativity continually proves to be a high-return investment that improves the quality of life of Hoosiers and drives economic development within our state.”

Funding for the Indiana Arts Commission and its programs is provided by the Indiana General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.