Students from around the country perform at the Payne & Mencias Palladium during the Great American Songbook Foundation’s annual Songbook Academy® summer intensive. (Photo courtesy Great American Songbook Foundation)
Posted By: The Reporter December 24, 2025
Nearly $1.38 million will support local arts in 2026
Submitted by City of Carmel
The City of Carmel has announced the recipients of its 2026 Arts Grants Program, awarding grants to 27 local organizations totaling nearly $1.38 million. This latest funding round marks the 22nd year the city has demonstrated unwavering financial support for the local arts community.
Since the grant program’s inception in 2004, the city has strategically invested nearly $20 million (including the 2026 awards) to cultivate and sustain a vibrant artistic environment.
The city’s commitment to the arts is a fundamental component of its economic development strategy and quality-of-life initiatives. By intentionally fostering a community that cherishes and supports the arts, Carmel has successfully attracted private investment, major corporate employers and a highly skilled workforce, providing a solid foundation for sustainable growth and world-class amenities for residents and visitors.
“Through consistent, strategic investment in our arts institutions and organizations, we are fostering economic vitality and elevate Carmel’s overall quality of life,” Mayor Sue Finkam said. “The artistic culture thriving in our city is, without question, a strong economic driver that enriches the lives of our residents, visitors and business community alike.
Mayor Finkam thanked the Advisory Commission on Arts for their guidance, expertise, and continued support of the grants effort.
This year, all grant recipients will participate in a free training provided by Hamilton County Community Foundation focusing on nonprofit operations, grant management and funding.
The list of 2026 Arts Grants recipients is below.
- Actors Theater of Indiana*
- Bigger Picture Film Group
- Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre*
- Carmel Apprentice Theater (The CAT)
- Carmel Arts Council
- Carmel Clay Historical Society
- Carmel Community Players, Inc.
- Carmel International Arts Festival
- Carmel Klavier, Inc.
- Carmel Symphony Orchestra*
- Central Indiana Dance Ensemble*
- The Great American Songbook Foundation
- Discovering Broadway, Inc.
- Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre*
- Indiana Artisan, Inc.
- Indiana Association of Chinese-Americans
- Indiana Ballet Conservatory
- Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra
- Indiana Wind Symphony*
- Indianapolis Opera
- Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
- International Talent Academy
- Janus Developmental Services, Inc.
- Lantern Islamic Theater Company
- M3 Theatre Camp
- Museum of Miniature Houses &
- Other Collections
- Nrityangan Kathak, Inc.
*Denotes Resident Company
