Indy Arts Council Unveils 2025 ARTI Awards Honorees

The Indy Arts Council has announced the recipients of the 2025 ARTI Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Indianapolis's arts and culture scene. The awards will be presented during the annual Start with Art celebration on August 21, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. This event marks the commencement of the fall arts season in Indianapolis and is expected to draw nearly 1,000 arts, business, and community leaders.

Since 1987, the ARTI Awards have recognized the transformative power of creativity in Indianapolis. This year's honorees include the Indy Dance Council, Mike Graves of BRIDGE Collective, and artist-activist Danicia Monét Malone, among others. The event will feature live performances and remarks from city officials, including Mayor Joe Hogsett.

2025 ARTI Award Winners:

• Cultural Entrepreneur: Indy Dance Council
• Neighborhood Impact: Mike Graves of BRIDGE Collective and The Murphy Arts Center
• Artist/Activist: Danicia Monét Malone of Rokh
• Corporate Leadership: Herbert Simon Family Foundation
• Community Partnerships: IF Theatre and Flanner House | Flanner Fringe Lab
• Christel DeHaan Lifetime Achievement: Iris Rosa

The Start with Art event will include a wearable art performance by Mo Gio, created by Monique Burts, an Art & Soul 2025 Featured Artist, and will be emceed by Mr. Kinetik. Additionally, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Neelay Bhatt, Founder & CEO of Next Practice Partners, with panelists such as Phyllis Boyd, former Director of Indy Parks and current MFA student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Patrick Talty, President of Indiana Sports Corp and Indy Arts Council Board Member, and Judith Thomas, President & CEO of the Indy Arts Council.

The Indy Arts Council is central Indiana’s leading arts advocacy and services agency, dedicated to championing arts and culture. In 2024, the council invested $1.5 million in 91 nonprofit arts and culture organizations through the City of Indianapolis Annual Grants Program and $849,000 in over 800 individual artists. In 2023, the Indianapolis arts and culture sector generated $524 million in direct economic impact, serving 6.5 million residents and visitors.

The recognition of these individuals and organizations underscores the vital role of arts and culture in community development, social activism, and economic growth. By honoring these contributions, the Indy Arts Council highlights the importance of supporting and investing in the arts as a means to foster community identity, social well-being, and economic vitality.

The ARTI Awards have been a tradition since 1987, celebrating the transformative power of creativity in Indianapolis. Over the years, the awards have evolved to recognize a diverse range of contributions to the arts, reflecting the dynamic and inclusive nature of the city's cultural landscape.

The Start with Art event is made possible through the support of the event’s presenting sponsor of over 20 years, Schahet Hotels, alongside numerous civic, corporate, nonprofit, and community leaders and organizations. Additional returning lead sponsors include matching grant sponsor Efroymson Family Fund and ARTI Award sponsor Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF).

The ARTI Awards highlight the vital role of arts and culture in community development and social activism. The community is encouraged to participate and support the arts by attending the Start with Art event and engaging with local arts organizations.