Wabash, IN–Downtown Wabash has made notable progress in the process of receiving a
state-wide designation from the Indiana Arts Commission. The Indiana Arts Commission
announced in early 2020 that the previous “Cultural District Application” was morphing into the
“Creative Community Pathway.” The goal of the program is to recognize communities that
utilize arts and culture as a strategy for growth. Communities are able to receive either
“Creative Community Designation” or “Cultural District Designation.” More details on the
program are available at: https://www.in.gov/arts/programs-and-services/training/creative-
community-pathway/
The Pathway has six steps and Wabash is at Step Three. Step One is completing a self-
assessment to review the preparedness of the community. Step Two is writing a Letter of
Intent to apply for the Pathway. The local District Committee submitted an 83-page Letter of
Intent in February 2020. The review process was delayed due to Covid-19, but Wabash was
invited to Step Three earlier this month.
Step Three features a site visit with Creative Community Pathway Support Team. The site visit
allows the Indiana Arts Commission to get better acquainted with Downtown Wabash. During
a walking tour led by members of the local District Committee, the Support Team met with
local artists, took tours arts and cultural venues, and enjoyed the events at First Friday on
October 2.
“We had an incredible time exploring Wabash and getting to know its creative scene
better,” Anna Tragesser, IAC community services manager, said. “The Honeywell
Center has been a top-notch anchor in Wabash for years, and there’s so much more to
experience– from lively young ballet students to a burgeoning fiber arts producer.”
The designation process in Downtown Wabash is led by Wabash Marketplace, along with
support from the local District Committee consisting of downtown partners. “The District
Committee is working diligently to promote the many artistic and cultural offerings in
Downtown Wabash. Recognition from the Indiana Arts Commission would be a great boost,”
says Andrea Zwiebel, Executive Director of Wabash Marketplace. The local District Committee
consists of Wabash County Museum, The Honeywell Foundation, a panel of local artists, Visit
Wabash County, Wabash City Schools, City of Wabash, Grow Wabash County, and Wabash
Marketplace.
The next steps for Wabash include a follow-up conversation with the Indiana Arts
Commission, expected to take place in the next month. The desired outcome is to receive the
“Creative Community Designation” and be invited to apply for the “Cultural District
Designation.”