Indiana University Rural Placemaking Studio

Nicole Vasconi
812.855.6642
nvasconi@iu.edu

The Indiana University Rural Placemaking Studio is a technical assistance opportunity for community organizations, volunteer groups, main street committees, and other groups dedicated to stewarding vibrant public spaces in rural Indiana communities. Selected communities will receive technical guidance and early-stage design support to help develop their ideas into clear, creative, and achievable project concepts.

Program goals:

• Promote accessible and welcoming public spaces
• Empower community participation
• Enhance community identity
• Cultivate a sense of belonging
• Leverage and enhance local assets
• Support economic development
• Grow collaborative partnerships

Eligible project areas:

• Early concept development and schematic design of public spaces
• Early concept development for public art
• Wayfinding signage and interpretation
• Graphic design and visual communications
• Pre-architectural planning

Detailed lists of project examples and potential technical assistance under each project area are provided in the application instructions, beginning on page 5.

Projects should be supported by formal partnership agreement(s) with an established community organization, local municipality, volunteer network, main street entity, or resident committee. Partnerships should be in place before the application process begins.

Eligibility requirements:

• Be located on a publicly accessible project site or in a shared, public space
• Be located in a rural Indiana community with a population of 50,000 people or fewer
• Have a designated group leader or project manager who will submit the application, serve as the primary point of contact, and oversee the partnership with Rural Placemaking Studio
• Be available for Rural Placemaking Studio meetings and site visits throughout the program timeline
• Demonstrate a commitment to community engagement

This is a technical assistance opportunity.

Links to additional guidance, application instructions, and the online application form are available on the program website.

Selection criteria:

• Demonstrate a commitment to fair practices and actively engage in projects that support individuals and groups within the community served
• Have the capacity to host meetings, community site visits, and receive technical assistance from the Rural Placemaking Studio staff
• Align with the program goals
• Propose a design challenge or project that is relevant to and benefits the local community
• Demonstrate a desire to learn and share positive experiences with Indiana University students, faculty, and other program participants
• Show enthusiasm for tackling community challenges
• Commit to seeking long-term, sustainable solutions through public design
• Seek input from the wider community before submitting an application

Technical assistance:

• Open office hours #1
  (Registration required)
  October 15, 2026
  Reserve a 30-minute appointment between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern
• Application workshop
  (Registration required)
  November 6, 2026
  10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern
• Open office hours #2
  (Registration required)
  November 12, 2026
  Reserve a 30-minute appointment between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern
• Center for Rural Engagement Community Arts and Culture Guide
• National Endowment for the Arts Creative Placemaking
• Arts Midwest Cultivating a Creative Placemaking Mindset in Your Community Guide
• Project for Public Spaces What is Placemaking?