Creative placemaking, community-building and celebration: INRC’s 3rd Annual Jubilee and Exclusive Documentary Pre-Screening

In a city as diverse and dynamic as Indianapolis, the power of community is undeniable.

I know this firsthand, having been introduced to the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center (INRC) through my term of service with Public Allies Indianapolis. I was fresh out of college, a first-generation student from the far eastside, trying to figure out my next steps. A few of my friends, Public Allies alumni themselves, urged me to check out the program. Little did I know, that experience would be life-changing.

I grew up in a community that didn’t often get positive attention. But during my 10-month service term, I saw a different story. I witnessed grassroots leaders — people just like me — driving change in their own neighborhoods. It was the first time I experienced the transformative power of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), which is at the heart of INRC’s work.

The idea that lived experience could be seen as expertise and that neighbors, when empowered, could lead meaningful projects was eye-opening.

That experience shaped not only my career but also how I see community work. I ended up falling in love with urban planning, and I’ve remained involved with INRC ever since, serving as board president for three years and now as interim executive director. One of my goals in this new role is to highlight the incredible work that INRC has been doing for the last 30 years.

Celebrating Creative Placemaking: A Movement, A Milestone

We invite you to celebrate with us as we mark a significant milestone — INRC’s 30th anniversary—at our third annual Jubilee on October 10, 2024. The event will bring together community members, supporters, and local leaders to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished, including the success of our Creative Placemaking Program.

This initiative, made possible by Lilly Endowment’s Strengthening Indianapolis through Arts and Cultural Innovation grant, has provided over $170,000 in funding for resident-led projects between 2020 and 2024. These projects are a testament to the power of creativity in building community, especially when art and culture are used as bridges to bring neighbors closer.

One of the evening’s highlights will be an exclusive pre-screening of “Creative Placemaking: Cultivating Culture & Community,” a documentary that showcases the inspiring work happening through our Creative Placemaking Program. The film captures the beauty of residents transforming their neighborhoods through art, storytelling and cultural preservation — leaving lasting impacts on both people and places.

Interactive arts, connection and celebration at the Jubilee

The Jubilee will not only be a night of celebration but also an opportunity for hands-on creation. You can join our interactive arts sessions led by creative leaders like Cierra Johnson and Chromatic Collective, contributing to a collective artwork or sketching along as you learn about preserving family and neighborhood stories. It’s all about capturing the spirit of placemaking in action.

You’re Invited

The INRC Jubilee promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with good food, great company, and even greater inspiration. With complimentary beer, wine, hors d’oeuvres, music and engaging activities — including a silent auction and a wine pull — there’s something for everyone.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and tickets can be purchased at bit.ly/Jubilee2024.

This year’s event would not be possible without the generous support of our Title Sponsor, Citizens Energy Group. Together, we are creating spaces where neighbors thrive, and we hope you’ll join us in supporting this important work.

As we celebrate 30 years of community building, we are reminded that every success INRC has achieved comes from the commitment of our residents, partners and supporters. Whether you’re attending the Jubilee or simply sharing in the spirit of our mission, your involvement fuels the future of neighborhood-driven change.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of placemaking, community-building and celebration.

Britt Redd is the Executive Director at Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center (INRC).