Muncie Arts and Culture Council Celebrates 15 Years of Impact, Partnership, and Public Art in Muncie

Written By Muncie Arts

Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) receives 15-Year Longevity Award from the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce. Pictured are board members Kevin Klinger (Chair, Building Committee) and Michelle Kinsey (Vice President), Tania Said (Executive Director), and Carl Schafer (Treasurer and Founding Board President) 

Photo Credit: Matt Howell, courtesy of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce 

The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) is proud to celebrate 15 years of championing creativity, collaboration, and community in Muncie and Delaware County. 

Incorporated on June 8, 2011, MuncieArts has grown from a grassroots initiative into the City of Muncie’s official arts partner, working at the intersection of artists, nonprofits, local government, and neighborhoods to strengthen quality of life. Through public art, partnerships, and artist support, the organization advances economic growth, sustainable communities, and health and wellness through the arts. 

“The Muncie Arts and Culture Council’s anniversary is a tribute to the incredible spirit of collaboration in Muncie. We’re deeply grateful to our partners, volunteers, and artists whose dedication has made the Council’s work possible,” said Kim Miller, board president. “Looking back on how far we’ve come fills me with pride and optimism. MuncieArts has sparked creativity across our city, and I’m inspired by what we’ll accomplish next—with continued support from this remarkable community.” 

Over the past 15 years, MuncieArts has hosted more than 40 national and international artists working with community partners on social practice projects; completed over 70 BoxBox! traffic control box works of art throughout the city; collaborated with state and national artists to add eight permanent public artworks; and recognized 44 recipients of the Mayor’s Arts Awards. 

“Fifteen years ago, MuncieArts began as a volunteer-driven, grassroots vision to connect artists, organizations, and neighborhoods through creativity,” noted Tania Said, executive director of the Muncie Arts and Culture Council. “Today we see the impact of that vision throughout our city—from public art in everyday spaces to collaborations with community partners and artists from around the world. This anniversary is a moment to celebrate the people who built this organization together and to look ahead to how the arts will continue to shape Muncie’s future.” 

The Celebration Continues: What’s Ahead 

While honoring its 15-year journey, MuncieArts is also preparing an exciting lineup of events that continue to keep the arts vibrant in Muncie. These programs highlight the organization’s commitment to supporting artists, encouraging community participation, and making the arts accessible to everyone. 

Creative Chill: Connecting Artists and the Community 

Introduced last year as a social gathering, Creative Chill has grown into a quarterly series of informal potlucks held in March, June, September, and December. These relaxed gatherings offer opportunities for artists and community members to connect, hear brief presentations from artists, creatives, and makers, and enjoy giveaways. 

Art for the People: Public Art Celebration Weekend 

April 24–26, the Muncie Arts and Culture Council will host a weekend-long community celebration to unveil and celebrate new public artworks created in collaboration with local partners and neighborhoods across Muncie. 

Volunteers or sponsors interested in assisting with the event may contact director@munciearts.org. Event details will be announced soon. 

Celebrate 15 Years with MuncieArts at Downtown Muncie’s First Thursday 

Join MuncieArts for a 15th-birthday celebration on Thursday, June 4, during Downtown Muncie’s First Thursday and the Brink of Summer celebration. Event location details will be announced in early summer. 

Ovation: Honoring Those Who Make MuncieArts Possible 

Ovation recognizes the volunteers and donors who sustain Muncie’s creative community. The inaugural celebration took place last year, and the 2026 event will be held in October during National Arts and Humanities Month. Date, location, and other details will be announced in early fall. 

15 Years of Progress

2011 

  • Muncie Arts and Culture Council incorporated on June 8.

  • Carl Schafer elected board president.

2012 

  • Jackie Johnston hired as first executive director.

2014 

  • Sherri Contos hired as executive director.

  • Betty Brewer elected board president.

2015 

2017 

  • Braydee Euliss hired as executive director. 

2018 

  • PlySpace, the artist residency program, launches with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. 
    (To date, more than 40 artists have worked with community partners throughout Muncie and Delaware County.) 

  • Box!Box!, the traffic box public art program begins. 
    (Today there are more than 70 painted traffic control boxes throughout the city.)

2020 

  • Erin Williams hired as executive director. 

  • Dave Franklin elected board president.

2022 

  • Former church building in the Old West End at 600 W. Jackson St. / 117 S. Council St. purchased for future use. 

2023 

2024 

  • Andreanna Leon hired as interim executive director. 

  • Kim Miller elected board president. 

2025 

  • Tania Said hired as executive director. 

  • MuncieArts organizational reimagination initiative begins. 

2026 

  • MuncieArts celebrates 15 years.

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