Abstract close-up of Mural on the side of Rabble Coffee

About 10 East Arts

In December 2018, John Boner Neighborhood Centers received a $4.3 million grant from Lilly Endowment to further the neighborhoods vision to once again make 10th Street a thriving Main Street in the heart of the Near Eastside. This grant was a part of Lilly Endowment’s Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation which was an initiative through which the Endowment provided 18 grants totaling more than $48 million to make arts and culture a larger part of the lives of individuals and families and increase access to arts and cultural offerings among diverse audiences.

The goal is to create a vibrant, thriving, equitable neighborhood district in which creativity, arts, heritage and culture enrich the quality of life for existing Eastside residents and visitors. To achieve this, we will:

  • Decrease the number of vacant buildings along 10th Street by acquiring and renovating properties that will stay in neighborhood control and be available for the arts and community use.

  • Increase the number of vibrant public spaces on 10th Street for community gathering and arts programming.

  • Increase opportunities for artists, collaboratives and arts organizations by offering grants to implement diverse arts programming and also to create new artistic works in public spaces on 10th Street.

  • Increase resident access to the arts by supporting existing and new opportunities to arts programming.

  • Increase the number of affordable homes dedicated for artists through the renovation of 25 existing homes and the creation of a new affordable apartment unit for artists and creatives.

  • Increase efforts and attention on the Rivoli Theatre by activating spaces and underutilized parcels surrounding the Rivoli, conducting a feasibility study for long-term and sustainable reuse options and renovating the historic Rivoli marque.

About Inspire 10th Street

In early 2018, John Boner Neighborhood CentersNear East Area Renewal, and Englewood CDC formed Inspire 10th Street LLC to collaborate on the strategic acquisition of available vacant property. The intent of the LLC is to: 

  • Create a density of positive activity and immediate transformation of the 10th Street commercial corridor on the Near Eastside

  • Reduce predatory businesses moving into the area

  • Attract and increase the confidence of other like-minded new businesses and investors along the 10th Street corridor

Related Press and Media 

To learn more about the efforts along East 10th Street check out the recent media coverage here