Regional Performing Arts
South Central Indiana Performing Arts Collective (SCI-PAC)
Purpose
The South Central Indiana Performing Arts Collective (SCI-PAC) exists to strengthen and connect the performing arts ecosystem across South Central Indiana. Formed through regional planning and peer dialogue, this group formalizes a shared commitment to collaboration, coordination, and collective impact.
What we want to be
A connected, visible, and resilient performing arts network where organizations, artists, and venues work together to expand access, elevate quality, and contribute meaningfully to the region’s cultural identity and economic vitality.
Why Now
Recent South Central Indiana Talent Region, READI 2.0: Arts & Culture Strategy findings identified fragmentation, limited coordination, and capacity gaps as barriers to growth, alongside a clear opportunity to expand collaboration and shared infrastructure.
A recent Performing Arts Forum reinforced these insights, highlighting the need for consistent communication, shared resources, and formal organization to sustain momentum and build trust across the network. SCI-PAC is a direct response to those findings and a next step toward implementation.
Starting Small
Starting small is how this work succeeds. By meeting regularly, sharing resources, and staying connected, this group is laying the foundation for a stronger, more coordinated regional arts ecosystem.
Do you want to join the conversation? Email us, and we will keep you updated!
RESOURCES
The South Central Indiana Talent Region, READI 2.0: Arts & Culture Strategy, is a multi-county planning effort that looked at how creative assets, organizations, and communities work together today and where gaps exist. It gathered input from artists, leaders, and residents to identify opportunities to better connect efforts, strengthen infrastructure, and grow impact. The result is a shared roadmap for using arts and culture to improve quality of life, support the economy, and build a stronger regional identity.
Performing Arts Forum
In March of 2026, Columbus Area Arts Council (CAAC) convened performing arts and venue leaders at The Park Theatre and Civic Center in North Vernon for a focused conversation, reflection, and visioning session for the regional performing arts ecosystem. The forum was a part of CAAC’s four-part series, “Structures for Creativity,” presented in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission.
The session moved from individual reflection to small group dialogue, encouraging participants to identify opportunities, barriers, and actionable paths forward. Guided by structured prompts, the group focused on aligning efforts, clarifying roles, and imagining what success could look like across organizations. The conversation emphasized collective problem-solving and the importance of building systems that support connection, consistency, and long-term sustainability.
The session was facilitated by Sharon Andrews, whose deep experience connecting artists, organizations, and civic partners brought a collaborative regional perspective. She guided participants in strengthening relationships, aligning efforts, and building a more connected and sustainable performing arts ecosystem.