By Tania Said—
MUNCIE, IN — The Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) will bring together artists, volunteers, supporters, and community members for Ovation 2026, an evening celebrating the people who help arts and culture thrive throughout Muncie and Delaware County.
Ovation will be held Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the Ballroom of the historic Patterson Building, 108 S. Walnut St. in downtown Muncie.
This year’s featured guest speaker will be Jim Rawlinson, Vice President of Regional Development for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). Rawlinson will present How the Creative Economy is Strengthening Communities, Attracting Investment, and Driving Our State Forward.
Rawlinson has more than a decade of experience in economic development, with a focus on redevelopment, creative economies, and place-based policy. At IEDC, he oversees the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), which supports quality-of-life and regional development investments across Indiana. He will share his perspective on the role arts and culture play in building Delaware County’s creative economy and contributing to the region’s continued growth and development.
“We’re especially excited to welcome Jim Rawlinson to Ovation this year,” said Kim Miller, president of the MuncieArts Board of Directors. “His work at the state level offers an important perspective on the connection between arts and culture and economic development. We hope his insights will spark conversations not only among those who already support the arts, but among anyone who cares about the future of Muncie and Delaware County.”
Ovation recognizes the donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters who contribute to MuncieArts’ impact while highlighting the role arts and culture play in quality of place and a vibrant local economy.
“The commitment of our supporters allows us to support artists, build meaningful partnerships, and create more opportunities for people to experience arts and culture throughout our community,” said Kim Miller, president of the MuncieArts Board of Directors. “Ovation gives us a chance to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together—and what’s still ahead.”
Tickets are free for donors and volunteers of MuncieArts; $25 for other guests. They are available online on Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-munciearts-ovation-tickets-2001262541133?aff=oddtdtcreator.
MuncieArts will also announce its 2026 Volunteer of the Year, recognizing an individual for outstanding service and commitment to MuncieArts and the community.
About MuncieArts
Celebrating 15 years of championing arts experiences, public art, and a thriving community of artists and allies to impact economic growth, sustainable communities, and health and wellness. As the City of Muncie’s designated arts partner since 2015, MuncieArts works to strengthen the city through creativity, collaboration,and cultural leadership. For more information about the Muncie Arts and Culture Council and its programs, visit www.munciearts.org or follow @MuncieArts on social media.
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