Putnam County Mural Festival exceeds fundraising goal

Thanks to an outpouring of community support, the Putnam County Mural Project has exceeded its fundraising goal for a $25,000 matching grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s CreatINg Places program.

More than 200 individuals and corporations donated to raise nearly $28,000 during the 45-day campaign, which qualified the project to receive an additional $25,000.

However, that campaign wasn’t designed to raise the funds needed to cover the entire project. Through a variety of sources, the Putnam County Mural Project has secured an additional $30,000 in funds, including grant support from The Efroymson Family Fund, Indiana Arts Commission and the Lilly Scholars Network.

“We want to thank everyone who donated to this project — from the folks at First Friday who gave us a $5 bill to our corporate sponsors at the highest level. We couldn’t put this festival on without their support,” said Kate Knaul, a member of the volunteer group who led fundraising efforts. “All along, we have made it a priority to pay our artists well and to engage the community along the way, and this funding allows us to do that. Thank you.”

The festival will be held Sept. 11–24 and include five new murals — two in Greencastle, two in Roachdale, and one in Fillmore. Additional wall sponsorships remain and all funding will go toward supporting future mural projects.