Community Gets Out for Arts, Culture, and Downtown

The streets of downtown Muncie were crowded with friends and neighbors on Thursday, June 6 – a special First Thursday celebration. Muncie’s Downtown businesses and creatives extend a special welcome during the annual Brink of Summer ArtsWalk.

During the evening activities, visitors downtown could collect flowers to build a bouquet, explore galleries, shop from local retailers, and support vendors at YART – a yard sale for art. Live music was performed in Canan Commons and along Walnut Street. Dinner options included local establishments, food trucks, and a Crock-pot cookoff at High Street United Methodist Church.

The Brink of Summer Arts Walk is hosted and promoted by Muncie Downtown Development Partnership. The Community Foundation is a proud sponsor of this free public event, which provides neighbors a chance to embrace the creative sector and invokes community pride. The Community Foundation will also sponsor the October ArtsWalk, a companion event, celebrating arts and our downtown in the fall.

Art is more than just about what’s on display – it’s a cornerstone of our community’s vitality. Engaging with the arts helps stimulate local economies, create job opportunities, and bring diverse groups of people together. Studies have shown that communities with a thriving arts scene often experience higher levels of civic engagement, social cohesion, and overall well-being. The arts foster a sense of belonging and pride, making Muncie a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and play.

Exploring the arts downtown isn’t limited to June and October. Every day there are opportunities to embrace the arts – from galleries to murals to sculptures, and live performances. Unified efforts are made on the first Thursday of each month, galleries open for special showcases, and dedicated community volunteers curate a list of not-to-miss stops on a gallery walk.

Join us at the next First Thursday event and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture that make Muncie unique. Support our local artists, enjoy the creativity on display, and be part of a community that thrives on its rich cultural heritage. By getting involved in the arts, you’re not only enriching your own life but also contributing to the ongoing growth in the creative economy of Muncie.

See you at the next ArtsWalk – let’s ignite generosity, spark change, and celebrate the arts together!

More about Arts

The Community Foundation is engaging the community about the arts with the support of a planning grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. Find out more about the conversations.