Governor Braun Proclaims September“Indiana Creative Economy Month”
Statewide recognition affirms the creative sector as a driver of economic growth as Pattern prepares to convene leaders from across Indiana at its fourth annual Creative Economy Summit
INDIANAPOLIS — Sept. 1, 2026 — Governor Mike Braun has officially proclaimed September 2026 as Indiana Creative Economy Month, recognizing the state’s creative industries as a significant contributor to Indiana’s economy, workforce and communities. The proclamation marks the first time the state has formally designated a month to the creative economy and comes as Pattern prepares to host its fourth annual Indiana Creative Economy Summit on September 15–16.
In the proclamation, the state recognizes the creative economy as “a significant driver of economic growth, workforce development, and quality of place in Indiana,” and notes that Indiana’s creative industries — including design, architecture, film and media, music, fashion, digital content, advertising, publishing, and the visual and performing arts — contribute to job creation, small business formation, tourism and innovation across both urban and rural communities.
“When we talk about growing Indiana’s economy, the creative industries play an important part in that conversation,” said Gov. Mike Braun. “Art is a business. Design is a business. Film, music, advertising and digital media all create jobs, generate economic activity and give talented Hoosiers a reason to build their careers here. They also add to the character of our communities and make Indiana a place where people want to put down roots. That’s worth recognizing and building on.”
“This proclamation is a historic milestone for Indiana’s creative economy,” said Polina Osherov, Executive Director of Pattern. “For years, the people and businesses powering our creative industries have generated real economic activity without always being recognized as part of the state’s economic story. Having the Governor designate Creative Economy Month sends an important signal that this work matters and gives regions, industries, institutions and leaders across Indiana a shared opportunity to build on that momentum.”
Pattern has spent the past several years working to build Indiana’s creative economy as a field — connecting regions and stakeholders across the state, producing research and storytelling, convening leaders, and helping bring greater visibility and coordination to an economic sector that spans both commercial creative industries and nonprofit arts and culture.
That work will continue September 15–16 at the Indiana Creative Economy Summit, Pattern’s annual statewide convening of business leaders, economic developers, policymakers, educators, funders, creative industry leaders and community stakeholders. The two-day Summit will explore what Indiana can do to more intentionally develop its creative economy, including stronger regional infrastructure, better data, investment, entrepreneurship, innovation and public policy to grow Hoosier creative industries.
“Creative Economy Month gives Indiana something we haven’t really had before: a statewide moment around which people can organize,” Osherov said. “Our hope is that September becomes an opportunity for communities across Indiana to showcase what is already happening in their regions, bring new people into the conversation and make the economic value of creativity much more visible. The Summit is one part of that larger effort.”
The 2026 Indiana Creative Economy Summit will take place September 15–16 at 24 Shelby Event Venue in Indianapolis. More information is available at patternsummit.com.
About Pattern
Pattern is a nonprofit organization working to support, empower, and grow Indiana’s creative economy. Pattern builds the field by connecting regions, industries, institutions, and leaders across the state and developing the research, convenings, storytelling, strategies, and infrastructure needed for Indiana’s creative economy to grow. Pattern’s vision is for Indiana to be recognized internationally as a leader in creativity and innovation. Learn more at patternindy.com.
Media Contact
Polina Osherov
Executive Director, Pattern
Scott Carr
Catalyst Public Affairs Group
