Friends of the Arts

Who Are We?

The JCC Indianapolis Arts & Education Department creates programming that enriches, educates, and inspires our members and wider community. Guided by Jewish values, we strive to foster community connection, artistic expression, and lifelong learning through our diverse programming.

What is Our Mission?

The mission of the JCC Indianapolis is to provide inclusive experiences that lead to personal growth and community building, and that is exactly what the Arts & Education Department accomplishes through year-round accessible programming in a welcoming environment.

Who Do We Serve?

We serve adults, families, and children both within our JCC membership and throughout Central Indiana. Guided by the Jewish values that make up the foundation of our organization, we welcome those of all faiths, ethnicities, and walks of life.

How Do We Do It?

We present outstanding programs, classes, and exhibits for a broad population, many of them low-cost or free. Our offerings fall into five primary categories:

• Ann Katz Festival of Books & Arts, a three-week-long festival in late October through mid-November that brings authors, artists, speakers, chefs, musicians, and more to our JCC.
• Special Events and Performances, including films, speakers, authors, dance, theatre, and community forums.
• Art Gallery Exhibits, featuring six or more local artists per year.
• Adult Continuing Education Classes offered in a wide range of formats on topics such as music, art, politics, and more.
• Social Justice Programming, in partnership with the JCC Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee, presents classes, speakers, and community forums centered on building our JCC culture at the board, staff, and member level.

What is Our Impact?

In 2024, our programs and exhibits reached several thousand people. With this reach we were able to:

• Improve accessibility of our programs through reduced or eliminated fees
• Platform up-and-coming local artists and writers
• Create inspiring artistic experiences specifically geared towards seniors
• Connect the JCC with other faith communities through interfaith programs
• Revitalize theatre programming at the JCC
• Cultivate passionate volunteerism and community engagement
• Host the highest-attended Ann Katz Festival since the pandemic

How Can You Help?

As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, the JCC is supported by both program revenues and community contributions, and for Arts & Education, program fees cover only 15% of our operating costs. By becoming a Friend of the Arts, your contribution, one-time or recurring, will directly support the Arts & Education Department’s ability to bring high-quality, accessible programming to our community.

Let’s be Friends! Support JCC Friends of the Arts Fund.

By becoming a Friend of the Arts, you become a part of the work we do at the JCC every day. Your support enables us to have many free events, to platform a diversity of voices and issues, and to strengthen the presence of Jewish art and literature in Central Indiana. Plus, when you become a supporter, we show our thanks to you with special discounts, benefits, and gifts you can enjoy year-round!

Thank You to Our Supporters

Visit our Sponsors & Donors page for a list of all who played a vital role in making it possible for the JCC to continue to provide a quality facility and programs.

Recent Funding Awards

Part of being good stewards means that the JCC seeks out and applies to foundations for grants and other funding. Visit our Donors & Sponsors page for some of our Recent Funding Awards.