Fifteen rural organizations in Indiana will collaborate with Indiana University for the 2026 Rural Placemaking Studio, a program designed to enhance community spaces through public art and design. The initiative is led by the IU ServeDesign Center at the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design and the IU Center for Rural Engagement.
Launched in 2024, the studio works with rural communities to create public spaces that reflect local identity and foster community ties. Students majoring in comprehensive design and graphic design will work alongside local partners under the direction of Jon Racek, program director of comprehensive design at the Eskenazi School and director of the ServeDesign Center, with support from staff at the Center for Rural Engagement.
“Over the last three summers, the Rural Placemaking Studio has connected Eskenazi School students with people throughout south-central Indiana,” said Peg Faimon, founding dean of the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design. “These partnerships are transformative for the students, communities and leaders, and they result in impactful, beautiful and educational projects that enhance civic pride. The RPS is at the center of our strategic goal to engage our community, state and beyond.”
The current round of projects includes public art installations, interpretive signage, parklets, plaza designs, trail improvements and early-stage architectural concepts for historic buildings. Each project will be developed from initial vision to detailed implementation plans based on each partner’s needs.
“The Rural Placemaking Studio helps communities bring their ideas to life in ways that increase connection and local vibrancy,” said Kyla Cox Deckard, Center for Rural Engagement interim executive director. “Rural Indiana’s beautiful, historic landscapes provide inspiration for thoughtful and welcoming designs, and Rural Placemaking Studio projects continue to deepen partnerships between communities and Indiana University that extend beyond the design experience.”
Eligible communities have populations under 50,000 within about a 90-mile radius of Bloomington.
Since its start in 2024, the studio has worked with 25 rural organizations across 19 counties on 30 placemaking projects. Past efforts include a Main Street redesign in Shoals and downtown renewal initiatives in Washington. Support comes partly from HWC Engineering.
This year’s selected partners include groups such as Community Action Leading Loogootee (Martin County), City of Salem (Washington County), Eastern Greene Schools (Greene County), Decatur County Community Garden, Heartland Artists (Marshall County), University of Southern Indiana’s Historic New Harmony (Posey County), Blue River Community Foundation (Shelby County), Heart of Lebanon (Boone County), City of Bluffton (Wells County), Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand (Dubois County), Cannelton Grows Inc. (Perry County), Clarksville Historic Preservation Commission (Clark County), Heart of Jasper (Dubois County) and Main Street Greencastle (Putnam County).
Projects range from designing kiosks supporting historical walking tours to conceptualizing new gathering spaces or revitalizing downtown plazas.
The 2026 studio will conclude this summer with an open-house event showcasing completed projects. A new call for proposals is planned for late 2026. More information can be found on the Center for Rural Engagement website.
Indiana University Bloomington plays an important role in advancing research, creativity and innovation while serving as a leading hub for higher education according to its official website. The university’s historic limestone campus draws students from all U.S. states and over 150 countries.
