FAQs:
Q. WHAT IS SHINING A LIGHT?
A. Lilly Endowment, Inc. awarded Downtown Indy, Inc. (DII) and Indiana War Memorials Commission (IWMC) a $7.6 million Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts and Cultural Innovation grant to infuse arts and culture into Indianapolis by enhancing Monument Circle’s activation capabilities with the addition of lighting, staging, sound and Indy’s nightly “Signature Salute.”
Q. WHO IS MANAGING THE PROJECT?
A. This project is managed in partnership by Downtown Indy, Inc. and Indiana War Memorials Commission. Downtown Indy, Inc. is the non-profit urban place management organization for Downtown Indianapolis. DII's sole focus is on Downtown’s economic success, livability and vitality through collaboration, advocacy and action. Indiana War Memorial Commission operates the Indiana War Memorials in pursuit of commemorating valor and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces and honoring Hoosier veterans and Indiana’s role in the nation’s conflicts.
Q. HOW IS THE PROJECT FUNDED?
A. The project is funded through a $7.6 million Strengthening Indianapolis Through Arts & Cultural Innovation grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. The sustainability of the initiative depends upon the contributions of visionary community members and corporate partners. More resources spur updated content for video mapping, more activation of free, public events and enhanced décor around Monument Circle.
Q. DESCRIBE THE SIGNATURE SALUTE. WHAT CAN I EXPECT NIGHTLY?
A. Downtown residents, employees and visitors will see Indy’s Signature Salute nightly at dusk, 365 days a year. (Timing will be adjusted when seasons change.) The five-minute program will bask the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument in red, white and blue with a synchronized original score from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra written by Emmy-Award winner John Colby. Video and light projections featuring images of historic significance will unfold across the surrounding building facades, and statues on the Monument will be illuminated. As the music crescendos, four beams of light will soar skyward from each quadrant illuminating Lady Victory, signaling Indianapolis as the Crossroads of America.
Q. WHAT DOES FUTURE FUNDRAISING GO TOWARDS?
A. The sustainability of this initiative depends on the support of the entire community. More resources spur updated content for video mapping, enhanced décor around Monument Circle, more activation of free, public events, and a fund to support local artists who will be part of this placemaking initiative.
Q. WHAT IS A LUMINARY/DONOR?
A. A luminary is an individual donor who contributes $150 or more to the initiative. All luminaries will receive an exclusive Shining A Light tumbler as a thank you.
Q. HOW SHOULD I SHARE MY EXCITEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
A. Use #ShiningALightIndy and tag Downtown Indy, Inc. to share your experience on the Circle.
Q. CAN MY ORGANIZATION UTILIZE THE NEW LIGHTING, VIDEO-MAPPING, STAGING AND SOUND FOR AN EVENT?
A. Arts and culture organizations are encouraged to apply for Arts & Culture on the Circle, an initiative designed to allow the public to interact with arts.
Q. CAN I USE SHINING A LIGHT TECHNOLOGY TO ADVERTISE?
A. Shining A Light technology will NOT be utilized for advertising. All video mapping must adhere to the Indiana Historic Preservation Commission’s Certificate of Appropriateness, which outlines that video mapping must be an artistic display with no more than five percent of visuals devoted to sponsorship.