IU Center for Rural Engagement

10/12/2026

Save May 17–18, 2027, for the IU Rural Conference!

Hosted in French Lick, this annual event is focused on celebrating and strengthening Indiana’s rural communities.

Keep an eye on go.iu.edu/2027rural for updates on registration, presentation proposals, and more conference details coming soon.

10/09/2026

“For the Birds” brings art and nature together in Shelbyville on Oct. 17, celebrating the completion of Carl Leck’s bird mural and Shelby County’s designation as Indiana’s first county-wide BirdTown.

At 12:30 p.m., researchers from the IU Department of Chemistry will present "Birds are Quantum," an exploration of their research related to light, color, and photoluminescence that can be observed in birds, their colors, and their migratory behaviors.

Learn more about the event: https://allevents.in/shelbyville/for-the-birds-celebration-of-art-and-nature-in-shelby-county/200030683897320

Blue River Community Foundation

Find tickets & information for For The Birds - Celebration of Art & Nature in Shelby County. happening at Wortman Family Civic Theatre, Shelbyville, IN on Sat, 17 Oct, 2026 at 10:00 am EDT. Register or Buy Tickets, Price information.

10/09/2026

Applications are now open for the 2027 Rural Placemaking Studio!

The program connects IU faculty, staff, and students with rural Indiana residents to develop ideas for more welcoming, useful, and meaningful public spaces.

Local organizations, municipalities, volunteer networks, Main Street entities, resident committees, and similar community partners are encouraged to submit an online application with project ideas.

Visit go.iu.edu/v79mxM to learn more about the program and how to apply by the November 20 deadline.

IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design

10/08/2026

Students from the IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design took their easels outdoors at the T. C. Steele State Historic Site in Brown County, following in the footsteps of one of Indiana’s most celebrated artists.

Students toured Steele’s home and studio before painting outdoors on the grounds, using the same plein air practice that was central to Steele’s work.

The project is part of a Sustaining Hoosier Communities partnership with Brown County.

Learn more at go.iu.edu/shcbrown.

10/07/2026

In our latest Field Notes article, Mariella Arredondo reflects on her experience traveling through southern Indiana on IU’s 2026 Rural Indiana Faculty Tour and the many forms of collaboration she encountered along the way.

Arredondo is an associate research scientist with the Center on Education and Lifelong Learning (CELL) at the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community at Indiana University.

Read the Field Notes: https://go.iu.edu/jWh9pW

In this Field Notes, Mariella Arredondo reflects on her experience traveling through southern Indiana on IU’s 2026 Rural Indiana Faculty Tour and the ma...

10/07/2026

ROK: Reimagining Opera for Kids launched its 2026–27 performance season in Salem.

For more details on upcoming ROK public performances, visit go.iu.edu/i3ya9F.

10/06/2026

How can design respond when access to a shared community space is a challenge?

Through Sustaining Hoosier Communities, graduate students from Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington partnered with Paoli's Orange County Community Gardens to explore designs for a more accessible way into the garden.

The project was recognized by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (IUB) Service-Learning Program, with awards honoring faculty, community partner, and student contributions.

Read the story: https://go.iu.edu/KRb4fV

IU Department of Health & Wellness Design

Through Sustaining Hoosier Communities, graduate students from the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington partnered with Orange County Com...

10/05/2026

Planning to apply for the 2027 Rural Placemaking Studio? Sign up for virtual office hours on Oct. 15 or Nov. 12 to ask questions, share ideas, and get feedback on your application from program staff.

Find an event and reserve an appointment: go.iu.edu/NCQt1e

Applications open on October 9 and are due November 20.

IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design

10/05/2026

Join us for a panel discussion on the community and environmental impacts of data centers in Indiana and beyond.

October 6, 4–5 p.m.
O’Neill First Floor Commons

More details: go.iu.edu/nQkG5f

10/02/2026

Graduate students from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business toured the Brown County Indiana Emergency Services building to get a firsthand look at the county’s developing rural paramedicine program.

Students are working with community partners to explore funding strategies that can support the program’s long-term sustainability.

The project is part of a Sustaining Hoosier Communities partnership with Brown County.

Learn more at shc.indiana.edu.

County Indiana Emergency Management