Northwest Indiana-based opera singer Aquilia McCain has been selected for the Indiana Arts Commission’s 2024 On-Ramp program.
McCain was one of 30 cohorts selected for the prestigious and highly competitive statewide program. It gives artists and creative professionals throughout Indiana a chance to hone their entrepreneurial and community engagement skills.
Elaine Grogan Luthrull of Minerva Financial Arts in Dublin, Ohio created the Indiana Arts Commission’s On-Ramp Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator program. It’s a three-day workshop where cohorts learn about marketing, revenue generation, customer identification and other business aspects of art.
“The chance to participate in the On-Ramp program is an incredible honor,” McCain said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to not only further develop my entrepreneurial skills, but also connect with a network of fellow artists and creative professionals across the state.”
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This year, the Indiana Arts Commission received 94 applications. Cohorts get the chance to collaborate, create lasting connections and apply for $2,000 in grant funding.
It tracks participants’ progress and growth while focusing on practical applications so they can successfully pursue a career in the arts.
“The On-Ramp program is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about building lasting relationships and support systems in the arts community,” Grogan Lutrull said.
McCain will headline the 2nd Annual Classic Chrysanthemum Concert at the Aquatorium in Gary’s Miller Beach neighborhood in September. It will be taped and broadcast on Lakeshore Public Television.
Beer Geeks, one of the region’s first, most beloved and most influential craft beer bars, has closed after more than a decade and is being reimagined as a new concept.
The landmark 88-year-old castle-shaped White Castle in Whiting is coming down to be replaced by a newer, larger and more modern White Castle restaurant.
A longtime downtown Crown Point fixture poured his last drink.
Longtime gun shop Westforth Sports is closing.
The Silver Line Building Products plant at 16801 Exchange Ave. will be closed permanently.
Brewfest in the Highlands will come to an end in what is being called the ‘end of an era’.
David’s Bridal has filed for bankruptcy and may close all stores if a buyer doesn’t come along to save it.
Whiting White Castle, 88, will be remembered with museum exhibits in two different states.
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For years, the “millionaires’ club” met every morning in the corner booth of the historic 88-year-old White Castle at Indianapolis Boulevard and 119th Street in downtown Whiting. The iconic restaurant served its final slide on Tuesday.
One of Northwest Indiana’s most popular and long-running hobby shops is looking for a buyer after the longtime owner passed away.
J&L This N That Consignment Shop, a popular thrift store, has closed in downtown Whiting after several years.
A Calumet-area institution, Calumet Fisheries in Chicago’s far south end, has been temporarily closed after failing a city health inspection.
Just days after reopening after city health inspectors shut it down, Calumet Fisheries suffered a major fire.
Pepe’s Mexican Restaurant is not popular in Valparaiso.
Beer Geeks in Highland was renamed B-Side Bar & Lounge and then closed within a few months.
Struggling retailer Bed Bath and Beyond will permanently close its Valparaiso location as it shutters more stores across the country as it seeks to restructure and shrink its footprint to save the struggling business.
Peoples Bank has closed its downtown Hammond branch.
Viking Artisan Ales will soon pour its latest craft beer at the Merrillville outfit.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom is closing after 15 years at one of Northwest Indiana’s most iconic highway intersections.
Walmart is closing its flagship store in Homewood.
The Chicago Auto Show, the nation’s largest auto show, returns Saturday to McCormick Place and runs through February 19.