Indiana’s Creative Economy Takes Center Stage with Two Strategic Gatherings in October
Indiana’s Creative Economy Takes Center Stage with Two Strategic Gatherings in October
Pattern’s Creative Economy Summit and NIVA’s Live Policy Summit showcase momentum in Indiana’s creative and music industries
This October, Indiana will spotlight creativity as a powerful economic driver with two back-to-back gatherings. Pattern’s Creative Economy Summit (October 13–14 at the Fishers Arts Center) and the NIVA Live Policy Summit presented by Tixel (October 15–16 at HI-FI Indianapolis) will bring together leaders in business, government, and the arts to discuss how Indiana can harness its creative industries and independent music ecosystem as engines for growth.
Indiana’s creative sector already contributes more than $10.2 billion annually. Advocates believe this is only the beginning. With greater infrastructure, investment, and policy support, Indiana can elevate its creative economy into a national model that fuels entrepreneurship, attracts talent, and improves quality of life across communities.
Photo courtesy of Pattern
“Indiana has the opportunity to lead nationally in how we integrate creativity into policy, workforce, and community building,” said Polina Osherov, executive director of Pattern. “The Creative Economy Summit is a chance to bring influential leaders together and chart strategies for how we mobilize, invest, and connect creatives with the civic and private sectors.”
Now in its third year, the Creative Economy Summit will feature keynote speakers from Meow Wolf, ArtPrize, Bridgeway Capital, and the Kelley School of Business, along with breakout sessions, interactive labs, and networking opportunities.
Immediately following, the National Independent Venue Association will deliver the NIVA Live Policy Summit presented by Tixel. The 24-hour conference, hosted by HI-FI and the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance, will expand the conversation to a national scale. The summit will convene policymakers, industry leaders, and venue operators to address critical issues affecting independent venues across the country, including ticketing reform, state incentives for live performance, cultural planning, and licensing.
Photo courtesy of NIVA
The Live Policy Summit will feature sessions with leaders from across North America, offering practical insights and national perspectives from the live music ecosystem. Guest speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
“Independent venues are incubators for culture, community, and talent,” said Josh Baker, CEO of HI-FI and MOKB Presents and executive director of the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance. “Hosting the NIVA Live Policy Summit in Indianapolis underscores how vital these national conversations are and why smart, forward-looking policy is essential to sustain live music for generations to come.”
With these two summits running back-to-back, October represents a milestone for Indiana’s creative industries. Together, they reflect years of research, planning, and grassroots collaboration that have positioned the state for national recognition. With additional support from policymakers, Indiana can amplify its creative sector into a major economic and cultural engine.
Event Details
October 13–14, 2025 | Fishers Arts Center
NIVA Live Policy Summit presented by Tixel
October 15–16, 2025 | HI-FI, Indianapolis
About the Indiana Independent Venue Alliance (IIVA)
The Indiana Independent Venue Alliance represents independent venues, promoters, and festivals across the state. Formed to protect and strengthen Indiana’s live music ecosystem, the IIVA advocates on behalf of its members, connects industry professionals, and works to ensure that independent stages continue to serve as vital cultural and economic engines in their communities.
About Pattern
Pattern is a cultural and economic development organization dedicated to supporting, empowering, and growing Indiana’s creative economy. Through publishing, events, and advocacy, Pattern amplifies the work of creative professionals and entrepreneurs, builds coalitions across sectors, and champions Indiana as a destination for creativity and innovation.