Create a Meaningful Legacy
Collaborative Branding for Downtown Renewal: Creative Corridor & Connections (Communuity Arts Initiative/District)
Help position Muncie’s Creative Corridor as the community’s arts district and equip partners to claim, promote, and participate in it.
Muncie’s Creative Corridor is emerging as an arts district with strong community momentum, a connected network of arts and cultural assets, visible anchor institutions, and active public, private and philanthropic investment. What it needs now is a unifying identity, shared brand, campaign strategy, and partner adoption plan that help the community recognize, promote, and experience the district as a connection destination for arts, culture, creativity, and civic life. This is an opportunity to build a place-based brand that is both community-rooted and regionally impactful.
Contact: Kallie Sulanke, Chief Community Partner for Outreach and Donor Relations
ksulanke@cfmdin.org | 765.747.7181
Timeline
October 1 – RFP is issued
October 23 – The Community Foundation will respond to respondent questions or entertain consultation calls.
October 28 – Summarized FAQ posted at cfmdin.org/RFP
November 11 – Deadline for Submissions
December 1 – Internal review and follow-up on responses; an interview may be requested
December 21 – Partner selection
The Community Foundation anticipates work commencing in Q1 2027 with phase 1 taking 18 months.
Full Request for Proposal and Attachments
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the final decisions?
The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County will review proposals, gather feedback from key partners and advisors as needed, and make the final decisions regarding vendor selection, district naming, and brand approval.
Are agencies outside of Muncie and Indiana encouraged to apply?
Yes. We welcome local, regional, and national partners. We value fresh perspectives and expertise, while expecting our selected partner to thoughtfully engage with and learn from the Muncie community.
What are you looking for in an agency partner?
We are seeking a partner that listens first, understands local assets and aspirations, and helps create a lasting identity for the Creative Corridor that reflects the people, places, and possibilities of Muncie.
Is there an incumbent agency?
No. This is a new initiative, and there is no incumbent agency involved in the process.
How do Phase 1 and Phase 2 relate to each other?
The phases are connected but do not need to occur one after the other. We welcome recommendations from the selected partner regarding timing, sequencing, and opportunities for overlap.
Are the project timelines fixed?
No. The timelines included in the RFP are best estimates. We expect the selected partner to provide guidance on a timeline that best supports the project's goals and long-term success.
Will community engagement be part of the process?
Yes. Building on the engagement already completed through the Creative Space Action Plan, we anticipate additional community engagement to help ensure the Creative Corridor reflects the voices, experiences, and aspirations of the community.
Who will own the final work product?
Ownership and usage rights will be finalized as part of the contracting process. Our intent is to establish a structure that supports the long-term stewardship and success of the Creative Corridor, similar to other community-based branding initiatives.
