IU Center for Rural Engagement

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

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

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

October 16 – An Afternoon of Community and Folk Arts in Washington County

Join us for these back-to-back events presented in partnership with the Indiana Arts Commission (Region 12), IU Arts & Humanities Council, and IU Center for Rural Engagement. Please RSVP online here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3lF70Bql54pGR31IJc8qG3t3Wgol6kl2FfDeLbp9Sslk-Lw/viewform or by email to [email protected].

1pm @ Beck’s Mill – Tour the historic gristmill and experience a carding machine demo with Professor Rowland Ricketts. Participants will see (hear and feel!) the wool picker and 200-year-old carding machines on the second floor of the mill in operation as we demonstrate the process of turning raw wool into wool batting.

4pm @ Washington Co. Community Learning Center - In this entertaining talk, Jon Kay will discuss the work of Traditional Arts Indiana and why community-based cultural practices are more important now than ever. He will explore how TAI's Community Scholars program helps communities identify, document, and support the everyday traditions, skills, and knowledge that Indiana communities will need for future. A reception will follow the talk.

When ROK: Reimagining Opera for Kids takes the stage, sitting quietly isn’t a requirement.

Through interactive performances that invite children to sing, move, and respond, the Bloomington-based nonprofit introduces young audiences to live theater by making them part of the experience.

Their new season kicks off this Saturday, Oct. 3, with a 1 p.m. public performance of Ana y su sombra at the Salem Boxcar Trailhead.

Read more about ROK: go.iu.edu/Tu7Rne

View upcoming performance details: go.iu.edu/i3ya9F

How do everyday connections help us navigate tough times?

On Oct. 24, Daviess County residents are invited to come together for a conversation about what keeps their community grounded and connected. Join the conversation and share ideas for deepening belonging, strengthening community care, and building resilience.

Learn more and register to attend: go.iu.edu/4819wR

This event is hosted in partnership with Washington Carnegie Public Library

Ready to reimagine a public space in your rural community?

Learn about IU’s 2027 Rural Placemaking Studio and how to apply during a virtual info session from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9.

We’ll cover how the studio works, what to expect from the collaborative process, key dates, and examples from past projects. Applications open Oct. 9 and are due Nov. 20.

Explore Rural Placemaking Studio virtual events and register: go.iu.edu/NCQt1e

IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design

A collaboration between Radius Indiana and Indiana University is bringing fresh perspectives to the development of the Monon South Trail.

Read more about the partnership: https://news.iu.edu/rural/live/news/52699-iu-collaboration-brings-fresh-perspectives-to

On Oct. 3, head to the Salem Boxcar Trailhead for the first public performance of ROK: Reimagining Opera for Kids' 2026-27 season! They'll take the stage at 1 p.m. with this season’s production, Ana y su sombra.

Can’t make it to Salem? ROK will perform again at 7 p.m. at Lotus World Music & Arts Festival in Bloomington.

Get more details on upcoming ROK performances: go.iu.edu/i3ya9F