Herbert Simon Family Foundation Announces Indianapolis Creative Risk Fund Recipients

Herbert Simon Family Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the Indianapolis Creative Risk Fund, an initiative designed to propel Indianapolis’ arts ecosystem into new territory by supporting artists who are experimenting, innovating, and embracing creative risk. 

Each of the 10 selected artists and collaborative teams will receive a $20,000 award to pursue ambitious, exploratory projects across disciplines: 

2025–2026 Creative Risk Fund Recipients 

• Kaila Austin 

• Landon Caldwell 

• Corey Ewing 

• Forward Motion 

• Zola Lamothe 

• Nora Mutlaq 

• Omar Rashan 

• Justin David Sears 

• Carlos Sosa Pagán 

• Andre Williams, in collaboration with Relevations Dance Theatre 

Over the next year, recipients will participate in a series of convenings and personalized consultations with Rishard Allen, Creative Director and Performing Arts Curator, and Lindsey Lord, Visual Arts Curator. These sessions are designed to expand artistic networks, deepen creative practice, and support bold new ideas. Their work will culminate in a public showcase in fall 2026. 

A Fund Designed to Champion Experimentation 

Herbert Simon Family Foundation created the Indianapolis Creative Risk Fund to encourage trial and error, artistic bravery, and work that pushes cultural boundaries in Indianapolis. This is the program’s second round; prior recipients can be viewed here. 

“Indianapolis thrives when its artists are empowered to take risks that stretch what’s possible,” said Rachel M. Simon, President of Herbert Simon Family Foundation. “We are honored to support creatives whose work sparks curiosity, challenges norms, and makes Indianapolis a more vibrant and imaginative place to call home.” 

“As Creative Director, I see this program as an invitation, to be fearless, to try something unfamiliar, and to embrace the messy, exhilarating process of experimentation,” said Rishard Allen, Creative Director and Performing Arts Curator for the Indianapolis Creative Risk Fund. “The artists selected this year are visionaries whose ideas deserve room to grow without the pressure of perfection. Indianapolis becomes stronger and more culturally dynamic when we invest in creative risks like these.” 

Review Panel
The 2025–2026 awardees were selected by a panel of artists and cultural leaders: 

• Maurice Broaddus 

• Nikki Kirk 

• Sylvia Thomas (former Creative Risk Fund recipient) 

• Joshua A. Thompson (former Creative Risk Fund recipient) 

• Jeri Warner (former Creative Risk Fund recipient) 
• André Zhang Sonera 

ABOUT HERBERT SIMON FAMILY FOUNDATION
Established in 1999, Herbert Simon Family Foundation provides support to organizations working to build more equitable, sustainable, and vibrant communities, with an emphasis on Indianapolis and Indiana. HSFF partners with Central Indiana Community Foundation to advance grantmaking across Arts + Culture, Basic Needs, Environment + Climate, Equity + Justice, and Jewish Causes.