A significant boost for regional arts and preservation efforts has come to Northwest Indiana, as the nonprofit organization Decay Devils announced the receipt of two grants totaling $13,000. The funding will support a new initiative aimed at documenting the area’s public art and historic landmarks.
On March 13, 2024, Decay Devils revealed that it was awarded a $10,000 Transform Lake County grant from the Legacy Foundation and a $3,000 Historic Preservation grant from Indiana Humanities. The funds will contribute to the creation of “NWI Landmarks and Arts: A Regional Guide to Northwest Indiana’s Art and Historic Landmarks.”
Tyrell Anderson, president of Decay Devils, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating it aims to highlight significant public art and historical sites across several municipalities, including Gary, East Chicago, Hammond, Michigan City, and Whiting. “We started this during COVID,” Anderson noted. “We thought it would be a great idea to bring the project back to get people outside and make some kind of activity.”
As the organization prepares the guide, it has not yet finalized which landmarks will be featured. Anderson emphasized the importance of engaging with local stakeholders to gain insights into the area’s unique cultural assets. “There’s a few places that are iconic, but we don’t want to go in as an outsider and just say, ‘Hey, what’s special about this area?’” he said. “We want to reach out to different entities and see who shows interest, feedback, and input.”
The previous guide developed by Decay Devils focused solely on Gary, making this expanded effort a significant step forward for the organization. Anderson believes there is strong momentum to continue their work throughout the entire region, and he is eager to harness it.
With the support from the Legacy Foundation, Decay Devils plans to produce both printed and digital guides, organize tours, and actively engage the community in activating public art and historic sites. Kelly Anoe, president and CEO of the Legacy Foundation, praised Decay Devils for their innovative projects that foster community engagement. “I’ve always really admired their commitment and dedication,” Anoe said. “They engage residents and create opportunities for people to think about public spaces, historic preservation, and the unique assets we have in Northwest Indiana.”
The Transform Lake County grants from the Legacy Foundation aim to stimulate economic growth and community involvement, with awards varying up to $35,000 and an average grant amount of $10,000. Anoe expressed excitement over Decay Devils’ initiative, particularly its broader focus beyond Gary. “We have a lot of treasures and stories here that should be celebrated and shared,” she stated.
In addition to the Legacy Foundation’s grant, the funding from Indiana Humanities will specifically support the Michigan City segment of the project, encompassing further research, interpretive content creation, and storytelling. This marks a notable inclusion, as Michigan City is the only location mentioned outside Lake County. Anderson indicated that Decay Devils may collaborate with other organizations later, potentially including Valparaiso.
George Hanlin, director of grants for Indiana Humanities, expressed his support for Decay Devils, noting the organization’s history of receiving grants from them. He emphasized the importance of financial support for humanities projects in particular. “These projects often take a lot of money,” Hanlin explained. “It’s really important for us to have these funds available so people can do history projects.”
Hanlin also praised Decay Devils for their resilience in challenging circumstances, highlighting their commitment to elevating the stories of diverse communities in Northwest Indiana. “They’re doing their work to elevate the stories of these places, and I’m always impressed with their work,” he said.
As Decay Devils embarks on this new project, the organization aims to not only document but also celebrate the rich cultural landscape of Northwest Indiana. With new funding in hand, the nonprofit is poised to make a significant impact on the region’s appreciation of its historic and artistic heritage.
