The Mass Ave Cultural Arts District, in partnership with the Indianapolis Foundation, has launched Mass Ave Next, a comprehensive planning initiative to chart the next chapter for one of Indianapolis’ most celebrated cultural corridors.
The engagement begins with a public kickoff on February 21, 2026, and continues throughout the year with pop-up events along the Ave over the summer and a monthly Coffee with a Planner series, an open-door booth set up on Mass Ave where anyone can stop by to share feedback, ask questions, and shape the plan in real time. In March 2026, an online survey and mapping campaign will launch.
Stay tuned as events are posted here!
Planning principles for the Mass Ave district are emerging from conversations with stakeholders, community groups, residents, and an analysis of existing plans and conditions. These themes arise as understandings of current challenges and opportunities evolve.
We envision a vibrant, thriving, connected, and inclusive Mass Ave Cultural Arts District supported by an engaged community of neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural venues. This vision celebrates the authenticity of our history, heritage, and environment while supporting those who live, work, play, perform, create, and invest in our unique district.
What does creating a destination mean to you?
Future Mass Ave is a seamless network where transportation is intuitive and human-scaled. By prioritizing walkability, high-quality infrastructure, and strong transit links, we bridge the gap between adjacent neighborhoods and the corridor. Connectivity here means that moving through the district is as enjoyable and safe as the destination itself.
What does connectivity mean to you?
A high quality of life on Mass Ave is defined by a healthy, balanced village environment. We envision a district that offers diverse housing options, accessible green spaces, and essential daily amenities within a short walk. It is a place where the physical environment actively supports the well-being and happiness of every resident.
When you hear "quality of life", what kinds of improvements do you imagine?
At its heart, Mass Ave is a neighborhood that belongs to everyone. Being welcoming means celebrating the mosaic of experiences, personalities, and stories along the Ave. From accessible streetscapes to affordable economic spaces, we ensure that every person, regardless of their background or ability, sees themselves reflected in the future of the corridor.
What does a welcoming district mean for you?
We envision a resilient local economy where the benefits of development are shared broadly among residents and existing businesses. By fostering an ecosystem of supportive policies, accessible resources, and meaningful partnerships, we ensure that growth strengthens the community. The future of Mass Ave is one where residents and local business owners have genuine opportunities to participate in and benefit from the neighborhood's continued evolution.
What would economic empowerment mean to you?
Mass Ave's streetscape is an outdoor room where the city's creative soul is on full display and its cultural economy comes to life. Through intentional public realm improvements, we shape a district where art, performance, and gathering spaces are not just amenities but economic anchors driving foot traffic and supporting local businesses. Streets, plazas, and flexible public spaces become stages, galleries, and marketplaces where creativity and commerce fuel one another.
What does a district that prioritizes art and culture mean for you?
Planning themes for Mass Ave are emerging from conversations with stakeholders, community groups, residents, and an analysis of existing plans and conditions. These themes arise from an understanding of current challenges and opportunities.
A dynamic urban village that is accessbile, authentic, community oriented and meets residents’ needs.
A bridge that connects downtown at the nexus of art, culture, livability and commerce.
Supports a diverse mix of residents, businesses, and cultural offerings that is welcoming to all.
The Mass Ave Next Vision Plan follows a year-long timeline that moves from robust public engagement and district-wide inventory through analysis and into the creation of actionable goals, strategies, and recommendations for the corridor's future. Get involved below!
Kick off the project, assemble stakeholders, advisors, and committees, and set expectations.
Opportunities to collect data, assess existing conditions, and map the information learned to stakeholder needs and objectives.
Surveys
Conversations
Online tools
Rooftop Socials
Indy Crit
Pride
Summerfest
IndyFringe
Small Biz Saturday
Please consider joining us during this phase, as we want to hear from as many people as possible.
See how can I get involved below for more information, including specific events and ways to add input online.
Discovery wrap up, analysis of information gathered, and applying everything into urban design frameworks.
Define goals, solidify strategies, and finalize a set of recommendations into the plan.
Attend and participate in our events, workshops, and other in-person ways of engaging, discussing, and collecting information. These will be key opportunities to talk about your bold ideas for the future of the district.
Subscribe to these public events
Stop by during these times to talk planning, share ideas, ask questions, or discuss all-things Mass Ave Cultural Arts District. This is an open, informal space to connect—no appointments needed. Bring your thoughts (and coffee!)
Sessions are located just inside the front doors of the Athenaeum, just below Coat Check Coffee.
Taking a moment to complete the Mass Ave Next Community Vision Survey offers invaluable help and insights.
Take the surveyWe'll be doing deeper dives into specific areas of study through focus groups. Sign up for one or more of the following:
Built Environment Thu, June 4, 3:30 pm
Arts & Culture Thu, June 11, 3:30 pm
Safety & Security Thu, June 18, 3:30 pm
Placemaking & Identity Thu, June 25, 3:30 pm
Mobility & Connectivity Thu, July 9, 3:30 pm
Subscribe to our email newsletter and receive progress updates and notifications about upcoming events.
Our "budget simulator" gives you one bill of each denomination ($1 – $100) to fund to different priorities. This helps us understand where community members would choose to fund various initiatives.
Play the budget simulator