Figure 1: “Impact and Influence: The Intersection of Art and Black History” introduced employees to artists from their region and helped build connections between the bank and the larger community.
Seeing art created by artists from within one’s community is powerful. Representation matters not only to the communities, but also to the artists.
James Wilson attended Crispus Attucks High School, located in the heart of Black business and culture in Indianapolis. Wilson, who went on to attend the Rhode Island School of Design on a full scholarship, experienced the power of art at a young age. “[Indianapolis artist] Joseph Holiday was also a main influence in my artistic life,” Wilson said. “Starting at about 12 years of age, I would go and see his work at the Indiana Black Expo. Indianapolis is rich in culture and artistic energy. I am also proud to be able to show my work to the people who knew me when.”
Voices of Our District
“Voices of Our District” was expanded to expose bank staff to learning opportunities, new cuisine, and engaging musical experiences throughout the year. New partnerships also emerged, including with the Eiteljorg Museum, which recently secured the bank’s sponsorship of their artist-in-residence program at the museum.
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“Art is the thread that ties all cultures together,” said Kathryn Haigh, Eiteljorg’s president and CEO. “And it gives you the opportunity to understand that there is something more than just yourself. We are so lucky to have wonderful sponsors like the Federal Home Loan Bank, their commitment to the community, and to art and culture.”
The Original Americans
The Detroit Public Library was another valuable partner, sharing in the bank’s mission to build community by fostering dialogue. On Aug. 19, 2024, “The Original Americans: A Native American Story in Art” opened at the Detroit Public Library. Part of a dual exhibit, additional works debuted weeks later at the bank’s Indianapolis headquarters. The exhibits featured work from Native American artists from Indiana and Michigan, an intentional display of the artists’ cultural influences from their tribal communities.
“Artists from diverse backgrounds reflect less than 15 percent of the art displayed in museums and traditional platforms. Creating community art spaces like the ones developed by the Federal Home Loan Bank is incredibly valuable to local artists. It’s especially important to our efforts to educate people about the continued existence of Native tribes, people and customs,” said Pilar Côté, an artist featured in the Original Americans exhibit.
But developing the “Voices of Our District” series has been more than just hanging art on walls.
“Being well-meaning isn’t enough. You have to make sure it resonates with the group you are highlighting,” said Marchelle Costa, AVP, Associate Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the bank. “We wanted this effort to be purely about the artists — to give them a platform to share their talents, experiences, and struggles.”
“The Original Americans” exhibit coincides with the first year of a new housing program in Michigan. Tribal nations in Michigan face unique barriers to affordable housing. To address these barriers, the bank provided a grant of up to $3 million to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). This grant supports the creation of the Tribal Nations Housing Development Assistance Program. Art creates a sense of community pride and connection to place, which is especially important on tribal lands.
It’s Not Abstract: The Connection Between Art and Housing
A house without a community is not a home. Art provides community.
Supporting quality, affordable housing is the cornerstone of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. However, a house without a community is not a home. Investment in the artistic and cultural development of a community, particularly in under-resourced areas, strengthens equitable housing development, neighborhood stabilization, and anti-displacement efforts. By featuring artists from its district, the bank supports its core mission.
“Studies show art has a direct impact on building and strengthening communities, something FHLBank Indianapolis has been doing since the FHLBank System was created in 1932,” Costa said. “The ‘Voices of Our District’ initiative is an extension of that. We’re so proud to be able to support our district and our mission in this way, not only as a bank lending our resources, but as a hub for creating these opportunities for empowerment and exposure.”