With funding support from the Simons Foundation as part of itsIn the Path of Totality initiative, the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement lead IU’srural solar eclipse initiative, providing staff support, resources and outreach for community activities that united residents around the historic astronomical event.
Thirty rural organizations across Indiana received funding to host arts and cultural events and programs connected to the 2024 solar eclipse that blanketed parts of Indiana in total darkness on April 8.
Provided eclipse-themed art classes for pre-school through adult senior participants focused on the theme of Van Gogh’s Starry Night paintings and hosted a community-wide art show entitled The (Not So) Starry Starry Night.
Hosted art-making workshops open to all ages where participants made creative solar eclipse viewing boxes. Each workshop included a reading of a children's book exploring the historic cultural beliefs regarding solar eclipses.
Held a family-friendly, community event designed to educate the residents of Rockport, Ind. on how and why solar eclipses occur, where in Spencer County they could find the best locations to witness the phenomenon and how they and their families could view it safely.
Hosted a course where multigenerational participants explored their creative side, learned about the eclipse, and expressed their interpretations through artistic media, examining art that had been inspired by outer space.
Created a festive atmosphere and invited residents and visitors to congregate downtown in the Bloomfield Town Park and at area events to enjoy the eclipse.
Celebrated the installation of an asphalt mural depicting the sun as part of an existing celestial public art piece with a community walk and a communal art project.
Developed programs in rural Indiana towns using poetry to educate and celebrate the 2024 solar eclipse in communities along its diagonal path.
Supported the rural communities of Markle and Warren with eclipse events at Markle Fish & Game Park and Riverside Park for a safe and memorable day.
Hosted a series of informative eclipse activities that lead up to an eclipse viewing event at the Huntingburg Regional Airport.
Hosted a large-scale eclipse event at the new Commons location in downtown Washington featuring live entertainment.
Hosted a cultural heritage celebration in conjunction with the 2024 solar eclipse, featuring traditional square dancing and live music, woodworking demonstrations, and an agricultural methods showcase.
Hosted a festival at the Gibson County Fairgrounds featuring live local music, a county-wide student art and science fair, eclipse educational presentations, food trucks and carnival rides.
Produced educational materials about historical perceptions of eclipses and encouraged the planting of sunflowers in 2024.
Hosted a two-day solar eclipse viewing event at Yellowwood State Forest and the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center while paying homage to the state's beautiful and unique forest ecosystems with a time capsule dedication, live music, crafts, presentations, hikes, and food.
Provided a variety of activities for all ages throughout the entire eclipse, including glow-in-the-dark kickball and a moon cookie decorating station, at an event titled “Get Mooned in Boone.”
Hosted an eclipse viewing experience emphasizing community inclusivity for people with and without disabilities that included a picnic, disability-friendly LightSound devices and an eclipse viewing tent.
Hosted events featuring entertainment and activities during the days leading up to the solar eclipse on the public square.
Hosted a three-day solar eclipse festival on the town square featuring science and art projects, live music, games, and food.
Created a History in View project to share the county's eclipse history and serve as an interactive activity.
Hosted a month-long Cosmic Art Gallery featuring visual art from artists of all ages, including paintings, drawings, digital art, sculptures, and mixed media that reflected the theme of the cosmos, space, stars, galaxies, and the total solar eclipse.
The Heart of Jasper and River Centre provided community entertainment and live music for a free event in downtown Jasper.
Hosted two events that connected rural and urban homeschool students of the greater Indianapolis area, created educational and social opportunities with community members and encouraged participation in community philanthropy.
Hosted the 2024 Total Eclipse in the Heart of Shoals event that attracted attendees with an ample eclipse viewing area, live entertainment, and educational and craft activities that included local businesses.
The rural LGBTQ+ serving organization hosted a performance themed around the total solar eclipse featuring four drag entertainers on April 8 in downtown Spencer.
Took the historic eclipse event to the streets with a daylong celebration centered on creative collaboration featuring chalk art, live music, handcrafted items, and a collaborative community mural painting.
Hosted festival-style events with food, activities, music, art creations, and memorabilia.
Developed and presented an interactive, hands-on exhibit highlighting the traditions, beliefs, and ceremonies held by different cultures in Indiana and beyond that centered around the cycles of the moon.
Developed an exhibit at the Depot Museum that explored perceptions and beliefs about solar eclipses throughout history, and screened monthly free movies with eclipse themes.
Hosted the Dark Side of the Moon Festival in Metamora, Ind. featuring live music, a community bonfire, costume competitions, games and films on an outdoor screen.
Collaborated with the Connersville Flying Club and the Connersville Airport Board to hold a solar eclipse event at the Connersville Airport.
Center for Rural Engagement resources and social media channels
