Kingdom Creative’s Artists are on Mission to Change a City
WORDS // Case Calvert
As an artist, I know that art is one of the many ways that people search for truth in the world.
As a Christian, I know God also wants to use art to show us truth in things that are beyond this world.
Over the past few years, I felt this nagging sense that I wasn’t using my artistic talents to their fullest potential. I looked around and saw other artists and designers who had jobs in graphic design. Many of them created ‘design’ for a living, but their day jobs didn’t give them a way to connect their art to something deeper.
It wasn’t until I discovered my God-given talents, through Spiritual DNA, an interactive course in discovering more about your unique God-given purpose, that I was confident enough to use my artistic talents to pursue that purpose for my life. Luckily, Spiritual DNA helped me on my journey to understand who God created me to be.
As a designer, though, I have been there. I know what it’s like to feel frustrated, not sure where to find a meaningful outlet for true creative expression. Regardless, I know I am called to creatively express, and as 1 Peter 4:10 encourages “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Case in his studio apartment workspace located in the artsy cultural district of Indianapolis called Fountain Square. Photo by Eric Maitlen
But how does using our gifts for the greater good work as artists? This question nagged me for a long time.
I live in Fountain Square, an area of Indianapolis that has seen a lot of revitalization over the last 20 years. But as I drive around town, I see so many urban areas that have seen better days. Many places don’t receive the funding or attention they need to get a similar facelift.
I started asking myself “What if there was a way to change that? What if we could gather artists together? What if we could use our God-given talents to make Indianapolis better? What if we can find a way to connect sponsors and artists to support art projects across the city? What if Christian artists could set in motion a plan to create hundreds of murals and projects?”
“Art is one of the many ways that people search for truth in the world.”
That’s why last year, I founded Kingdom Creative as a way for artists to connect with each other through art and design. I believe when we break out of our everyday routine, we can take our art further— using it to make an eternal impact. More importantly, when creatives collaborate, we use art to spread God’s hope and love.
This is really where the heart of Kingdom Creative is going: we envision that together, we can give artists an outlet to restore beauty to our city and share a glimpse of truth at the same time. If we can connect to and inspire each other, we will transform more than the individual artist— we will transform the city.
“When creatives collaborate, we use art to spread God’s hope and love.”
Driving the Vision Forward in a Land of Logistics
Getting things started wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped. The first challenge was learning about how I needed to get things organized and fill out the right paperwork. I soon learned that every creator of a non-profit has to find a support network to navigate the legal and financial requirements. Honestly, it felt like a mountain of paperwork at times, so I had to approach it the right way. Luckily, Charitable Allies had tools and advice I could follow.
Next, to get non-profit status, I needed to create a board of directors. That meant I needed to find like-minded leaders who had a similar heart for the vision and were in total support of Kingdom Creative’s mission. I am tremendously blessed to have this group of board members through my network of friends and local church.
Thankfully, the board helped me create a website to spread the word and navigate the challenges of paperwork, donating their time to support Kingdom Creative’s mission.
Presently, the priority is collaboration and connection with artists— building, discussing and celebrating art and how it connects to our faith.
Over the coming years, Kingdom Creative will be looking for resources to sponsor and fund art projects in the community. We hope that donors will see a glimpse of the impact we can make by sharing God’s love through art together. Helping artists find each other and connecting around these projects will make a big difference for everyone. Our goal is to find projects that will give both a creative outlet, as well as an opportunity to revive the community.
It hasn’t been easy, but over the past year, I’ve learned that hearing God’s call and actually listening are two very different things. This is God’s calling on my life and I have responded. Just because I found my purpose and have responded doesn’t make it any easier. It’s actually harder, but I know and trust that God will hold me up through it all.
Have you felt that calling? The very fact that you’re reading this story may mean that you have. Wherever you are in life and whatever priorities you face, you’ll have to decide if you’re willing to take action when you feel the nudge.
For me, it’s not easy or convenient, but important as it’s the work God called me to do. And together, we must make a difference for our city.
“Just because I found my purpose and have responded doesn’t make it any easier. It’s actually harder, but I know and trust that God will hold me up.”
Do you know an artist who’s looking for something more? Someone who’s looking to use their creative talents to make a bigger impact? An individual looking for God’s purpose for their life?
Kingdom Creative gathers together each month to discuss our quarterly art project. We believe when gathered together, we build dynamic friendships that empower spiritual growth!
Learn more at www.kingdomcreativeindy.org
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