Butler University creates fund to back arts organizations

Butler University is using shows at Clowes Memorial Hall and its other venues to build what it says will be long-term help for the performing arts in the city it calls home.

Since June of last year, Butler has been quietly building an Arts Performance Fund. The university says it’s tied to ticket sales for shows at Clowes Hall. For every ticket sold, $1 is directed into a fund that will offer grants to local arts organizations. In less than a year, the school says the fund has already grown to $150,000.

Aaron Hurt, Butler’s Vice President for Arts, Events and Enterprise Management, appeared on WISH-TV’s Daybreak on Thursday to talk about the fund.

Beginning in summer 2027, Butler says it will start distributing grants to Indianapolis-area arts organizations, with a goal of strengthening the broader arts ecosystem in the city. Based on projected ticket sales and additional fundraising, the university expects the fund to reach $1 million by June 1, 2027, with a long-term goal of $10 million dedicated to local arts support.

In addition to the ticket contribution model, Butler is expanding the fund through philanthropy and by launching two new patron levels for frequent Clowes attendees, which will include VIP access and special benefits tied to performances on campus.

Last year, Butler began renovations at Clowes Hall, upgrading seating across the theater’s three balcony terraces, including the addition of open-air suites and new gender-neutral restrooms. The venue also added loading docks and made improvements to the stage rigging and floors to accommodate more types of performances, including modern Broadway shows.

Next year, Butler says it will add a new ballroom to the east lobby of Clowes, giving the venue another event space. The university says the Allen Whitehill Clowes Ballroom is scheduled to open in Spring 2027.