Local arts organizations invited to apply for venue grants for 2027-2028 performance season 

Butler University recently received a $1 million gift from Cheri Dick and her late husband Rollie Dick for its Arts Performance Fund that will accelerate efforts to expand stage access and programming opportunities for local arts organizations at Butler Arts venues. The fund, which launched in 2025, will now be known as the Rollie and Cheri Dick Arts Performance Fund in honor of the donors, who have been longtime patrons and benefactors of the arts at Butler and throughout the region. Thanks to the gift, the fund is now active and local arts organizations are invited to apply for funding to access Butler Arts venues for the 2027-28 performance season. 

Rollie Dick, who passed away on January 3, 2026, served on the Butler University Board of Trustees for more than 20 years and was a leading figure in advancing performing arts organizations and venues across Central Indiana throughout his life. Cheri Dick currently serves on the Indiana Arts Commission and on the boards of Indiana Landmarks, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and the Allied Center for the Performing Arts, among other leadership roles. She is the former Executive Director of the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre and has also been a lifelong advocate for access to the arts. 

“Rollie and I have always believed that the arts are essential to the vibrancy and spirit of our community,” Cheri Dick said. “Indianapolis is fortunate to have so many talented artists and wonderful arts organizations, and we want to ensure they have the opportunities and resources to share their gifts with our city. What excites us most about the Arts Performance Fund is that it creates a lasting way to support these organizations, remove barriers, and make the arts more accessible for everyone. We believe deeply in the vision Butler Arts is building for Indianapolis, and we are honored to play a part in helping that vision become a reality.” 

The fund was established to offset rental costs for nonprofit arts organizations utilizing Butler Arts venues, removing one of the largest barriers—venue fees—that often prevent arts groups from accessing professional performance spaces. The Dicks’ gift brings the vision of the fund to life, allowing Butler Arts to begin selecting its inaugural recipients. The first cycle of awards will be distributed in May 2027, providing support for the 2027–2028 performance season. To sustain and grow the fund toward a long-term $10 million goal, Butler Arts will continue directing $1 from every ticket sold at its venues to the fund. 

The Rollie and Cheri Dick Arts Performance Fund is rooted in the University’s Boldly Butler strategy and its commitment to building a dynamic campus and community through initiatives like the Butler Gateway Project and the Midtown Arts District. By expanding collaboration with institutions, neighbors, and community-based organizations, Butler seeks to build connections that strengthen the city’s artistic and cultural ecosystem. 

Currently, the Midtown Arts District is the reoccurring home for performances from the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Summer Stock Stage, Southbank Theater Company, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Ballet, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Dance Kaleidoscope, Music For All, and Kids Dance Outreach. 

“Our vision for Butler Arts has always been bigger than the stages we manage,” said Aaron Hurt, Butler University Vice President for Arts, Events, and Enterprise Management. “It’s about building a stronger, more connected arts community where artists and organizations have the opportunity to create, perform, and thrive. The Rollie and Cheri Dick Arts Performance Fund brings that vision to life by removing financial barriers and opening our stages to more of the incredible artistic talent in Indianapolis. Rollie and Cheri have spent decades championing the arts in our city, and through their extraordinary generosity, they are creating a lasting legacy that will strengthen our arts community and inspire generations of artists and audiences to come.” 

The Rollie and Cheri Dick Arts Performance Fund is open to nonprofit and community-based arts organizations interested in presenting performances at Butler University. Selected organizations will receive support toward eligible Butler Arts venue expenses, including facility rental and event labor costs. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2027. Interested organizations can learn more and apply at the Rollie and Cheri Dick Arts Performance Fund page of the Butler Arts website. 

“Rollie and Cheri Dick’s remarkable gift exemplifies true community leadership,” Butler University President Jim Danko said. “Their generosity not only expands access to our premier venues for talented local artists, but it also accelerates our bold strategy to redefine the role of a modern university, positioning Butler as a vibrant, interconnected hub for arts and culture within our city.”