The 1828 Project’s one of our signature programs at IndyHub, and each year it’s full of incredible leaders between the ages of 18 and 28. Nicole’s a part of 1828’s Class II. We sent her some questions. She responded. We totally think you should meet her, so keep reading.
IndyHub: How many years have you lived in Indy? What are some of your favorite Indy spots?
Nicole: I have lived in Indy off-and-on for about 4 years, now going on 5. I just graduated from Butler University last May and moved back in September. My favorite spots would have to be the IMA 100 Acres/canal path, Eagle Creek Park, Broad Ripple, and Mass Ave.
How would you describe your connection to Indianapolis when you began 1828?
When I began 1828, I did not see myself as part of the larger Indianapolis community. I certainly felt a connection to Butler, but I didn’t feel like I could call Indianapolis my home.
When I was thinking ahead in the future, I was not including Indianapolis in my plans because I did not anticipate that there would be anything for me here after I graduated. Fortunately, I have been proven wrong.
Being a part of 1828 certainly sparked my interest in exploring what was around me and encouraged me to get out of my familiar “Butler bubble.” Joining 1828 certainly influenced my last two years at Butler, academically and socially.
I dedicated a huge portion of my studies to better understanding community engagement and creative placemaking, and I completed my thesis on studies surrounding the Indianapolis opera scene.
I also found myself getting out more around town!
What have you been up to since 1828?
I was fortunate enough to be able to travel the summer after I graduated. I spent some time in Italy participating in an opera festival, La Musica Lirica. It was a great experience! After that, I moved back to Indy and started working for the Butler Community Arts School as an administrative assistant and Teaching Fellow.
Since then, I have been working as a section leader for a local church choir, completed two internships with the Indiana Arts Commission and the Indianapolis Museum of Art, joined the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, and am singing with the Intimate Opera of Indianapolis.
Starting in February, I will be working with VSA Arts of Indiana to help with grant writing, reporting, and some marketing. I am definitely in a transitional period, but I am looking forward to graduate school where I will continue studying music and arts administration.
What event are you most excited about in Indy?
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is performing an original composition this April with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. It has been a few years in the making and has included a huge community effort.
It promises to be an incredibly rewarding, insightful, and uplifting experience for everyone involved, from behind the stage, to the stage, and the audience. The piece is titled Zabur by Mohammed Fairouz.
What is the current environment for your project within Indianapolis?
I have not been directly involved in the planning process of Zabur, just the singing! But I know that the ISC created a consortium of local choral directors and musicians from the community to provide input into the scope of the work that they wanted to commission.
They selected Mohammed to compose the piece from a larger pool of applicants. There has been great community support from the start of the project, which is especially promising.
Of all the cities where you could live, why did you choose Indy?
Indy seemed to me the path of least resistance; I have a lot more friends in Indy than any other city! I have truly enjoyed my time here as a student and would like to know it as a professional. I saw moving back to Indianapolis as a great way to start life after graduation.
