Our Story

The Miller Beach Arts & Creative District (MBACD) was established in 2011, with the vision of promoting art, culture, creativity, and economic development, all as a catalyst for community revitalization. The organization is one of few community development organizations in Indiana. Our goal is to create a diverse and vibrant live / work community and a destination for the enjoyment of the visual, performing, and culinary arts in the Lake Street corridor of the Miller neighborhood in Gary, Indiana. Miller is recognized for its unique environment, surrounded by the Indiana Dunes National Park and Lake Michigan. Although Miller is fortunate to be situated within a unique natural environment and an extraordinary number of talented, accomplished, and community-oriented residents, many areas within our community continue to be in desperate need of restoration. The quality-of-life index is 70% of the national average, with crime and murder rates 5-10 times greater than the national average. Over 12% of residents in our 46403-zip code and 53% of Gary residents have not completed high school, and less than 12% of those have bachelor’s degrees. Through the arts, community programming, and a Farmers Market, we work to provide opportunities and access to Gary residents and beyond.