A Bit More About Us

About
Indianapolis, IN
Founded in 2010

We champion a future where Indiana is a globally recognized leader for creativity and innovation.

Pattern is a growth engine whose mission is to support, empower, and grow the local creative economy.

Our Work Is Based On

Four Pillars

Convene

We bring people together across sectors and regions.

Our work is a responsibility shared by all who reside here, so collaboration is key. We believe in the power of relationships and in building networks for change. In doing so, we are establishing an active coalition of stakeholders united by a common vision.

Cultivate

We develop creative talent and entrepreneurs.

For more than a decade, we have invested in individuals, small groups, and emerging companies. From internships and fellowships to creative residencies and retail incubators, we design scalable, replicable models for talent development and retention.

Convey

We tell the stories of Indiana’s Creative Economy.

As human beings, we are all storytellers. In this noisy world, Pattern gives tales of the Creative Economy voices and audiences, so the right folks get the right message at the best time. The greatest story we tell? The critical economic firepower found in our Creative Economy.

Advocate

We help shape statewide policies and strategies.

Pattern closes the gap between how creative work functions in practice and how creative work is understood in policy and funding conversations. We bring credible data, lived experience, and trusted relationships into decision-making spaces to align public and private systems with the needs of Indiana’s Creative Economy. Our goal? A state where creative industries are visible, valued, and planned for over the long term.

Meet Our Team

Executive Director

Polina Osherov

In the Midwest, Polina is a rarity: born in the Soviet Union, pre- and teenage years in Australia, college in Chicago, now firmly settled in Indiana. A true citizen of the world, she’s cut from vibrant, multi-cultural cloth, spanning three continents and woven by years of experience.

As a commercial portrait and fashion photographer, Polina is herself a creative entrepreneur. One of Pattern’s co-founders, she has been with the organization every day since its inception. With foresight, grit, and determination, she has grown a local, volunteer meet-up into a dynamic 501(c)3, committed to making Indiana a better, more enticing place for creatives, entrepreneurs, and everyone who calls this state home.

LinkedIn

Fellows

Interns

Board of Directors

Board Chair

Melanie Allen | Founder and CEO, Green Loop Marketing

Board Treasurer

Mitch Katz | CEO, CFO Plus

Board Members

Alan Bacon | Co-Founder & Creative Director, GANGGANG

Isaac Bamgbose | President and CEO, New City Development

Caitlin Byczko | IP Attorney, Barnes & Thornburg

Lafayette Jordan | Assistant Director of State Relations, IU

Laurel Judkins | Executive Director, GIPC

Lindsey deMaintenon | Executive Director, Improving Renal Outcomes Collaborative

NaShara Mitchell | Principal, Context Advising

Brian Payne | Principal, Carver Strategies

Ace Yakey | Retired, Lilly Endowment

Advisory Board

Sara Savu | Director, Forvis Mazars

Yemisi Sanni | Owner, Stylenspire

Ellen White

Barry Wormser | Principal, Wormser & Casey

at the Stutz

Pattern HQ

An inspiring, creative hub, the Stutz is a historic part of the Indiana arts and culture scene. The artists (and parties) of the building are legendary!

Locating the Pattern office at the Stutz keeps us close to the creativity and energy happening downtown. And, our partnership lets us leverage the building, its tenants, and reputation to host events, set our S.P.A.C.E. residents up for success, and offer affordable workspaces for creatives.

Explore the Stutz