Regional preservation and arts initiative officially goes live

After months of research, mapping, photography, design, and collaboration, the Decay Devils officially launched the NWI Landmarks & Arts Guide – a regional initiative focused on connecting residents and visitors to the history, art, architecture, trails, and cultural spaces that define Northwest Indiana.

Beginning this month, thousands of printed guides will begin circulating across the region, helping spotlight local landmarks, murals, public art installations, trails, and historic destinations throughout communities including Crown Point, East Chicago, Gary, Hammond, Michigan City, and Whiting.

The project was developed to encourage exploration, increase community pride, support local tourism, and help preserve the stories that often go overlooked.

“This project is about helping people rediscover the places around them,” said Tyrell Anderson, president and co-founder of Decay Devils. “Northwest Indiana has incredible stories, architecture, art, and history woven into everyday spaces. We wanted to create something accessible that encourages people to slow down, explore, and reconnect with their communities.”

Supported in part through grants from Legacy Foundation, Indiana Landmarks, and Indiana Humanities, the initiative combines preservation, storytelling, photography, creative placemaking, and public engagement into a growing regional resource.

In addition to the official guide release, Decay Devils is preparing a series of public events and activations tied to the project, including walking tours, preservation-focused experiences, public outreach opportunities, and regional collaborations with local organizations and advocates.

Partnership events are already beginning to take shape across the Region, including an upcoming collaboration with the Crown Point Library later this month and a planned 5K event in Michigan City this October. Additional event details and announcements will be shared soon.

The organization hopes the guides will not only encourage exploration, but also inspire deeper conversations around preservation, investment, identity, and the future of Northwest Indiana’s historic spaces.

The official launch marks a major milestone for Decay Devils and reflects the growing momentum surrounding preservation and creative community development efforts throughout northwest Indiana

Printed guides will be available at events, partner locations, businesses, cultural institutions, and community spaces throughout Northwest Indiana in the coming weeks.

Digital versions of the guides can now be viewed online at www.decaydevils.org/publicart