Through the Indy Arts Council, the Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship recharges artists and arts administrators in Central Indiana with a sabbatical-like award. In 2024, 50 individuals including Sylvia Thomas were each awarded $12,000 to pursue activities that will bring rest, inspiration, and energy. This biennial fellowship is funded by the Lily Endowment.

For her Creative Renewal, Sylvia Thomas will be spending the month of July 2025 in Berlin, Germany exploring their LGBTQ+ culture during their Pride month, their poetry festival, their rich nightlife, museums, arts galleries, and other cultural cornerstones the city has to offer.