Sorry, that I don’t have a staff of editors paid on the taxpayer dime to make sure I never miss a typo or omission of a zero.

However, I am STILL the only person I know, who on the record, has volunteered time to help the city continue to advance the arts in Indianapolis during this budget cut.

i do not like you
you act like an economic guru
you’re more stiff than a statue
listen,artistdans words have value
that you just can’t see through
this isnt about what money can do
it’s a culutre were trying to rescue
we need to support the artistic venue
try to see it in a different view,
where indiana is headed to
i want my mayor to know this is an issue.
you know it’s wrong- why argue?
so stop hating, its more painful than a tatoo
you got to know where were coming through
ballard with the money he withdrew-
who’s going to save the arts? who? WHO?!

adieu.

The will of the people created the Arts Council of Indianapolis when artists of multiple disciplines, politicians, business leaders, and citizens who realized the importance of a focused arts organization got together for the first time in 1987.

Their foresight provided the impetus for the growth of theaters, Mass. Ave., Fountain Square, Harrison Center, The Stutz Bldg., and on and on. The individuals who opened galleries and invested their lives didn’t rely on grants, but they did follow the lead of the city. People need to know their efforts will be worthwhile. There are lots of people who do “make it happen.” But making things happen in a vacuum is suffocating. The city and the taxpayers who have been saying “support the arts” know a breath of fresh air can nurture a garden.

Because of this tax issue and how I’ve referred to 1987, I’ve put together a little photo history of what happens when artists get together. You’re invited to go to http://web.me.com/artistdan/A_Creative_Affair/A_Creative_Affair.html

peace,
dc

How could I possibly account for how much was spent? I know that a lot of rooms were booked at the Hilton Gardens where I arranged for discounts. I also know the venue’s cash bar ran out of vodka. And I know I gave $1000 in art prizes, hired two bands, contracted sound and lighting techs, bought advertising, printing, and many other expenses.

A few people flew here from out of state. Many came from around the state. I assume they ate in restaurants. Based on advance ticket sales and door sales that night, we had about 1000 in attendance (which included 100 volunteers).

The project received good critical press in both NUVO and Intake.

I personally backed the project with my own money. But quite honestly, I never had to spend my money other than the first $10 when I bought the domain name.

I raised the money by advance sale tickets and sponsorships.

Anyone who loves the arts to whine about “saving it” should be doing the same thing I did for our community. Get off your butt and MAKE it happen if you care so much.

I learned since then. I learned I can accomplish big things. I’ve learned the arts council snubs good people. I learned they hurt artists that aren’t let into their “clique”. I’ve also learned that the government spends a lot of our money they don’t need to spend.

I learned I worked harder without getting that $5,000 which probably would have let me slack a little.

I made successful art happen and gave $1000 to artists without a drop of city money. Why can’t the rest of these arts supporters do that too? Why force taxpayers to fund what they can do for themselves?

The real cultural arts in this town has nothing to do with the arts council. It has everything to do with the WILL of the people to put art in their lives and the lives of others.