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August 4, 2008, 7:41 pm
Filed under: Public arts funding
Filed under: Public arts funding
If you want the City County Council to keep public funding for the arts, use the comment section of this post to place your vote. Please include your full name. (Company and/or reason for your vote are optional.)
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1,202 Comments so far
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Save Public Funding for the Arts 
YES. Please keep (increase!!) arts funding.
Comment by Andrea Fagan August 4, 2008 @ 8:03 pmPlease keep arts funding.
Comment by Andrew Hamaker August 4, 2008 @ 8:04 pmPLEASE keep city arts funding!
Comment by Laura E. Glover August 4, 2008 @ 8:05 pmPlease keep the arts funding!
Comment by Carol August 4, 2008 @ 8:10 pmA vibrant community requires residents and interactions; social behaviors, norms and shared learnings result from those interactions.
Public Arts are a vehicle for positive interactions, and allow residents to express themselves in a safe, peaceful and constructive way.
Any city or culture that thrives uses the arts not only for tourism, but for creating an atmosphere in which residents can grow and mature.
To eliminate funding for public arts is shortsighted.
Comment by Bob Pyburn August 4, 2008 @ 8:15 pmDo not reduce Indianapolis into a working destination – else we will find other places to visit, florish, and enjoy.
Funding for the arts makes our community stronger.
Comment by David Allison August 4, 2008 @ 8:17 pmThe “arts” enrich us all. Keep and increae the funding of the arts in all of Indiana.
Comment by Susan Johnson August 4, 2008 @ 8:17 pmArts are a cultural imperative. We cannot allow the new mayor to send us back to the 19th century.
Comment by Janet Allen August 4, 2008 @ 8:19 pmIf you look at the wonderful recent developments in Broadripple, Mass Ave., Fountain Square among others and wonder how they happened — it is because the city has invested in its arts and culture!
Comment by Brenda Myers August 4, 2008 @ 8:23 pmQuality of life is one of the largest indicators of a healthy and vibrant community, and one of the measurements used is access to the arts. To say Indianapolis provides no support for its arts will create a huge detriment to businesses who want to invest here, much less developers who want to build here.
If you cannot base your decision on why arts are important to individuals, please at least consider why arts are important for economic development reasons.
Time and time again city surveys have proven the arts are a stronger economic driver than sports here. The data tells it all!
Please continue the funding to support the Public Arts.
Comment by David Daum August 4, 2008 @ 8:24 pmFunding for the Arts is smart business for any community. It is inde4ed shortsighted for Indianapolis to consider eliminating this support; it would be a decision that IU Kelley School of Business students would study – “…how not to entice business to a community.”
Comment by Joe Hammer August 4, 2008 @ 8:24 pmPlease keep arts funding!
Comment by Holly Bettice August 4, 2008 @ 8:26 pmPlease INCREASE arts funding!
Comment by Clay Risinger August 4, 2008 @ 8:30 pmI have been so proud to show off our city when I’ve had visitors. The public art that has popped up in the past few years, the quality of our theatres, dance troupes and museums and the many other arts organizations has not only contributed to MY quality of living in this city, but it has brought new admiration and respect for this city. It contributes to the well-roundedness of a great city, along with sports, industry, architecture and green space. We’ve all worked so hard to get us to this point and we’re making great strides to be even better. Please don’t let us go backwards by removing our funding. Please keep us on the right track to make Indianapolis a world-class city.
Comment by Kathy Pataluch August 4, 2008 @ 8:31 pmPlease find a more creative way to cut the budget than eliminating the City’s participation in the Arts, which are vital to any thriving, healthy community.
Comment by Lianne Somerville August 4, 2008 @ 8:31 pmIncreased funding for the arts in Indianapolis is essential to our city. Please keep funding.
Comment by Fran Zore August 4, 2008 @ 8:33 pmAs someone who lives in the Old Northside and works downtown, I strongly believe that funding for the arts is critical to the continued growth and success of Indianapolis. Please do not stop that important funding.
Comment by Suzanne Sweeney August 4, 2008 @ 8:41 pmPlease continue to fund the Public Arts.
Comment by Barbara Tharp August 4, 2008 @ 8:42 pmThe arts are as vital as any public service from health care to transportation. They not only make Indianapolis a more enriching place to live but ensure creative thoughts and tolerance of all new and different ideas. It is during these trying economic times that we must turn to our artists for inventive and hopeful dreams. You can not put a price on that.
Comment by Ian Hall August 4, 2008 @ 8:42 pmPlease keep the funding for the arts in Indianapolis!!
Comment by Nikki Goedeker August 4, 2008 @ 8:43 pmThe arts support and benefit: education, crime reduction, at-risk youth, economic development, social cohesion, cultural preservation. Government in turn, needs to support such a big part of our success as a city!
Comment by Priscilla Lindsay August 4, 2008 @ 8:48 pmKeep the funding for arts in Indy!!
Comment by Julie A Schaefer August 4, 2008 @ 8:55 pmA vibrant city needs arts funding!
Comment by Charles Goad August 4, 2008 @ 9:01 pmPlease keep the arts funding in Indy!
Comment by Terri Reilly August 4, 2008 @ 9:01 pmFunding the arts in our community makes it an interesting and exciting place to live while giving the citizens a reason to remain here. The arts involve all ages and all income levels, building friendships and understanding as we share our delight in watching or participating or learning.
Comment by Jane Snyder August 4, 2008 @ 9:04 pmThe arts always seem to be the targets of knee-jerk reactions when budgets are tight. But to cut funding for such important cultural contributions to our city is short-sighted and narrow-minded — qualities that will not move our city forward or enhance the quality of life here. There is more to a thriving city than condos and sports stadiums. If city officials truly want to stem the brain drain and make Indianapolis a thriving, vibrant, meaningful community, arts funding is essential. Cutting arts funding is not only ill-advised, but would also spotlight a sad ignorance on the part of officials on what qualities a true “world-class city” actually embraces.
Comment by Julie Saetre August 4, 2008 @ 9:08 pmPlease consider increasing the budget (not eliminating it) for our local arts! Indianapolis has worked so hard over the past several years to revitalize the city and make it a contender for international events and conferences. That status is contingent on continued support of the arts. It is not just a mere aesthetic, it is educational and a vital part of the community. Find another way to cut/balance the budget. Indianapolis needs local arts funding if it is going to continue growing into a ‘world-class’ city.
Comment by Molly Coffman August 4, 2008 @ 9:18 pmIf it were not for my love and study of music I’m not sure I would have ever grasped math! An education without the arts is NOT an education at all. The arts cover all manner of elements of other subjects and bring them together in a way that is not boring! So many pieces of music tell stories from our history and bring them to life in a way that no text book can. The plays of Shakespeare tell of universal truths about the human condition. Most of these we still grapple with today.
Comment by Leigh Anne Sink August 4, 2008 @ 9:19 pmPlease add my signature to support continued funding for the arts in our great city, made great because of the arts.
Comment by Travis DiNicola August 4, 2008 @ 9:27 pmPlease keep funding the arts! Some organizations barely survive by the goodwill of donors and funding…and there are so many great arts programs that make Indy special.
Comment by Catherine Fritsch August 4, 2008 @ 9:32 pmPlease keep funding Indy Arts!
Comment by Tiffany Sauder August 4, 2008 @ 9:37 pmWhat other investment does the city make that gives back ten fold to its citizens in quality of life? Great article in Sunday’s paper about the positive change murals are helping to bring about in the eastside neighborhoods. The arts are of the utmost importance in creating a “world class city”, and deserve – demand the 1% of the budget support that the city gives. We are creative! and know how to be creative with our funding. Please continue to fund the arts in Indy.
Comment by Kathleen Egan August 4, 2008 @ 9:52 pmThe city’s funding for the arts should be moving in a positive direction, not a negative one. The mayor and city-county council should be figuring out how to increase funding for the arts in an era of belt tightening when it’s been proven by the Arts Council of Indianapolis that $1.5 million in appropriations to the arts on an annual basis actually generate a net economic impact to the city of more than $50 million. Where is the sense in cutting arts funding when it positively impacts the city to such a degree?
Comment by William "Bill" Simmons August 4, 2008 @ 9:59 pmThe arts are what brought me to Indianapolis; first to study at U of I, and then to work for a number of years. I cannot imagine my life any differently, nor would I change it. To take that away from so many in the future would truly be a crime.
Comment by Delia Neylon August 4, 2008 @ 10:08 pmCreative, stimulated minds are necessary to keep the world in which we live vibrant and vital. The arts give us each the opportunity to share common physical and emotional experiences without judgement. We must support the arts within our community if we hope to stay relevant in a diverse, evolving world. Look around the world outside of the United States. Education is incomplete without a connection to the arts, of which we can all contribute and be a part.
Comment by Derek Reid August 4, 2008 @ 10:09 pmA vibrant arts scene is vital to our city’s health. Please keep funding the arts in Indianapolis!
Comment by Allison Edwards August 4, 2008 @ 10:14 pmThe arts are vital to a growing and thriving city. The impact of cutting the arts funding to $0 over the course of the next three years will devastate this city. If anything, there should be MORE funding for the arts. If we use the economic impact study as a guide, we know that most businesses would be thrilled with an investment of $1.5 million generating $50 million! And 15,000+ jobs are generated through arts and cultural institutions.
I support the arts in Indianapolis!!!!
Comment by Stephanie Lewis Robertson August 4, 2008 @ 10:28 pmIf I could add my signature 1,000 times, I would!
Comment by Lynne Fuller August 4, 2008 @ 11:03 pmPlease save funding for Indy arts. It is important, not only for our city now, but for its future generation. Look at the multitude of research that correlates involvement in the arts with higher academic achievement and lower involvement with drugs, alcohol and crime.
Comment by Marilyn Slemenda August 4, 2008 @ 11:09 pmArts education is just as important as math or science…keep the arts in our schools & community!
Comment by Vikki Duke August 4, 2008 @ 11:31 pmOur city needs the arts and what it does for the kids in Indy
Comment by Audrey Satterblom August 4, 2008 @ 11:41 pmI am outraged that the city leadership is proposing the elimination of the small portion of support the city of Indianapolis gives to the arts. I will remember this come election day.– Doug Dilling.
Comment by Doug Dilling August 5, 2008 @ 12:32 amPlease keep funding the arts! It is so important to the culture of our city!
Comment by Jessica Gregory August 5, 2008 @ 1:13 amIf we want to continue to be a world class city, we’ve gotta be a well-rounded city! The arts is an important part of that equation. It’s a critical investment in our city, and it shows that we’ve got style and substance. We must keep it in the budget.
Comment by Monica Whitfield Brase August 5, 2008 @ 1:18 amI strongly support the arts!
Comment by Mary Chloe Coffman August 5, 2008 @ 1:31 amI feel it is as necessary as math or science.
Art is a necessary part of living in Indianapolis. I would like the city council to support the ARts.
Comment by meg irsay August 5, 2008 @ 1:48 amYES continue public support for the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Jon Laramore August 5, 2008 @ 1:53 amPlease keep funding the arts in Indy!
Comment by Jennifer Hollandbeck August 5, 2008 @ 1:59 amYes. Please continue our arts funding to support our city’s vitality and to ensure that our future generations will thrive as a result of their exposure to the arts.
Comment by Kathy Mance O'Brian August 5, 2008 @ 2:04 amPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Justine August 5, 2008 @ 2:28 amThe arts have made Indianapolis an amazingly vibrant and sophisticated city. We must continue to support the people, venues and organizations that are putting Indianapolis front and center on an international stage.
Comment by Molly Chavers August 5, 2008 @ 2:34 amWe need arts in Indianapolis. Don’t cut the funding.
Comment by Katie Angel August 5, 2008 @ 2:42 amThe arts in this city bring so many people together, and inspire good things among us. How we can dare take that away?!?! Please keep funding for the arts!!!
Comment by Liberty Harris August 5, 2008 @ 3:00 amIncrease funding to the arts in Indianapolis! It contributes to MY economic well being.
Comment by Kate Oberreich August 5, 2008 @ 3:10 amDo you think Indy would be “building a world class city, one neighborhood at a time” by eliminating arts funding? Indy should be gaining more culture, not causing it to diminish.
Comment by Michael Rumsey August 5, 2008 @ 9:42 amThe arts are essential to the quality of life that we live and leave for our children. What is our cultural legacy? Please keep funding the arts!
Comment by David Hochoy August 5, 2008 @ 10:48 amThe arts are so important to continue the progress this city has made. Arts make our city mor attractive to corporattions, convention visitors, college students, tourists, etc. We want to be a world class city and that requires a vibrant, active, well funded arts community. It is imperative that the city continue to support the Arts!
Comment by Sherrie Knighton August 5, 2008 @ 11:23 amPlease keep or increase the funding for arts in Indianapolis. It is an important part of what makes our city so great!
Comment by bethmillett August 5, 2008 @ 11:27 amAs a member of the recent Indianapolis crime prevention task force, I know that positive activities, including arts and parks, are effective crime-prevention tools. As a long-time economic development marketer, I also know that quality of life factors–including arts, culture and green space–help attract jobs and the taxpaying citizens who fill them. In short, arts equal crime prevention and economic development. The city funding is a tiny fraction of a much bigger budget. The ROI is significant. Retain the arts funding, please.
Comment by Bruce Hetrick August 5, 2008 @ 11:32 amThe importance of the arts in keeping a city vibrant, informed, and attractive to potential newcomers cannot be stressed enough.
Comment by Will McAuliffe August 5, 2008 @ 11:47 amSupport for the Arts is not a choice, is our responsibility. History is told through the Arts of the people that create and support them. Please continue funding the Arts.
Comment by Ricardo Melendez August 5, 2008 @ 12:21 pmFunny how the Arts is always the first on the choping block! The gift of all Arts is a life long gift, a life lesson. We need this now more than ever!
Comment by Connie August 5, 2008 @ 12:28 pmThe arts attract engaged, thoughtful, caring people who want to see this city continue to succeed and grow. Eliminate the arts, and this city’s soul will wither and die. PLEASE keep funding the arts.
Comment by Bill Lovejoy August 5, 2008 @ 12:29 pmwithout the arts and MORE arts funding my children and all others are at a tremendous disadvantage.
Comment by Katy Allen August 5, 2008 @ 12:34 pmWhere lives your treasures, so lives your heart, your value. In a civilized society, our culture is reflected in the areas of our support and focus.
We elect to be measured by our compassion for our arts. Spend more of our taxes on the arts – retain what little funding we have committed, and increase its percentage to improve our city.
Enhancing our culture, refining our infrastructure, beautifying our surrounding, all are steps towards attracting positive attention, lessening negative activity, drawing business opportunities, and the general betterment of our society.
Comment by Hank Dragoo August 5, 2008 @ 12:43 pmA strong and diverse arts environment is an essential component of the eco-system of every great city. The arts need nurturing and investment, because without them this city becomes nothing more than a series of strip malls.
Comment by John Green August 5, 2008 @ 12:45 pmThe arts provide places where people can live in community with one another and enjoy life to it’s fullest. Mass. Ave is a wonderful example of how the arts can bring the city together, and over the last several years, the spread throughout the city has been huge. White River Park and the Canal have been wonderful additions, and the arts there have really created a wonderful place for the citizens and youth of our city. Please keep the funding, and let our city grow.
Comment by Josh Taylor August 5, 2008 @ 12:46 pmThere are folks that have worked their butts off to see the Indy arts scene reach the level it has in recent years. Though still not where it should be, it’s better than it ever has been. To stop that growth, or worse, undo what has been accomplished thus far, would solidify the perception outside of town that Indy is a cultural wasteland not worty of retaining it’s artists and their respective talents. DO NOT IXNAY THE FUNDING OF THE ARTS…PLEASE!!!
Comment by Glen Bucy August 5, 2008 @ 12:47 pmPlease keep the arts funding in Indy–it’s vital for a vibrant city.
Comment by Anne Jester August 5, 2008 @ 12:50 pmYes, please do maintain – and increase – funding to the arts in Indianapolis. The benefits are numerous and touch areas ranging from crime reduction and at-risk youth to economic development. Surely corporations look at cities for business, they consider all the facets of a community, including the arts and the broader culture.
The various arts are truly a universal language. Please consider how they bring us all together as you review the budget.
Comment by Nila Nealy August 5, 2008 @ 12:52 pmYES, please keep the arts funding in Indy!
Comment by Tricia O'Connor August 5, 2008 @ 12:53 pmPlease do not cut the public funding for arts. Just when this city is starting to become more interesting than a value meal and a movie at the strip mall – whoosh – there it goes. Of course, with a “visionary” like Ballard at the helm, we might as well give up.
Comment by Patrick Flaherty August 5, 2008 @ 1:06 pmPlease keep arts funding for Indy!
Comment by Loretta Oleksy August 5, 2008 @ 1:14 pmCutting off funding for the arts–or other quality of life services–is incredibly shortsighted. Indianapolis’ ability to fight crime is dependent upon its ability to create and maintain a vibrant community that people want to live and work in.
Comment by Sheila Suess Kennedy August 5, 2008 @ 1:16 pmKeep arts funding – it helps quality of life which atracts new businesses to our city.
Comment by Laura Littlepage August 5, 2008 @ 1:16 pmIn the 30 some years we have lived in Indianapolis, the arts have grown and we have attended more and more. Sports we ignore, but the city spends millions on that. Please increase the funding to the arts……we are not alone in wanting cultural activities for our city!
Comment by Sarah Patterson August 5, 2008 @ 1:20 pmThe integrity of the Council is important to its constituency. Are the arts used to promote Indianapolis as an outstanding place to visit, hold conferences, and start or relocate businesses? I thought so.
Comment by Ginger Plexico August 5, 2008 @ 1:29 pmI can’t imagine anyone wanting to live in a city without a strong arts environment. It shapes our community, strengthens our minds AND our hearts, and brings a sense of civic pride to all that live/work/play in Indy. I’m appalled that only 1% has been budgeted for arts. YES – keep funding the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Tracey Ferrara August 5, 2008 @ 1:35 pmPlease keep funding for public art
Comment by Terri Stauffer August 5, 2008 @ 1:36 pmWithout a strong and vibrant arts how can Indianapolis be expected to compete with other cities when it comes to attracting or retaining talented citizens? I hope our city officials are not so short-sided to pull local funding for the arts.
Comment by Doug Downey August 5, 2008 @ 1:38 pmPlease keep arts funding – its essential to a dynamic and vibrant city
Comment by Megan Perry August 5, 2008 @ 1:39 pmA world class city requires world class art. As a musician regularly funded by the city, I would be hard hit by the cuts, and so would those citizens who find my contributions vital to the artistic community
Comment by Katherine Newbold August 5, 2008 @ 1:45 pmArt is life, support art and support life.
Comment by helger oomkes August 5, 2008 @ 1:47 pmArts funding is critical to the success of Indianapolis and the Central Indiana community. You do not become a first class city capable of hosting a Super Bowl based on crime prevention – it is based on quality activities for residents and visitors. Indianapolis has built a reputation for the arts and based within the arts; please do not ruin it by denying all funding.
Comment by Jaime Bohler Smith August 5, 2008 @ 1:49 pmThe arts are critical to attracting educated and talented people to Indy. The arts help our children expand their minds and use their creativity and imaginations. Public funding of the arts should be increased not cut.
Comment by Julie Koegel August 5, 2008 @ 1:56 pmA healthy city is full of diverse, thoughtful people willing to work together to better the community. The arts play a powerful and fundamental role to inspire residents of all ages, backgrounds and income levels. While there are always tough choices in city funding, eliminating any program entirely is not the answer. Instead of closing doors, the Mayor and City Council must seek creative ways to enhance the quality of life for all. The Arts, and city funding for it, are critical to the health and well being of Indianapolis.
Comment by Janna Bennett August 5, 2008 @ 1:57 pm“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance”…..Aristotle The Arts is definitely significant to the city of Indianapolis! If anything, we should INCREASE the funding – not cut it!
Comment by Sandie Dunn August 5, 2008 @ 2:12 pmPlease keep the Indy Arts funding going… Also, support the Parks!
Comment by Sarah August 5, 2008 @ 2:15 pmWithout the arts, Indianapolis becomes just another hub of industry. What appeals to families and visitors is the arts of Indy!
Comment by Brandi Coffin August 5, 2008 @ 2:15 pmPlease keep funding the Arts in Indy!
Comment by Alisia Morales August 5, 2008 @ 2:15 pmOne reason I live downtown is to be able to walk to dinner, the theater, and other smoke-free environments. The arts are not only essential to our emotional well being, they BRING money into the city as well.
Comment by Kathryn Vanderwater-Piercy August 5, 2008 @ 2:15 pmIt seems ironic that, just when the business world is starting to realize the vital importance of arts education in the modern economy (see Daniel Pink’s “A Whole New Mind”,) our leadership would choose to take a stand symbolizing a move in the opposite direction. Children generally value what their culture seems to value. They know the arts are the first things to go when cutting school budgets, so they are taught at a young age that the arts are not very important in the scheme of things. It’s not surprising that when children who have no experience of what the arts can bring to our lives grow up to vote, they reflect that attitude. What kind of community might we have if we showed children that we really DO value the arts? Budgeting a bit more for the arts despite a tight economy and supporting the arts in our schools would be great ways to show the value we place on peaceful, creative community endeavors.
Comment by Eileen S. Prince August 5, 2008 @ 2:17 pmPlease continue this small portion of City funding that makes a powerful statement to the entire community.
Comment by Jennifer Dzwonar August 5, 2008 @ 2:17 pmWe need more art- not less
Comment by Sara Rubin August 5, 2008 @ 2:18 pmThe Arts are just as important to a city as sports. If the city spent just 1 percent of the Lucas Oil Stadium budget on the arts, it would be $7 million.
Comment by Jim Lindgren August 5, 2008 @ 2:19 pmCity leaders are the architects of our culture, they need to build on the past and create the future by investing more in the Arts. Art contributes to our community’s health and beauty and it helps us to attract new residents and visitors.
Comment by Helene Cross August 5, 2008 @ 2:21 pmCan’t imagine this city not continuing the long tradition of supporting the arts. Why would anyone think Indy Hoosiers would be happy about cutbacks in the support of arts?
Comment by Barbara Duke Sams August 5, 2008 @ 2:27 pmPublic funding for the arts is a mark of a civilized society. We should be spending more, not less.
Comment by Cathy Hamaker August 5, 2008 @ 2:30 pmAwareness of the community through art is an immeasurable gift to its residents. Thank you for your careful consideration of the current and future needs of Indianapolis.
Comment by Martha Gilchrist August 5, 2008 @ 2:41 pmTo be a competitive city that attracts talent from around the world, we must offer a high quality of life, which is mainly all types of ARTS and PARKS (including GREENWAYS!)! Yes, we must also be safe, have clean water, and education, but these are not mutually exclusive options. Arts and parks can play a HUGE role in public safety, education, and other pressing city issues.
Comment by Gail Payne, APR August 5, 2008 @ 2:41 pmThe life transforming power of the arts needs our continued support from public and private funding. Please keep arts funding.
Comment by Jim Ream August 5, 2008 @ 2:51 pmFunding to the arts is crucial to the success of the city, just as much as sports, visits to the mall, etc. Culture makes the city very special in the midwest!
Comment by David Kwasigroh, Indianapolis Art Center August 5, 2008 @ 2:56 pmIf given the opportunity, I would cast my vote for a tax increase to support the arts, rather than a “public” sports stadium. The arts should be considered a vital part of a community’s infrastructure, as it attracts/retains creative individuals, the young at heart, and progressives.
Comment by Dolores Wisdom August 5, 2008 @ 3:00 pmFunding for the arts is an essential parts of creating and maintaining a world class city. Cutting any funding (much less, not increasing it) would be detrimental to us as city and as a community.
Comment by Camme McEllhiney August 5, 2008 @ 3:11 pmArts rule! The best way to attract young, energetic talent to a community is a vibrant arts scene. When you cut the arts, you cut growth.
Comment by Jim Cridlin August 5, 2008 @ 3:11 pmThe arts are an integral part of the human experience. Increased funding to expand the opportunities provided to the citizens and visitors of the city of Indianapolis is vital to the well being of us all.
Comment by Corinne Imboden August 5, 2008 @ 3:18 pmVibrant cities are rich with arts opportunities and choices. Although all of us as individuals should do our part to support the arts, it is imperative that the city take an active role in the funding as well. Working together we build a strong community that will attract and retain corporations and individuals who choose to come to and live in Indianapolis. Public funding is crucial. You lets the arts down–you let the city down.
Comment by Anne Scheele August 5, 2008 @ 3:20 pmThe Arts enrich our lives. Please don’t cut our funding.
Comment by Kara Moreland August 5, 2008 @ 3:22 pmDo not cut the budget. The Arts are part of the solution, not the problem. At what point in human history is life without arts remembered or celebrated? Please keep supporting the arts in Indianapolis. Don’t let this moment – our history disappear forever.
Comment by Bryan Fonseca August 5, 2008 @ 3:23 pmArts funding by the city is like seed money for the much larger contributions by the community to support arts. The message that the city sends by supporting the arts with 1% of its budget sends a loud message: Indianapolis wants the arts to thrive.
By maintaining substantial arts funding, Indianapolis continues to signal to current and future taxpayers that this is the sort of community that attracts and retains creative knowledge workers. Attracting these people will continue to be a strategic imperative for an increasingly diverst central Indiana economy.
Please, save the 1% arts funding.
Comment by Ken Bubp August 5, 2008 @ 3:23 pmIt is the arts that provoke and delight our imaginations, thus opening us to new possibilities for our lives in community with each other
Comment by Pam Blevines Hinkle August 5, 2008 @ 3:24 pmPlease support continued city funding for the arts. The Indianapolis arts community provides so much of the vitality and quality of life amenities for the Indianapolis community and for attracting and retaining residents and businesses.
Comment by Keira Amstutz August 5, 2008 @ 3:25 pmPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis. You can look no further than to Richard Florida’s ‘The Rise of the Creative Class’ for sound reasons why supporting the arts is critical to a modern, vibrant and dynamic city.
Indianapolis is like a polished gem, and the arts in our community have played a huge roll over the years. Please help keep Indianapolis shining brightly on the world stage — continue to support the arts.
Comment by Joe Miller August 5, 2008 @ 3:30 pmKeep funding the arts in the city.
Comment by Ralph Dicks August 5, 2008 @ 3:37 pmPlease keep arts funding.
Comment by Jennifer Thomas August 5, 2008 @ 3:38 pmThe arts feed the spirit and thus are an essential foundation of the community. Please continue to fund the arts!
Comment by Nancy Stark August 5, 2008 @ 3:39 pmPlease continue to fund public arts!
Comment by Charity Counts August 5, 2008 @ 3:40 pmI moved to Indy almost 40 years ago when the city was derisively called Naptown. Now is the most exciting time in our city’s history, thanks to our thriving arts community. Do the mayor and city council really want to go back to Naptown? Keep public funding for the Arts in Indy!
Comment by Chuck Daube August 5, 2008 @ 3:41 pmPlease allocate even more to public arts funding!
Comment by Joy Cropper August 5, 2008 @ 3:45 pmGreg Ballard ran on cutting government and wasteful spending. He’s finding out that Mayor Peterson inherited a budget full of holes and mismanaged dedicated funds from Goldsmith and had to make critical choices along the way to fix the budget. Peterson still managed to make gains in fixing the budget and include funding for the arts – what I consider to make Indy a step above most other similar sized cities and the reason it’s livable. Ballard is grasping at straws that cutting this funding will get him to the magic $80 million in cuts he said was possible (which is not). I support increased funding and the mayor and council need to make it happen.
Comment by John Joanette August 5, 2008 @ 3:56 pmPlease keep public funding for the arts in Indianapolis!
Comment by Anna Bennett August 5, 2008 @ 3:56 pmPlease don’t cut arts funding!
Comment by Janet McCabe August 5, 2008 @ 4:01 pmPlease keep arts funding
Comment by Courtney August 5, 2008 @ 4:06 pmPlease do not cut an already under-funded, critical public investment. Dollars spent on the arts are dollars we won’t spend on crime prevention and economic development incentives. The arts generate revenue by adding to the tax base. Cutting funding for productive investments is bad fiscal policy.
Comment by Mary Ann Sullivan August 5, 2008 @ 4:23 pmIt is important that the city continue to fund the arts. They reflect the heart and soul of our community and add to the quality of life. They add to the economic growth of our city. That 1% is not much; but, it generates greater support from corporations, foundations, individuals and other sources.
The arts provide educators with a valuable teaching method that encourages creativity, team work, and critical thinking skills…qualities valued by perspective employers.
Comment by Cheryl Strain August 5, 2008 @ 4:26 pmPlease keep arts funding. It made the cultural districts and downtown awesome, probably helping with landing big business…like the superbowl.
Comment by Jeanne August 5, 2008 @ 4:29 pmI would like to see the same level of support in the community for the arts as their is for the sports.
Comment by Paul R. Wyatt August 5, 2008 @ 4:29 pmTo abolish funding for the arts is to abolish support for beauty and civility. PLEASE maintain funding for the arts. Thank you.
Comment by Tim Herd August 5, 2008 @ 4:31 pmPlease keep arts funding as a part of the city budget. It seems a little amount goes a long way, I think you could find that thousands of people are influenced by the arts everyday in the city.
Comment by John Lucas August 5, 2008 @ 4:35 pmPlease keep arts funding. thank you.
Comment by Sarah Nevin August 5, 2008 @ 4:37 pmDear Mayor Ballard, Please preserve the City’s funding and support for the Arts. The Arts are a critical element of a world-class city that makes Indianapolis attractive to its present and potential future residents that do have a choice of where to live. Thank you.
Comment by Vincent Wong August 5, 2008 @ 4:38 pmHow can we afford to cut arts funding?!
There is empirical evidence that what students learn in the arts helps them master other subjects, including reading and math. One study demonstrated that arts participation and higher College Board scores are correlated. Another study showed that children who participate in the arts watch less television, report less boredom in school and are more active in community service. Engagement in the arts has beneficial, measurable effects on cognitive development in children. Art and music education and participation foster creativity, enrich appreciation, promote cultural knowledge, contribute to learning and aid the development of social skills. In addition to learning in specific arts disciplines, one study suggests a complex model of learning in which the arts domain of learning supports others, described as a “constellation” effect. (Source: (The Arts Education Partnership) Research concludes that the arts:
Comment by Kathi Coon August 5, 2008 @ 4:38 pm1. Reach students who are not otherwise being reached,
2. Reach students in ways they are not otherwise being reached,
3. Connect students to themselves and each other,
4. Transform the environment for learning,
5. Provide new challenges for those students who are already successful and
6. Connect learning experiences to the world of real work.
We cannot continue to call ourselves a world class city while simultaneously cutting Arts funding. Please keep funding for the arts going! And find ways to increase that funding.
Comment by Ben Tebbe August 5, 2008 @ 4:40 pmPlease continue to support and/or increase funding for Public Art in Indianapolis!!
Comment by Paula Deemer August 5, 2008 @ 4:45 pmNot only should the city continue its funding for the arts, it needs to be INCREASED! We are already pitifully low on the totem pole for per capita arts funding. The 11th largest city in the US should be doing far better.
Comment by Stephan Laurent August 5, 2008 @ 5:02 pmCity Council, heed this advice: those of you who vote against arts funding will be remembered and voted out of office!
Love what public art has down for the community, would hate to see this just go away.
Comment by Melissa Reeves August 5, 2008 @ 5:12 pmIt is rediculous that we are even talking about this. If the arts received the same level of support that sports does, then Indianapolis might be a world class city insteady of a monstrosity football arena with some hotels around it.
Comment by Ron Nobles August 5, 2008 @ 5:20 pmThe arts are necessary for the growth of Indianapolis. Please continue funding the arts.
Comment by Peter Gindling August 5, 2008 @ 5:24 pmAt the store we need to buy bread to nourish our bodies and a flower to nourish our souls. We can’t do without food, but we can’t do without beauty either. Don’t cut funding for the arts!
Comment by Shawndra Miller August 5, 2008 @ 5:27 pmTo fully comprehend the extraordinary power of the arts to enrich our lives and to bring beauty and meaning to our daily existence is to imagine a city without them.
Comment by Douglas E. Wagner August 5, 2008 @ 5:31 pmAdd my signature for support of continued funding for the arts for Indianapolis and its community, which is a great city because of the arts!
Comment by Mairin Foley August 5, 2008 @ 5:37 pmThe arts are vital to the growth of the city, especially as it strives to be considered world-class. Please continue funding the arts.
Comment by Matthew Sikora August 5, 2008 @ 5:38 pmI fully support continued funding for the arts in this great city of Indianapolis.
Comment by Dr. William A. Foley, Jr. August 5, 2008 @ 5:39 pmWhat an idea! Save the city – for what – with eliminating arts funding! This is the way we tell people that Indianapolis is a good place to visit? 1% is such a pitiful amount – but it helps to legitamize art in the city. Save Arts Funding!
Comment by Lorna Startzman August 5, 2008 @ 6:03 pmI firmly support public funding of the arts as I find it disheartening and unfortunate that Indianapolis government would even consider cutting any funding.
Comment by William M. Foley August 5, 2008 @ 6:09 pmI VOTE YES to the ARTS 4 Indy!
Comment by Kevin Akamu August 5, 2008 @ 6:15 pmPlease keep Indy’s public arts funding!
Comment by Sarah McMillen August 5, 2008 @ 6:18 pmThe arts provide children and youth with a means to express themselves and serve as an alternative to violence and crime by provide activies for the whole family throughout Marion County. Cutting public funding will greatly reduce opportunities for children and youth to engage in arts activities in school, after school, on weekends, and in the summer. Yes, there are many challenges facing Indianapolis in the years ahead, but reducing or cutting funding for the arts should not be the answer to complex community and societal issues.
Comment by Dorothy ILGEN August 5, 2008 @ 6:24 pmYES!!!! We must have the arts. VOTE YES
Comment by Lana Detro August 5, 2008 @ 6:24 pmPlease keep the arts funding!
Comment by Breanne Riley August 5, 2008 @ 6:27 pm+ The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place; from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.
::: Pablo Picasso :::
We need every scrap of art we can get around here. Otherwise, there’s no inspiration for creative living.
Comment by Susan Cloe August 5, 2008 @ 6:28 pmYes. Keep supporting the arts.
Comment by Carla Hartman August 5, 2008 @ 6:28 pmIndianapolis is becoming known as an interesting, beautiful, hospitable convention city, in large part due to the arts so readily available to the conventioneers. The arts in this city increase its revenue – cutting them out would be like shooting ourselves in the foot. Please maintain public funding of the arts.
Comment by Cathy Sipe August 5, 2008 @ 6:30 pmIndy has changed SO MUCH since I graduated from high school in 1997, in large part due to the arts and encouragement of artists in this city. I can’t imagine what would happen if we had less money allocated for arts or worse–no arts budget at all. This can’t just be ignored.
-Rebecca Berfanger
Comment by Rebecca Berfanger August 5, 2008 @ 6:32 pmWe at OnTheCusp.org support the arts. Please do not cut the arts budget. Invest in our future. Increase arts funding.
Comment by Scott Grow August 5, 2008 @ 6:34 pmYes! Keep the arts funding. I grew up participating in arts programs in the Indy area. It was integral to my development and I can’t imagine that our city government does not see the value that an artistic outlet creates for our community, particularly children.
Comment by Aimee Yarwood August 5, 2008 @ 6:34 pmArts are an important part of any city trying to compete for tourism, business and as a potential living destination. Please fund the arts.
Comment by Brandon Akamu August 5, 2008 @ 6:37 pmAdd my vote for the arts. We need to increase funding not decrease funding.
Comment by Ellen Munds August 5, 2008 @ 6:40 pmCutting spending for the arts is certainly not part of the vision that I heard our Mayor discussing during the election… Certainly, the citizens of this great city deserve better. And we are demanding better. To the mayor, the council, etc: get creative. Don’t cut arts spending.
Comment by Steve Nealy August 5, 2008 @ 6:48 pmAs much as I love the Colts and understand the Convention expansion, we need to focus money on more then sports and conventions. We need the funding to continue so all of us can experience art. It is a very important part of our city and is needed to continue to attract businesses, tourists, and potential transplants. Art is needed to keep Indianapolis a World class city. DO NOT cut the arts funding!!!!!
Comment by Lisa M. Wuertz August 5, 2008 @ 6:49 pmI am an arts lover and arts supporter. My house is STUFFED with 20 years worth of local art purchases. I know many local artists and help them whenever I can. With few exceptions, these artists do just fine without handouts from the city.
However, I think public arts funding has to go. This is why. Taxpayers’ banks are breaking under the strain of gas prices, property taxes, COIT increases, and the sales tax increase. My taxes have increased about $400 per month since last summer due to these taxes. Currently there is little to any accountability in most areas of government. I know, I’m the gal that led last years’ city council rallies…including the one that taxpayers were locked out of the CCC city budget presentation.
There is more I know first hand about our government and accountability.
Once upon a time I spent 55 hours writing a grant proposal to the arts council…only to be completely ignored until I left numerous calls and messages for Jenny Guimont who was in charge of sending an answer to those that submitted a proposal. Weeks past deadline for answer, and after many messages, I finally received a letter succinctly stating that my project did not fit criteria without further explanation.
I went on to produce an art event attended by about 1000 guests who came from as far as NYC and Seattle. The press was there and it even received international attention. The event was produced without a penny from the city.
It got done because I worked literally day and night to make it happen and cover my expenses. And quite frankly, in retrospect, I can honestly say I worked much harder for the project to succeed because I didn’t get the grant.
The arts will do just fine without forcing the taxpayers to fund it.
City councilor, Christine Scales, discovered that the arts fuding from the city is often going to big organizations that are FLUSH with funds in the bank. Why should this happen when taxpayers who are forced to foot the bill can’t make ends meet?
So far, I’ve not seen any specifics that convince me that these programs should remain….and I am an arts patron with many friends in the arts community who do fine without handouts.
Comment by Melyssa August 5, 2008 @ 7:00 pmBy the way, the arts culture in Indy did not evolve because of city funding. And if you think it did, you obviously did not watch it happen.
Comment by Melyssa August 5, 2008 @ 7:03 pmMelyssa, I welcome your comments on this site but this particular post is for lending your support to arts funding. Please use the other posts for your comments and discussion about arts culture and/or funding.
Comment by saveindyarts August 5, 2008 @ 7:06 pmplease keep funding public art
Comment by dina verplank August 5, 2008 @ 7:11 pmPlease keep the funding for the arts! – Derek Powell, Stutz Artist
Comment by Derek Powell August 5, 2008 @ 7:11 pmPlease keep arts funding. It is more important than sports to many of us. Carol Kramer
Comment by Carol Kramer August 5, 2008 @ 7:21 pmPlease do not cut funding for the arts. There are decades worth of research supporting the fact that all lives are enriched by the arts–particularly school children of all ages. Employment feeds our bodies; the arts feeds our souls.
Comment by Patricia Grabill August 5, 2008 @ 7:22 pmElected City Council Members, please support public funding for the arts.
Comment by Julia Wickes August 5, 2008 @ 7:26 pmJulia Zollman Wickes
The arts inspire creativity and the ability to think outside the box. It is important for schools to keep funding the art programs.
Comment by Kevin Dasenbrock August 5, 2008 @ 7:28 pmThe arts inspire creativity and the ability to think outside the box in today’s youth. It is important for schools to continue to support the arts.
Comment by Kevin Dasenbrock August 5, 2008 @ 7:30 pmCutting public funding for the arts would be like loosing your soul before you die. Such waste. Such a shame. Cutting public funding for the arts would be stepping over dollars to pick up dimes. I must ask: Do you, as a council person, devalue the beauty, life spirit,enjoyment and community pride that arts brings to us? If so, then, frankly, you are in the wrong business. I am your constituent. I want my tax dollars to be directed to the aesthetic as well. It makes my life better. It makes living in Indinapolis better.
Comment by Bob Williams August 5, 2008 @ 7:36 pmThe arts—and public funding for them—are part of what makes Indianapolis a world class city. I believe cutting funding for the arts will diminish the city as a whole, even for those who do not think it makes a difference.
Comment by Shawn Wilkie August 5, 2008 @ 7:39 pmPlease do not cut funding for the arts! The arts are what make each city unique. It is the last bastion of local identity!
Comment by Neal Brown August 5, 2008 @ 7:42 pmAs Indiana(polis) struggles to halt a brain drain and attract bright new workers, how can the city even think about zeroing out art funding? The property tax fiasco is certainly creating a frightful budget scenario, but how much will it cost to rebuild an arts scene if public funding is zeroed out? Besides, the arts enrich this city in ways sporting venues never will.
Comment by Erin Kelley August 5, 2008 @ 7:43 pmNo arts, no culture, no cool city.
Save the arts!
e
Comment by erin August 5, 2008 @ 7:44 pmPlease keep public support for the arts alive in Indy.
Comment by Christopher West August 5, 2008 @ 7:48 pmDo you agree that the city should maintain arts funding at its current level as a demonstration to corporate and other civic leaders that the arts are not only an important part of Indianapolis’ public personality but also contribute to educating and enriching the lives of our citizens, even the most vunerable ones?
Comment by Vicki Hermansen August 5, 2008 @ 7:50 pmYES. A wholehearted YES to continue funding the arts in Indianapolis!
Definitely for arts funding. I’d much rather see the sports subsidies reduced!
Comment by Sharon Henriksen August 5, 2008 @ 8:13 pmPlease continue funding the arts in Indianapolis. Every single citizen’s quality of life would be adversely affected without public support of the arts.
Comment by Katherine Nagler August 5, 2008 @ 8:13 pmPlease keep Indianapolis competitive with other American cities by maintaining public support of the arts.
Comment by Amelia (Lee) Marks August 5, 2008 @ 8:16 pmPlease INCREASE (or at least keep steady) the city’s funding for the arts — it is important to our city on so many different levels.
Comment by Jackie Suess August 5, 2008 @ 8:16 pmI am very much in favor of keeping the arts funding at current levels. A better cut would be to lay off police who only hand out speeding tickets.
Comment by T.J. Cole August 5, 2008 @ 8:18 pmPlease keep arts funding! Maybe if we didn’t spend so much on sports funding we could keep things that actually make this city interesting!
Comment by Michelle Warble August 5, 2008 @ 8:19 pmPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis!
Comment by Becca Loofbourrow August 5, 2008 @ 8:27 pmIn order for Indianapolis to to be first class city this funding is critical.
Comment by Scott VanKirk August 5, 2008 @ 8:28 pmPlease please please Keep arts funding. I’m so excited how this city has changed because the arts! Just look back to the now beautiful Mass Ave Arts district, 15 years ago or so you could not go there without getting mugged.
I think it is a great asset if we want to even compete with other cities for any outside organizations having conventions here. Having culture other than sports can bring in that much more money to the city!
Comment by Heather August 5, 2008 @ 8:35 pmAbsolutely keep funding the Arts!!
Comment by CJ Cochran August 5, 2008 @ 8:43 pmAll of the public art displays around the city make it an aesthetically-pleasing place to live, work, and visit. They increase city pride, and the community’s awareness and appreciation for the arts. And, the displays are thought and conversation provoking.
Comment by Jennifer Kirchhofer August 5, 2008 @ 8:49 pmThe arts are part of our quality of life. Please fund the arts!
Comment by Joyce Newland August 5, 2008 @ 8:51 pmPlease do not cut back funding for the arts! Art breathes life into a city… we do want Indy to be incredibly awesome, don’t we?
Comment by Nicole Hartley August 5, 2008 @ 8:52 pmArt is a priority in first-class city. Please maintain and increase funding for the arts in our city.
Comment by Ryan Noel August 5, 2008 @ 8:52 pmOne of the things keeping me in Indianapolis is access to arts & cultural offerings…if that goes away, I would seriously consider following my friends to Denver, Boston, Atlanta or Austin.
Indianapolis will never be a first-class city until it is a WELL ROUNDED city!
Comment by Gwyn Zawisza August 5, 2008 @ 8:53 pmPlease funds the arts for kids’ sake! I am a teacher in an urban K-8 school that attended the publicly/privately funded Hoosier Storytelling Festival last fall. The kids loved it, readers and non-readers alike! The storytellers’ performance so clearly painted the literary elements on our students’ imaginations that they were inspired to write, tell, and critique their own stories. Not only are these skills required to meet state academic standards, they are important skills successful adults use on the job and in their personal relationships as well. What are we saying to kids about language, music, art, and theater if we eliminate arts funding? For a mere $3.50 per student, my kids got excited about developing their academic skills to make their own “works of art.” That alone was worth a hundred times the price of admission. Increase funding for the arts in Indy! The ROI (return on investment) is incredible!
Comment by Jan Hise August 5, 2008 @ 8:58 pmHow can Indianapolis be taken seriously as a major metropolitan city without support for the arts? Our city and state have made great strides in recent years in economic development and recruiting/retaining young professionals. A huge portion of that success is due to the presence of the arts. I know, because I’m a great example of one of those young professionals who felt Indianapolis had nothing to offer in my first few years out of college. I left the state for more arts-friendly cities like Boston and Chicago, but eventually came back to Indianapolis when I saw how much downtown had changed in just 10 years. The arts have taught me how to communicate, how to be part of a community, how to truly collaborate with others. What a mistake to throw that away! Please, city leaders, take the time to look at successful metropolitan areas and truly consider what it is that makes them successful. Then be sure not to cut those very elements out of Indianapolis.
Comment by Julie K. Wallman August 5, 2008 @ 8:58 pmWhen we spend a dollar on art we get a return on our investment that is not necessarily monetary. And that’s why it’s so important. It keeps us engaged with what really matters.
Comment by Marg Herder August 5, 2008 @ 9:04 pmPlease keep funding the arts.
Comment by Alicia Smith August 5, 2008 @ 9:07 pmPublic Arts funding in Indianapolis is already low by many standards. It is vital to this city and it’s residents that public arts funding be maintained. Quality of life and attracting new employers and residents is impacted by a vibrant arts community and a thriving public arts program.
Please keep the funding for the public arts!
Thank you
Comment by Taylor Anne Smith August 5, 2008 @ 9:13 pmI support public funding for the arts.
Comment by Matthew C. Hale August 5, 2008 @ 9:14 pmWhat Mayor Ballard does not realize is the cultural and quality of life gains we have made in this city over the past decade could easily be reversed. His planned cuts will send a clear message that his administration is willing to walk away from all the partners and goodwill previous adminstrations fostered. This really speaks to a lack of leadership on a very important issue.
Comment by Mark Ruschman August 5, 2008 @ 9:25 pmIt saddens me to think that the political leadership of Indianapolis cannot–or will not–grasp the contribution of an active cultural life to the city’s ability to attract and retain the kind of creative men and women upon whom our collective future will depend. Withdrawing the city’s current modest support for the arts will make attracting such people even more difficult. Please, don’t make that mistake.
Comment by Bret Waller August 5, 2008 @ 9:33 pmPublic funding of the arts is always important, but even more important to Indianapolis. Arts and Culture funding is vital to Indianapolis to balance out the disproportional public funding to sports. All things in excess are bad, especially excessive public funding for sports at the risk and expense of other vital and important interests. Lastly, as a father of two, my experience is that artists make better role models than athletes.
Comment by Charles H. Garrido, Jr. August 5, 2008 @ 9:34 pmYES. Please keep (increase!!) arts funding.
Comment by Greta Pennell August 5, 2008 @ 9:36 pmSupport for the arts adds a critical component towards the quality of life for this city. Let’s be proud in our commitment to the arts.
Comment by Stephen Rose August 5, 2008 @ 9:37 pmI moved here a little over a year ago and the thing that made me stay was the strong art community. Without public funding, it would not exist, and i most certainly would move. Along with many others.
Comment by Ben Snyder August 5, 2008 @ 9:37 pmplease do not cut the arts funding in Indianapolis! The arts add dimension and interest to our city for visitors as well as residents!
Comment by Amanda K. Bailey August 5, 2008 @ 9:39 pmYes, keep the funding. I believe we need more funding, but at least keep the same level we have had in the past. Art is fundamental to the creative spirit of any community and is another way to draw tourist to our community.
Comment by Susannah Hebert August 5, 2008 @ 9:47 pmMoney talks. Read the statistics about the dollars in the Arts on the pdf document below. Cut and paste the link below.
Comment by Phil O'Malley August 5, 2008 @ 9:48 pmhttp://www.artscouncilofindianapolis.org/component/option,com_docman/Itemid,0/task,doc_download/gid,24/
According to an independent study sponsored by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, the Arts Lead Business and Economic Growth. The Arts:
Comment by Ann Stack August 5, 2008 @ 9:48 pm* Generate $468 million is economic activity – an increase of 59% since the last study five years ago
* Support 15,000 jobs
* Generate $52 million in local and state government revenue.
* Attract audiences from around the world and spurs business development which in turns supports more jobs and generates more government revenue.
* Nonprofit arts and cultural organizations spend $181,936,937 annually on wages, supplies, vendors and asset acquisitions within the community
* Nonprofit and cultural organizations audiences spend $286,903,247 annually on parking, dinner, hotel rooms – even child care.
According to reports from Harvard University, the Urban Institute, RAND Corporation and others, the arts lead community development in Indianapolis in other significant ways – including improving public safety and reducing crime. Millions of children, students and senior citizens are served each year trhough community-wide outreach programs, and love- and no cost performances, exhibits and instructional courses.
The Arts Council of Indianapolis exists to advance and promote the arts through funding, advocacy, business, artistic and technical assistance, public and private support, and technology.
Indianapolis needs the magnetism and vibrancy of the literary, performing and visual arts to be competitive in maintaining the best and brightest of its residents and attracting visitors and corporations to Indiana’s capitol city.
In order to attract and retain our intellectual capital, young professionals and keep Indy attractive for new corporations, it is imperative that we keep our arts budget alive and healthly!
Comment by Jamie Ratner August 5, 2008 @ 9:53 pmNot everyone is a sports fanatic…. Keep things fair and keep arts funding. Even things up and increase arts funding.
Comment by Beth A. Bennett August 5, 2008 @ 9:59 pmI was very disappointed to see that Mayor Ballard and the city council are planning to cut funding to the arts community. This will be extremely detrimental to our city. First, new businesses will not want to locate in a city that doesn’t support the Arts. Second, it is critical to keep the Arts accessible to all of our citizens. Without funding, we can not provide art education for our schools. I think we should consolidate the township offices and use the money we save by being efficient to fund the arts.
Comment by Marianne Glick August 5, 2008 @ 10:01 pmKeep the arts funding! The arts touch many lives in all parts of our city and all council persons districts.
Comment by Susan Zurbuchen August 5, 2008 @ 10:01 pmPLEASE–PLEASE continue to fund the arts. We all benefit! The arts have a positive effect on the cultural environment of our city. Let’s not move backward!
Comment by Pete Steele August 5, 2008 @ 10:07 pmArts funding by Indianapolis is vital to the quality of life for those of us living outside Marion County and brings us into your city.
Comment by John C DePrez Jr August 5, 2008 @ 10:09 pmArts funding in Indy is so important. Personally for me, the arts changed my life and I know that this is the same for so many other. The arts in Indianapolis is an important part of our community and it brings people together. Please do not stop funding for this.
Comment by Josi Sprunger August 5, 2008 @ 10:21 pmKeep the funding!
Comment by Joshua Ramsey August 5, 2008 @ 10:24 pmIndianapolis cannot afford to lose arts funding. We are ALL affected by the loss of the arts, by the loss of universal communication through all music, through theater, through fine arts, etc. Please vote to keep our arts alive and thriving!
Comment by Heather Ramsey August 5, 2008 @ 10:27 pmWe seem to be able to afford public spending for stadiums for millionaire football team owners and their millionaire players. Yet I have read studies that the arts bring more money into the city than they do? They are one of the reasons the city is becoming more vital all the time. Rather than cut funding we should be increasing it!
Comment by Richard Patterson August 5, 2008 @ 10:27 pmYes – keep funding for the arts in the budget. The arts are the creative force that allows us to express ourselves and express our uniqueness.
Comment by Liz August 5, 2008 @ 10:30 pmPlease keep the funding!
Comment by James Fore August 5, 2008 @ 10:48 pmIndianapolis is known for sports, but for nothing else. Not every visitor to the city is interested in the NCAA. Indianapolis has a great start on being an arts attraction for its own citizens and for its visitors. The Museum of Art, the Eiteljorg, the State Museum, the Symphony, the Art Center, the Opera,Dance Kaleidoscope, as well as many other arts groups attract visitors and improve our city. Don’t let everything go the way of the Ballet.
Comment by Thomas Mueller August 5, 2008 @ 10:49 pmYes, please keep arts funding! I voted for you, Mr. Ballard. Please don’t betray my trust that you would help to make Indianapolis a world-class city!
Comment by Brenda August 5, 2008 @ 10:58 pmI knew this would happen… BRING BACK BART and keep the funding! What will Indy be the “destination” for now?
Comment by Ty Stover August 5, 2008 @ 11:01 pmThe arts are critical. The priorities of the city seem to be skewed. We need professional art and art teachers as well as professional sports teams and coaches.
Comment by Bruce Westphal August 5, 2008 @ 11:06 pmIf the City of Indianapolis can subsidize the amount of sports that it does, it can also subsidize the arts. The arts improve the quality of life in a community in many, many ways.
How about a 0.5% food and beverage tax for the arts? We have one for the Hoosier Dome’s roof’s bond that is still not paid off. And it is getting ready to get torn up into little pieces.
Comment by Ron Kern August 5, 2008 @ 11:25 pmArts Funding in the city of Indianapolis,should be as necessary as “Breathing” !! Especially for the small amount given in the whole scheme of things.Please don’t stop our “Arts Funding”
Comment by Carole Shanley August 5, 2008 @ 11:31 pmPlease keep the funding.
Comment by Walt August 5, 2008 @ 11:32 pmKeep funding the arts!
Comment by Chris Simon August 5, 2008 @ 11:35 pmThe arts are important to a well-rounded, cosmopolitan city. The arts nourish the soul and celebrate life and creativity, and Indianapolis deserves nourishment. Keep feeding the arts so that they can feed us.
Comment by Ellen Hodge August 6, 2008 @ 12:04 amThanks.
I vote the keep the funding!
Comment by Deseri Garcia August 6, 2008 @ 12:15 amTo qualify as a first class city, there must be educational, artistic support, cultural, religious, business and recreational support. Some of these will require more financial support than others. The ARTS must be financed by a first class city. Step up to the call, now. NO CUTS.
Comment by Nancy Showalter August 6, 2008 @ 12:21 amPlease maintain the arts funding!
Comment by Elizabeth Kenney August 6, 2008 @ 12:21 amI believe the city of Indianapolis will greatly benefit from public funding of the arts. We are becoming a great city, of which I am very proud, and the arts are a part of that wonderful picture.
Comment by Janet L. West August 6, 2008 @ 12:23 amJan West
Killing the arts will destroy a vital part of what has helped to make this city great.
Comment by Blake Jeffery August 6, 2008 @ 12:42 amAccording to our previous mayor, arts in Indianapolis contributes a quarter of a billion dollars in revenue. The 1.5 million that has been made available in the past years is serious seed money for many artists and their organizations, needed funds to help pay for things that make Indianapolis better. Art brings smiles, please don’t cut the smiles.
Comment by Michael Swolsky August 6, 2008 @ 12:42 amThis proposal by our city leadership is maddening. At a time when we are deperate to keep our bright,young people in the city and we know that we lose them to bigger cites not as a result of a search for higher wages but through their need for more exciting and cosmopolitan experience, this thinking shows a lack of forsite at best.
Comment by Heidi Fledderjohn August 6, 2008 @ 12:54 amEconomic studies have shown that municipal support of the arts produces economic benefits that far exceed the amount invested. Further, every truly great city has great arts. Charlotte, NC. which is smaller than Indianapolis invests 8 times as much in its arts organizations than Indianapolis. Would you rather relocate or live in a city that is artistically vibrant or one that views culture as expendable?
Peter Alexander, August 6, 2008
Comment by peter alexander August 6, 2008 @ 12:57 amIf funding to the arts is cut, we will be a much poorer place; the arts contribute to our economy, connect us to each other, enhance our children’s learning environment, and make our spirits soar. The arts are the lifeblood of a civilized society, cut them, and Indy will bleed away.
Comment by Katie Norton August 6, 2008 @ 1:01 amThe arts bring more money to our city than sports!
Comment by Daniel Axler August 6, 2008 @ 1:25 amDon’t sell us short!
Please. How can a rational human justify the expenditure for the Colts and not for arts. What’s wrong in this equation? I am proud of the Colts but so much money and so little for arts.
Comment by corbin roudebush August 6, 2008 @ 1:27 amPLEASE PLEASE PLEASE keep arts funding and increase it!
Comment by Jenni White August 6, 2008 @ 1:27 amContinue to support the Arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Mary Lou Dooley Waller August 6, 2008 @ 1:40 amThe arts are not expendable. Please do not cut funding!
Comment by Kris McKenzie August 6, 2008 @ 1:41 amI cannot believe we still have a debate over the importance and support of the arts! It is our best chance at understanding each other, building bridges between cultures, learning to look and listen! Give us a chance, support arts!!!
Comment by Sofiya Inger August 6, 2008 @ 1:45 amSofiya Inger
Mayor Ballard, please keep the arts funding in place.
Comment by Laura Bubp August 6, 2008 @ 1:49 amThe Arts not only entertain, it enrichs and educates. Without funding Indianapolis will no longer develop into an important city it can become. It will reverse back into the “nap town” it once was. Please keep funding the Arts, let Indianapolis grow.
Comment by Elise J. Kushigian August 6, 2008 @ 1:53 amKeep funding the Fine Arts.
Comment by Tristan August 6, 2008 @ 1:54 amPlease keep the arts funding in place. We are making tremendous strides developing a thriving arts community in Indianapolis that will spur economic development and give sophisticated business another reason to locate in our region.
Please take the long view and look into where and how this money is being spent! The small amount of funding the arts receive from the city’s budget makes a huge difference in our efforts.
Janet Chilton
Comment by Janet August 6, 2008 @ 1:56 amVisual Artist
StutzArtspace Instructor
As a young proffesional in Indy, if we lose the arts whats left as a reason to stay? Don’t cut funding, make it a priority.
Comment by Justin Brady August 6, 2008 @ 2:01 amThe arts are a medium for our city to express its soul. Keep public funding for the arts.
Comment by Henry Fernandez August 6, 2008 @ 2:06 amIndianapolis cannot be considered an attractive city to anyone without a thriving arts community. Please do not cut the funding for the arts unless you wish to cut the city’s necessary energy and growth. Support the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Amanda Presnell August 6, 2008 @ 2:13 amPlease don’t eliminate the financial support of the arts for Indianapolis.
Comment by Satch August 6, 2008 @ 2:25 amPlease do not eliminate the financial support for the arts in Indianapolis. A city without the arts is a city without a soul.
Comment by Julie A. Fore August 6, 2008 @ 2:38 amA great city has a great balance; Arts are an important part of that total balance. Indy has plenty of sports, good business, a great downtown. Good restaurants (a few too many franchises, but some fabulous independents! YUM!), wonderful neighborhoods and fun events. One important part of the entire mix is arts…don’t neglect the arts! KEEP THE FUNDING FOR THE ARTS!
Comment by Lynn Jenkins August 6, 2008 @ 2:38 amWe should be doing the exact opposite of cutting funding, we should be increasing it. The amount of money going to the arts now is already pitifully small, why would we cut it entirely? Indiana needs to rethink its priorities.
Comment by Chris Faesi August 6, 2008 @ 2:48 amYes – keep funding for the arts in the budget. But I would like to see it used for permanent pieces.
Comment by Mike Dukehart, II August 6, 2008 @ 2:56 amAs a small business owner who provides goods and
Comment by Cheryl Harmon August 6, 2008 @ 3:10 amservices to those involved arts, I fear what the
impact of elimination of funding for the arts
will have on the costume shop I own, as well as
other local small businesses in Indianapolis.
So Please consider the effect it will have on
the income the city gets from us, when you talk
of this unecessary cut in funding for the arts. We need the support of our government
to be successful business owners!
I am strongly against cutting the funding for the arts!!!
The arts make indianapolis a place that people actually want to come to, taking that away is worse for everyone.
Comment by Tarin Hurstell August 6, 2008 @ 3:11 amSAVE THE ARTS!!! CUTTING THE BUDGET IS NOT THE ANSWER TO SAVING MONEY. IF MITCH DANIELS AND HIS ADMINISTRATION IS ALL ABOUT MAKING INDIANAPOLIS A WORLD CLASS CITY AND INDIANA A WORLD CLASS STATE, THEY SURE ARE GOING ABOUT IT THE WRONG WAY!
Comment by Ganesh Sharma August 6, 2008 @ 3:26 amThe arts in Indianapolis is something to be proud of. Funding should NOT be cut for this!
Comment by Tom Metzger August 6, 2008 @ 3:45 amThe arts give our city a soul. The arts make people want to be here. Cutting funding for the arts is an extremely backward idea for a forward-thinking city.
Comment by Debby Lovell August 6, 2008 @ 4:30 amDon’t cut funding for the arts, try to increase it public-ly and in our schools.
Comment by Melissa August 6, 2008 @ 5:12 amArt is a language that speaks volumes. Please do not strip Indianapolis of that voice. We need to increase funding for the arts, not cut it.
Comment by Carmen Hurt August 6, 2008 @ 6:44 amPlease save the city’s arts funding!
Comment by Mike Knight August 6, 2008 @ 8:47 amPlease do not cut the city’s art funding. I know difficult choices must be made in difficult times, but this one will have terribly negative repercussions for Indianapolis youth & adults.
Comment by Sally Perkins August 6, 2008 @ 10:13 amThe arts funding is more important than the Colts funding going
Comment by Tufty August 6, 2008 @ 10:45 amforward to help Indianapolis retain young talent.
keep the funding and add to it!!
Comment by Andrea Eberbach August 6, 2008 @ 10:50 amI am sad to hear this news! I work with students who if they did not have art as an outlet they would suffer greatly, these are amazing kids who use art to help themselves speek and realize themselves, these are kids who come from very hard lives and the arts fund has helped myself and many others to help them, if they suffer the city suffers…PLEASE keep the funding!
Comment by Joni Goldman August 6, 2008 @ 11:25 amPhasing out Arts funding will only lead to the exodus of brilliant minds and take away thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the arts. PLEASE KEEP THE FUNDING so that Indianapolis remains a place to visit and live.
Comment by Vanessa Flora August 6, 2008 @ 11:27 amSo upsetting.
Comment by Nikki Sutton August 6, 2008 @ 11:39 amThe arts are a reflection of our communities and should not be under valued. Please, please consider supporting the Art in Indianapolis. It’s made a tremendous difference in our community to this point.
Comment by Jim Clinger August 6, 2008 @ 11:58 amWe must continue funding the Arts in Indianapolis!
Comment by Barbara Epperson August 6, 2008 @ 12:24 pmIndianapolis has come so far in terms of arts and culture, it would be a shame to back off now. This is a long-term quality-of-life issue, and it would be irresponsible not to continue investing this tiny portion of the city budget.
Comment by Scott Hall August 6, 2008 @ 12:26 pmPlease support the Arts!
Comment by Mary August 6, 2008 @ 12:27 pmThe answer to so many of our city’s problems – and the cause of NONE. Public art creates community.
Comment by christine plantenga August 6, 2008 @ 12:30 pmYES continue public support for the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Janet Bishop August 6, 2008 @ 12:31 pmPlease continue to fund public art in Indianapolis.
Comment by Erin Goodman August 6, 2008 @ 12:32 pmFor the good of our communities and the success and well-being of our children, arts funding cannot be sacrificed.
Comment by Dana Hart August 6, 2008 @ 12:33 pmPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Joshua Berntsen August 6, 2008 @ 12:36 pmLet creativity flourish in our wonderful city of Indianapolis. Please continue to fund the arts. To some of us, the arts are as important as football and basketball. Thanks for your consideration.
Comment by Kathy English August 6, 2008 @ 12:37 pmStates have been taking away art programs within K12 schools for years – if you want a well-rounded child you need to open their minds and let them imagine, create, and dream. Do you really want children without dreams? Do not cut artist funding in Indiana and i would suggest upping the amount throughout the state to give us more artists – they are the people who keep interest, ingenuity, and the mindful actually thinking and dreaming.
Comment by Mary C DeLellis August 6, 2008 @ 12:37 pmThe city should not only maintain the funding, but it should be increased. It should not be necessary to articulate to our public leaders the value of the arts to our community. If it is, we have the wrong leaders in place.
Comment by Thomas Gibbs August 6, 2008 @ 12:39 pmI cannot imagine (nor do I want to) a city or world where the arts are discarded and summarily abandoned.
Besides the fact that I’m studying art history to obtain my 2nd baccalaureate, I can truly say that art–in its many different forms–affects me in a positive way; it gives me hope, fuels my creativity in countless ways, and I think that children need to have as many options to explore and develop; getting inspiration from art or creating it are superb ways to teach and enhance the educational lives of children, and adults.
Comment by Jan Canganelli August 6, 2008 @ 12:40 pmThe arts in Indianapolis put more butts in seats than do professional sports, employ more people, and has a larger economic impact. So why not a little support for the arts? It’s good for business!
Comment by Stephen Towne August 6, 2008 @ 12:42 pmTo maintain interest in the city by potential visitors, investors, and businesses, arts funding is crucial. If there is so little interest by our governing body in the city’s culture, it is a sad day and sends a bleak message to a potential influx of talent. Please maintain funding at its current level at the very least.
Comment by Greg Bauwens August 6, 2008 @ 12:44 pmKeep the Arts!
Comment by Chris Johnson August 6, 2008 @ 12:46 pmArts funding = vibrant city. Arts funds should not be used to fix potholes.
Comment by Tim Varnau August 6, 2008 @ 12:47 pmThe arts are at the core of community/economic development. Please keep the funding.
Comment by Bud Herron August 6, 2008 @ 12:48 pmYou ask us to “save the arts”. I rather think that it is the arts that save us. The plan to drop city arts funding to zero dollars in three years seems very unwise. I’ve “had enough” of such uncreative thinking and would vote to keep arts funding—and even to increase it.
Comment by Jack Cooney August 6, 2008 @ 12:48 pmTake a good look at our Web site, http://www.AroundIndy.com. It is a consolidated source of things to do and upcoming events in Indianapolis and central Indiana. Now cross off every event listing that is arts-related and see what you have left. Arts-related events are the backbone and foundation of Indy’s daily activities.
With all that has been done over the past 20-25 years to make Indianapolis a world-class city, it would be terribly short-sighted to drop funding for the arts, which in actuality represents the MAJORITY of the city’s daily event listings. The mere pittance that Indianapolis commits to the arts is a drop-in-the-bucket compared to the return on investment. We should be talking about doubling funding for the arts, not eliminating it.
Comment by Bob Burchfield August 6, 2008 @ 12:48 pmCan you think of a great city that ISN’T known for its art community? I can’t. Support the arts!
Comment by Kyle Smith August 6, 2008 @ 12:49 pmPlease support the Arts!
Comment by Erica August 6, 2008 @ 12:50 pmThe arts are not optional for a city with the aspirations of Indianapolis. Keep the funding.
Comment by Ann Herron August 6, 2008 @ 12:51 pmPlease keep funding the arts, they are so important for so many reasons….
Comment by alissa Zink August 6, 2008 @ 12:52 pmRemember downtown Indianapolis pre-1995? The city has made such wonderful progress in so many ways over the past 15 years; public art programs have been such a great enhancement to the growth and development Indianapolis is experiencing. It would be a shame to see funding eliminated for something so worthwhile. Please maintain the public arts funding.
Comment by Michelle Baker August 6, 2008 @ 12:57 pmyes
Comment by Adrianne Wolting August 6, 2008 @ 12:58 pmPlease continue public arts funding!
Comment by Erica August 6, 2008 @ 12:58 pmPlease continue to support the Arts!
Comment by Richard Taylor August 6, 2008 @ 1:01 pmArts funding in Indianapolis is vital for a healthy community. Art inspires the soul! Support the arts!
Comment by Richard Brendan August 6, 2008 @ 1:01 pmPlease keep funding the arts in Indiana!
Comment by shirah eliashiv August 6, 2008 @ 1:04 pmLet’s not lose the positive momentum that has been created in the city’s arts community. Please keep arts funding in the budget.
Comment by Jenny Guimont August 6, 2008 @ 1:04 pmThe arts are the backbone and veterbrae of the City of Indianapolis- from the museums to children’s programs, so vital
Comment by sharon theobald August 6, 2008 @ 1:05 pmfor a growing and healthy city. It is imperative to maintain the
public funding for the arts if Indianapolis.
Yes, please keep arts funding in the budget.
Comment by Mali Jeffers August 6, 2008 @ 1:06 pmThe arts in any city signify culture and intellectual growth. It demonstrates the citizens’ desire to connect with the greatness of the past and future. Don’t move Indianapolis back to the poor reputatioin it had in the past. Take us forward and help us be a great city! Please maintain arts funding!
Comment by Ron Stratten August 6, 2008 @ 1:06 pmI can’t believe cutting all funding is even being considered! Why are they building the cultural trail, then cutting all funding for the culture? Please continue supporting public art.
Comment by Ryan Abegglen August 6, 2008 @ 1:07 pmPlease keep funding for the arts. It is a vital part of our city, of our community.
Comment by Jeananne Libbert August 6, 2008 @ 1:09 pmPlease don’t cut funding support for the arts!
Comment by LuAnn Baker August 6, 2008 @ 1:15 pmKeep Indy Arts Funding!!!
Comment by MaryAnne Nguyen August 6, 2008 @ 1:16 pmFix the budget issues, then we can talk about cuts. Mismanagement and misappropriation must be fixed first. This is just a band-aid on a bigger issue. Do not cut the arts funding!!
Comment by Derrick Daily August 6, 2008 @ 1:23 pmArts funding is vital to this city. With the rate of return we have on the money received, Indianapolis is better all around by funding the arts at the current and higher levels. The only way to attract young educated people and families to Indianapolis is to have a vibrant art scene. If the city does not monetarily recognize the cultural gifts it has to offer then no one has any reason to come to Indianapolis other than racing which happens two times a year. If the city/state endorsed the arts at 1% of what they give to the Colts, Pacers and other athletic venues and teams through tax abatements and government subsidies then we would truly have some of the best art institutions in the world. And other factors like a decrease in crime, better health-care and parks and a higher standard of living would surely follow.
Comment by Charles Callihan August 6, 2008 @ 1:24 pmThe arts are vital to this city if it EVER wants to get past its reputation in other parts of the country and become the best little city the Midwest has seen to date. You want young people to stay here instead of flocking to other cities to start “living?”… You’d better keep the arts strong and a central part of this cities culture. Keep funding strong!!!!!!
Comment by Heidi Phillips August 6, 2008 @ 1:26 pmplease keep funding the arts in Indianapolis!!
Comment by Sarah Fitzpatrick Anderson August 6, 2008 @ 1:28 pmTo provide funding for the arts is an intelligent, thoughtful and brave decision. While the immediate benefits may appear to be a luxury for a few, the long-term effects are essential for the well-being of the entire community. The positive impact cannot be underestimated.
Comment by James Sholly August 6, 2008 @ 1:30 pmKeep the arts funded and you’ll see our communities improve and keep hope in our hearts.
Comment by Andrea Cowley August 6, 2008 @ 1:34 pmPlease continue funding the arts in Indianapolis. The arts are an intergral part of why we’re a world-class city.
Nora
Comment by Nora August 6, 2008 @ 1:35 pmDon’t stop funding the arts!
Comment by Ryan Reddick August 6, 2008 @ 1:36 pmWhoops,
Nora Leona Spitznogle
Comment by Nora August 6, 2008 @ 1:36 pmPlease keep the arts funding!!
Comment by Dianna Davis August 6, 2008 @ 1:38 pmA civilization is remembered by its art. How can Indianapolis be a world class city WITHOUT art for the public? Keep the arts in Indianapolis funded. We need artists to develop and be nurtured in Indianapolis. Increase the funding, don’t decrease it.
Comment by Ann Moriarty August 6, 2008 @ 1:49 pmPlease increase the Arts funding!
Comment by Hillary Blake August 6, 2008 @ 1:52 pmArts are vital to our community. Arts are proven to help draw tourism, high-level employees and high-paying jobs. We need arts to balance the wonderful sports and outdoor recreation opportunities in Indy. We can’t just be about sports!
Comment by Juliet Port August 6, 2008 @ 1:55 pmkeep the arts funding! pay cut for the mayor!
Comment by Ben Long August 6, 2008 @ 2:01 pmThe Council’s endorsement of public art distinguishes us as a world-class city. Visitors are attracted to us because of it. Residents are proud of it. Keep the funding for the arts. Increase it if possible, but please, please DON’T CUT IT.
Comment by Maureen Malone-Reed August 6, 2008 @ 2:01 pmArt adds to the character and vibrancy of a city, and the economic impact of public funding is well documented. Elimination of arts funding would be devastating.
Comment by greg lucas, g.c. lucas gallery August 6, 2008 @ 2:05 pmI am an IPS elementary music teacher. Do I teach music with the intention that every child will grow up to be a professional musician? Of course not (though I certainly want to inspire and develop the skills of those that aspire to do so). But I do teach with the intention that every child will grow up appreciating music, and will understand music as one of many ways to express creativity and communicate that which language, math, science, etc. cannot express. How can we teach children to think if we do not give them every tool and opportunity available to create or be inspired by others’ creativity? These children will choose many varying careers. Is that all that we want to prepare them for? And don’t we need children who know how to “think” to truly prepare them for the many life choices that they will encounter, career or otherwise? What will they do with their “leisure” time? Why not give them something that inspires them? Why not offer them a community that encourages creativity? Why not offer them a community that encourages them to think?
PLEASE CONTINUE TO FUND THE ARTS!
Comment by Tricia Clark August 6, 2008 @ 2:06 pmThe arts are absolutely crucial to a city which strives to provide a desirable environment to its citizens. The arts affect us economically, make us more competitive with other cities, and reduce crime. But more importantly, the arts lift us to a higher level as humans.
Comment by Henry Leck August 6, 2008 @ 2:08 pmI vote in every election, even primaries, and I will not vote for anyone who opposes arts funding. Voting against arts funding is a pandering, mindless, knee-jerk thing to do. Not only is it the wrong action, but it reveals the ignorance of any politician who does it.
Comment by Jim Ross August 6, 2008 @ 2:12 pmThe arts are much too important for Indianapolis to be put on the chopping block, it would be a shame for this administration to be so short sighted. What does it say about the city if they can’t allocate such a small percentage of the budget for something as important as the arts? Not the kind of leadership that people were hoping for.
Comment by Lynne Ensminger August 6, 2008 @ 2:13 pmKeep Indianapolis vital. Keep arts funding!
Comment by Scott Johnson August 6, 2008 @ 2:14 pmPlease keep funding the arts. Art is a vital link to the unseen aspects of our existence and can be ignored only at our peril. It helps to save us from a dangerously one-sided mode of behavior. This is the essence of the importance of art and doesn’t even begin to touch upon the joy, wonder and enrichment of the quality of life that it brings.
Comment by Carol Spicuzza August 6, 2008 @ 2:15 pmKeep funding the arts for a vibrant Indianapolis.
Comment by Susan Beauchamp August 6, 2008 @ 2:15 pmMayor Ballard sent an assistant all the way down to the City Market stage to tell us he loved our music last June. I hope he remembers what he heard from his office atop the City County Building and supports public funding for the arts. “When the King loves music, All is well in the Kingdom”
Comment by Mike White August 6, 2008 @ 2:15 pmWe have taken major steps forward in recent years concerning Public Art Programs that we are all so proud of. Taking that funding away from the citizens that play by the rules and giving in to criminals is criminal and thats how it will be seen by many.
Comment by Sarah Arkanoff August 6, 2008 @ 2:15 pmYES, it is critical to our community to fund the arts.
Comment by Amber Cleveland August 6, 2008 @ 2:18 pmI think we absolutely need to keep funding for public art in Indianapolis. It is an instant message to visitors that Indy is an excellent place to visit and live. This becomes even more important as Indy does host and will be hosting many events that put our city in the NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT (e.g. Monday Night Football, Superbowl, NCAA events, Indy 500, Brickyard 400, MotoGP, US Nationals, and most importantly the conventions we currently have and are sure to get from the convention center expansion). Additionally, public art enhances the overall ambiance of the city that large corporations (e.g. bio-tech-JOBS) consider when choosing a location for expansion or relocation. I think public art helps our great city stand out on the competitive world stage.
Please don’t cut public art funding and make Indy just another Midwest city. Keep our city great!
Comment by Jon Guimont August 6, 2008 @ 2:18 pmPlease keep arts funding in Indy!
Comment by Rissa Guffey August 6, 2008 @ 2:20 pmKeep arts funding in the city budget.
Comment by Indra Frank August 6, 2008 @ 2:21 pmWe must save the arts! Huzzah!
Comment by Katie Utterback August 6, 2008 @ 2:21 pmIf we can afford to build a $700M stadium for the benefit of sporting events, we certainly can provide funding for the arts!
Comment by Tim Robinson August 6, 2008 @ 2:22 pmI would be horrified if our city cut the funding for arts becuase of thier mismanagement of city property tax money and other items. They are pulling money away from important things to give to items that were thier mistakes. I suggest they coff up money from thier cofferes to re elect themselves to the positions they are in and stop wasting that money and put it to good use. Most of them keep that money and use it for thier advantage.
Comment by Jamie Mentzer August 6, 2008 @ 2:22 pmArts attract higer educated, professional people moving to town, ultimately fuels economy and increases attractiveness to the public, turists and businesses. It is narrow minded not to understand an investement value of the arts.
Comment by Dmitry Arbuck August 6, 2008 @ 2:23 pmPlease keep the funding for the Arts.
Comment by Paul Enzinger Jr August 6, 2008 @ 2:25 pmARE YOU CRAZY THERE!!?? IS SO LITTLE FUNDING FOR THE ARTS HERE IT’S ACTUALLY DEVASTATING AND DRIVING ARTISTS OUT OF YOUR CITY. TO CUT ALL FUNDING WOULD LEAVE YOU COMPLETELY STAGNANT. I AM FROM THE EAST COAST WHERE WE ARE SO LUCKY TO HAVE A PLETHORA OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION FUNDED BY A VERY SUPPORTIVE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY…YOU WOULD BE DESTROYING YOUR COMMUNITY BY TAKING AWAY SOMETHING THAT HELPS ENRICH AND INSPIRE THE LIVES OF ALL YOUR CITIZENS. THE NEXT GENERATION ESPECIALLY NEEDS THE ARTS IN THERE LIVES AS A WAY OF EXPLORING THE WORLD BEYOND INDY’S LIMITS. IF THIS IS TRUE I FEEL REALLY TERRIBLE THAT THE PEOPLE OF INDIANA HAVE SUCH AND IGNORANT CITY OFFICIAL …NOW I’LL REALLY BE RUNNING BACK EAST …YOU “UP AND COMING CITY” WILL BE A SHELTERED, WANNA-BE METROPOLIS AND FRANKLY, A JOKE!
Comment by LAUREN August 6, 2008 @ 2:26 pmOur dynamic and diverse arts community it what makes Indy a world-class city. The arts are Indy’s coast, ocean and scenic view and without them, our fair city would be very dull indeed. Additionally, the outreach provided by Indianapolis arts organizations make a significant contribution to the public safety of this community. Unfortunateley, a cut in arts funding from the city could very well translate into a loss of these outreach intiatives, leaving us with dull minded, unimaginative children at greater risk to perpetuate the violence in our city. THe money given by the city to the arts is a by-line in one of many budgets of the city and it is disheartening to see the arts funding singled out by a few unenlightened souls. I have faith that Mayor Ballard will ultimately fund the arts and that a bridge can be built btwn public safety and the arts to benefit all.
Comment by Kim Davenport August 6, 2008 @ 2:27 pmArts funding is crucial to the education and culture of our city! Please keep!!!
Comment by Alicia Relford August 6, 2008 @ 2:29 pmI appreciate the mayor’s seriousness on the crime issue, and understand that a little belt-tightening may be necessary at this time. However, the intention to completely emliminate the arts budget is short-sighted at best.
Comment by Jessica Burnside August 6, 2008 @ 2:30 pmPlese continue funding this necessary element in our city.
Is it that arts flourish when everything in a society is going smoothly and folks have time and money to spend on the arts? Or, is it that a well nourished arts community fosters a society in which people care and thrive? I vote the latter!
Comment by Jared Duymovic August 6, 2008 @ 2:31 pmCity leaders throughout history have known that funding the arts is essential for building a city that is vibrant, attracts people and businesses, and is felt as a unique place on the world map. Just think back to the cities you have visited that have really touched your heart, made you want to live there, be a part of their special vibrant community. Those cities without exception will have two things of immeasurable value – beauty (both natural and man made) and creative energy that the citizens of the place feel pride and ownership for. Surely the leaders of Indianapolis have visited other cities in which they have felt touched by beauty and creative zest. (New York? Santa Fe? Paris?….) Any Indianapoilis city leader who choses to end funding for the arts in Indy is basically saying they are in favor of returning to the days when people who live here refer to their home town as “India-no-place” (as many of us did back in the 1970’s) instead of being a leader who helps continue to create Indy’s renaissance. That our city leaders would even question funding the arts causes me to question whether they are the creative leaders that our city truly needs.
Comment by Liza Hyatt August 6, 2008 @ 2:34 pmKeep public arts funding!
Comment by Kathleen Hanna August 6, 2008 @ 2:39 pmThe arts in Indianapolis are essential to the vitality of Central Indiana. The economic impact of the arts in Indianapolis amounts to nearly $500 million annually, with 900 non-profit arts events occurring monthly around the city. To give some perspective on this number, according to the Speedway, their three big races combined have an estimated impact of just under $727 million. And the annual economic impact of the Colts is a projected $190 million once the new stadium goes up.
Comment by Kindra S. Orr August 6, 2008 @ 2:39 pmThe arts have also helped to bring new life to downtown Indianapolis. With crime on the rise–there have been 71 homicides in Indianapolis to date in 2008 (that’s 5 times the last recorded national average for the U.S.), maintaining a lively and financially robust downtown community is critical to our success as a convention town that annually welcomes the National FFA Organization convention and plans to host a Superbowl in the not-too-distant future. This is what the arts can do for us!
Shutting down the arts is not the way to stop crime. We should fight rising crime through reform in the criminal justice system and by addressing the critical issue of exoffender re-entry with meaningful job training programs and work support services. 5,000 exoffenders will return to the Indianapolis area this year. Statistically, 75% of these folks will end up back in prison within three years, unless they find meaningful work in the community. Employment is the number one solution to recidivism.
Furthermore, with a brand new multi-million dollar performing arts center about to go up in Carmel, now is not the time to undermine the position of downtown Indianapolis arts groups.
Cutting arts funding to pay for more police presence WILL NOT make Indianapolis a better place to live.
The arts lift us all up–not just intellectually and spiritually, but financially. They remind us of our own humanity and they create quality of for all the citizens of Indianapolis and they contribute in very real and meaningful ways to the economy of our city.
The art and culture of this city keep things interesting and give us fun stuff to do in the evenings and on the weekends! Let’s not reawaken our “Naptown” reputation by cutting funding for something so dynamic. Let’s keep Indy arts funded!!
Comment by Abbey Pintar August 6, 2008 @ 2:40 pmThe success of our city has been based in large part on leaders who understood the value in intangible assets that improve the quality of life for the City’s residents and the City’s reputation throughout the country. Please do not reverse course on all of the progress that has been made.
Comment by Brandon S. Judkins August 6, 2008 @ 2:42 pmPlease continue to fund the Arts in Indianapolis! The Arts (all types) are not only enjoyed by thousands of Indianapolis residents every day but are a most critical and important part of making Indianapolis a “great” place to live and work.
Comment by Nancy Zent August 6, 2008 @ 2:43 pmMaintain or increase the current budget in support of the Arts.
Comment by Sam Crimmins August 6, 2008 @ 2:44 pmIn order to be taken seriously as a city on the rise, Indianapolis MUST have a thriving arts community.
Comment by Theresa August 6, 2008 @ 2:48 pmKeep funding the arts!
We must keep Arts funding in our city budget! Aside from all of the positive impacts listed in the hundreds of responses above, we need to collectively act for our future.
Mr. Ballard’s administration even considering cutting a paltry 1% of the budget from such a critical need is proof again of short-sighted politicians looking for quick-fix answers to extremely complex problems.
Yes, our nation’s municipalities are stretched thin. Yes, each taxpayer is too. But we must stop and think what we get in return for those precious tax dollars. A sparkling city, with problems, whose leaders share in the high stakes of our collective history.
Mr. Ballard, you are writing that history right now. Will writing off the Arts in Indianapolis by cutting it out be the legacy you want? History is full of Dark Ages. Let’s add a positive chapter to our city’s record. Please think for the future and keep Arts funding.
Comment by Sarah Adams/AV Framing Gallery August 6, 2008 @ 2:49 pmHow embarrassing this would be for our city. Please fund the arts!!!!
Comment by Chris Wachob August 6, 2008 @ 2:50 pmWe’ve come so far! I vote yes for continued funding of the Arts. Let’s grow Indy to be the best it can be.
Comment by Roni McCord August 6, 2008 @ 2:53 pmPlease don’t reduce funding for the Arts in Indianapolis! The Arts are an important part of of making a city a fun and engaging place to live. Reducing funding would be a big mistake and a detriment to Indianapolis residents’ quality of life.
Comment by Sumitra Ghate August 6, 2008 @ 2:55 pmSave the Arts! Its apart of our culture and life.
Comment by Shonda Royall August 6, 2008 @ 2:59 pmPlease keep Arts funding in our city budget. The arts foster a spirit of community and hope in difficult times. Withholding funds for this essential element of the human spirit hurts the poorest and most disadvantaged among us.
Comment by Tina Gianfagna August 6, 2008 @ 3:01 pmPlease continue to fund the arts. It’s crucial to our national reputation of being a terrific, well-rounded city. The arts are for all ages and I want my children to continue to live in an artisticly-diverse city.
Comment by Steve Hanson August 6, 2008 @ 3:04 pmAbsolutely essential!
Comment by Michael Shelton August 6, 2008 @ 3:06 pmIndianapolis must offer more than sports. The arts are an important component in the lives of our citizens and support for the arts should be important to our elected local govenment. I echo what so many have said….. Please keep the funding for the arts.
Comment by Janet Fischer August 6, 2008 @ 3:07 pmThe same Six Sigma black-belted MBA mentality that leads to these line item initiatives should be applied to the multiple existing studies that show in spreadsheeted black and white the positive revenue impact that the Arts have on a community and its draw for major corporate investments in larger cities.
Comment by Paul Greatbatch August 6, 2008 @ 3:09 pmThe arts are key to Indianapolis being a community in which I want to live and have my business. Please keep investing in the success of our city.
Comment by Andrea Cranfill August 6, 2008 @ 3:09 pmkeep public funding for the arts, ya hear!!
Comment by Jill August 6, 2008 @ 3:11 pmPlease keep the arts funding in place. It is short sighted to cut this funding as it has a tremendous multiplier effect. In fact, arts funding should be increased. Further, cutting arts funding would seem to cut against this image of a Super Bowl city that we are attempting to foster.
Comment by Thomas Gray August 6, 2008 @ 3:14 pmPart of what makes Indianapolis a great place to live is the rich arts & culture opportunities available to anyone on a daily basis. The fact that our local government supports that shows that our city values those organizations’ efforts. Cut the funding and those of us that work in the arts will be led to believe that our work means zero – the same figure as their dollar support – to our city leaders. That financial support doesn’t just go to what some consider the elite; it supports education as well as crime prevention. I thought those were two things that local government promised to improve upon.
Comment by Angela Y August 6, 2008 @ 3:19 pmPlease vote to preserve the arts funding in our city. This small percentage of money is an investment not only in the arts, but in the well being of the city of Indianapolis.
Arts funding has helped promote Indianapolis as a tourist destination, it has enriched and educated through outreach and other arts programs, it continues to sustain culture and beauty within the city and largely contributes to overall economic growth and stimulus.
Comment by David Kleeman August 6, 2008 @ 3:20 pmKeep the Arts, or zombies will eat your face and snakes will multiply within your heart. Keep the Arts funding, too.
Comment by david goodknight August 6, 2008 @ 3:29 pmPlease continue support of the arts. Indianapolis economy and quality of life and, indeed, its character, depend on it. Groups are always quick to decry the “real” benefits of the arts..but look around…would people be going to the Cultural Districs (Mass Ave, Fountain Square, Wholesale District) without the draw of live music, art galleries, and such? I agree that to devote all monies only to public safety is to “give in” to the lowest common denominator. In the same vein of “the terrorists have won”..truly “the criminals will have won” if they get all our attention and resources. Does anyone think there would be a single, great European city, if they were not widespread public support for the arts. It is no secret that those thinking of moving businesses here, consider the character and quality of life of a place as much as they consider tax incentives. It must be a place the owner or CEO would like to live. It must be a place that same leader can attact employees to move to. Don’t be shortsighted.
Comment by Don Cummings August 6, 2008 @ 3:31 pmYes, if you want our city to continue to grow as a source of culture and growth to bring further events like Superbowls and jobs, we must keep the Arts!!
Comment by Adrienne August 6, 2008 @ 3:35 pmArts funding is essential!
Comment by Hannah Lyon August 6, 2008 @ 3:37 pmPlease keep funding the Arts in Indy! Funding the arts and culture of Indianapolis will continue to help the city grow. Indy’s arts and culture have not only helped it become a toursit destination, but a place of education as well.
Please continue to fund the arts and culture of INDY!!!!!
Comment by Eric Ratner August 6, 2008 @ 3:37 pmTake away the arts – there is no soul.
Comment by Gary Schmitt August 6, 2008 @ 3:42 pmTake away the soul – there are no people.
Take away the people – there will be no business.
Please KEEP arts funding in place!
Comment by Amy Falstrom August 6, 2008 @ 3:44 pmPlease continue to keep funding the arts — they are critical to the city as well as those of us in the nearby suburbs!
Comment by Debbie August 6, 2008 @ 3:45 pmYES – Public arts funding is VITAL to our city! INCREASE funding for arts.
Comment by Jeffrey M. Roth August 6, 2008 @ 3:58 pmI support public arts funding.
Comment by Matthew Ellis August 6, 2008 @ 3:59 pmKEEP THE ARTS!
Comment by Jenna August 6, 2008 @ 4:00 pmIf the city is not committed to quality of life, it will seal its fate as a city in decline. Fund public arts!
Comment by Lisa Marchal August 6, 2008 @ 4:00 pmWe live in a city that has made every effort to become a resource for athletic and convention events. Our Governors and Mayors have worked to attract corporations and manufacturers to our state. We are struggling to retain our [college] scholars that leave Indiana at an alarming rate. We attempt to enrich the daily lives of children in public schools, whose academic scores are showing of signs rising… and we take a twenty year step backward and try to choke the very things that are making us a better city. Without visual, musical, theatrical, literary, [etc.]venues in Indianapolis we will make a slow painful slide back into that city between Chicago and Cincinnati that you pass through to get to Illinois and Ohio.
I do not know about you, but if Indiana stops funding to the Arts, you can count me out – I am moving. I have waited years for our capitol city to ‘grow up’ and embrace the talented and expressive people here in Indiana. We have garnered as much recognition in the last six to eight years nationally for the Arts here as we have received from any other venture. I think our new Mayor should take a business in the arts course and rethink his decision.
Comment by Leah Keel August 6, 2008 @ 4:01 pmPlease keep arts funding!
Comment by Neal Roach August 6, 2008 @ 4:01 pmPlease keep the arts funding in place.
Comment by Kelly Alvey August 6, 2008 @ 4:02 pmPlease keep arts funding!
Comment by Erika Roach August 6, 2008 @ 4:02 pmComment provided from Kristy Collins
8109 Bromley Place, Indinapolis, IN, 46219
It would be detrimental to our city to lose the arts. The arts is one of the things that draws people to our city and makes it a wonderful place to live. I take full advantage of all of the art venues around the city and would be gravely dissappointed if many were eliminated. Especially if it was due to lack of funding from our government!!! I hope that before funding for the arts is cut, all politicians will observe the arts in Indianapolis so that they will realize what we will be losing.=
Comment by saveindyarts August 6, 2008 @ 4:02 pmPlease continue to fund the Arts in Indianapolis. It is truly short-sighted to not to support the arts in this city.
Comment by Sarah H. Kunz August 6, 2008 @ 4:03 pmPlease keep funding for the arts in the budget.
Comment by Susan Woods August 6, 2008 @ 4:06 pmI agree that it is incredibly important for our city to continue supporting the arts. We have a beautiful, wonderful, vibrant city that has improved its image greatly in the past 10 – 20 years. While we were known as a sports capital, and we’re increasing visibility and support for this, we also have some of the finest arts organizations in the US here (and I’m originally from New York state, just two hours north of New York City). I believe Indianapolis is one of the finest cities in our country — it’s still a bit of a hidden gem for many from the coasts, and if we decrease our support for the arts, then I believe our quality of life and our vibrancy will decrease enormously, and it will take many, many years to rebuild what we have already. I would LOVE to see our city support the arts with as much financial support and patronage as possible … and to spread the word about these assets in a variety of tourism campaigns. PLEASE, PLEASE do NOT cut funding for the arts here in Indianapolis!
Comment by Sloane Thompson August 6, 2008 @ 4:07 pmHave not studies been long done to prove increased revenues let alone quality of life issues result from a supported arts community? How are we to be a world class city with no public arts programs. Seems antiquated and out of touch for the year 2008. This is embarrassing on the heals of failed proposed legislation regarding banning the nude human figure appearing in legitimate art publications, etc. No wonder Indiana has a brain drain and creative drain problem…
Comment by Constance Scopelitis August 6, 2008 @ 4:08 pmIt is essential to maintain arts funding, even in a weak economy – in fact, ESPECIALLY in a weak economy. The events draw people together in a positive way, enhance our lives and help maintain the vision essential to our city.
Comment by Christina Scofield August 6, 2008 @ 4:10 pmThe Arts in Indy needs our support. We should allocate funding to this area to enrich the citizens who may not be sports fans!
Comment by Claudia Dille August 6, 2008 @ 4:12 pmI’d hate to think that my children could live in a community that doesn’t support the arts.
Comment by Elyssa L. Noonan August 6, 2008 @ 4:13 pmYes, please keep arts funding in place for Indianapolis! Cutting this funding would be a huge step backward in our efforts to become a world-class city.
Comment by Connie McCue August 6, 2008 @ 4:20 pmWith all the current criticism of public education, how in the world can we contemplate cutting the arts when we know how much they enrich the minds and lives of children?
Comment by Kate Duffy August 6, 2008 @ 4:21 pmMORE PUBLIC ART — FEWER STANDARDIZED TESTS!
Who would want to live in a community that does not support the Arts?????????????????????
Comment by Chuck Hearn August 6, 2008 @ 4:22 pmElected officials: Do not cut arts funding. It’s such a small percentage of the budget but has such ENORMOUS impact on not just Indianapolis, but all of Central Indiana.
I couldn’t stop you from charging me to pay for a stadium I’ll never visit, that will generate millions in revenue for just a few families, but I can lend my vehement, strident opposition to your panicked idea about cutting the arts funding as a way to balance the budget (probably just to claim as an achievement later that you “balanced the budget”). And I can lend that same determined voice to my votes when it’s time. You’re supposed to represent the people, not oppress them.
Save – and increase – arts funding. Please.
Comment by Amanda Congrove August 6, 2008 @ 4:29 pmPlease keep the City-County arts funding in Indianapolis.
Comment by John J. Goodman August 6, 2008 @ 4:30 pmThe decline and elimination of public art support from city leadership would produce devastating consequences to the arts sector as well as effect the creative core of the citizens of Indianapolis and our great state.
Comment by Tad Fruits August 6, 2008 @ 4:34 pmTo quote the in.gov web site, “The arts play a significant role in Indiana’s economic development, community revitalization, historic preservation, and cultural tourism”.
Please consider the long term consequences of a vote to eliminate funding that would effect more than 300 community baased arts organizations and arts programming providers.
The arts in Indianapolis are the main reason we visit the city and spend money not only at those organizations but also at area restaurants and hotels. Without them we would go to St. Louis, Chicago, Louisville, Columbus (Ohio) – Not only away from the city but out of the state!
The arts increase a city’s quality of life and are one of the influences that attract not only corporations but also employees to move to the city–and to stay once they are there.
Those who know the value of the arts know how the arts can change the world–and that’s not a lofty statement. I just spent an intense three days in workshops with Augusto Boal. His theatre throughout the world is literally changing it for the better in people’s awareness, thoughts and actions in communities from India to France to South America to those here in the United States. This is only through one type of theatre – add in the rest and all of the other arts and imagine the effect.
Or…Imagine for a moment the world without any of the arts – no music, no museums, no dance, no theatre, no literature, no TV, no movies, no video games, no comic books, etc. etc. etc. What do you see?
The arts are what make us human! It is through the arts that creativity and creative thought arises. They make us imagine a world of possibility and that doesn’t affect the humanities alone but science, technology, engineering and math as well.
Please please please don’t destroy what you have spent so many years cultivating!
Comment by Jeff Casazza August 6, 2008 @ 4:34 pmA city that claims to be world class without funding for the arts? Unthinkable!
Comment by Nancy A. Brooks August 6, 2008 @ 4:38 pmFunding for the arts must not be cut in Indianapolis. We must recognize that a thriving arts identity is one of the hallmarks of all great and important cities.
Comment by Brent Wallarab August 6, 2008 @ 4:39 pmTo have no funding for the arts is a horrible future i hope Indianapolis does not have to face. The arts are so critical to the development of children and all people because the exposure generates new artists of all kinds, as well as a greater respect for artistic talent and creativity. Without art, there is no life because art is made up of responses to human feeling and emotion and action. I don’t even want to think about what would happen if there is no support for art in this country. Indianapolis must be an example to other cities. SAVE THE ARTS!
Comment by Peter Denz August 6, 2008 @ 4:47 pmTo truly be a world class city worthy of the SuperBowl, our Arts funding cannot be the first major line item on the chopping block.
FUND THE ARTS
Comment by Kathy August 6, 2008 @ 4:50 pmPlease continue funding the arts!!
Comment by Jennifer Stafford August 6, 2008 @ 4:51 pmFunding for the arts is absolutely vital for Indianapolis. Not only do the arts promote economical development and tourism, they make Indianapolis a more enjoyable place to live. From a personal standpoint, not only would I most likely be out of a job but I would have no desire to remain in Indianapolis.
Comment by Molly White August 6, 2008 @ 4:54 pmPLEASE keep city arts funding!
Comment by Stacey Stuteville August 6, 2008 @ 4:57 pmAs an artist and arts supporter, I am proud every time I hear about a new or existing art event taking place in our city. Indianapolis has made great strides in bringing downtown back to life, and it’s good to know that the arts are receiving emphasis along with that placed on sports and events at the convention center. Public funding is a vital part of this commitment, and should be continued.
Comment by Carrie Wild August 6, 2008 @ 4:58 pmThe world is a much better place because of the arts and it is critical that we have continued funding!
Comment by Valerie Jackson August 6, 2008 @ 5:01 pmThe arts programs are one of the strongest enticements for living and visiting Indianapolis. Please maintain (or even increase) public support for the arts.
Comment by Stephen Wolcott August 6, 2008 @ 5:02 pmThe arts are what add texture and joy to our lives, without which we would exist in a bit of a bland world. It is vital to change, thought, experience and growth. Keep the funding, change the world.
Comment by Emily Cross August 6, 2008 @ 5:02 pmAlthough the arts do not generate as much revenue for our city as the Colts and umpteen conventions do, they are no less essential. As a life-long resident, I chose to stay rather than be part of the youth “brain drain” after graduation, and part of my rationale was because of *all* that Indy offered, including an ever-growing arts scene. Our city must provide a robust and diverse offering of arts, sports, entertainment, and culture to attract and retain citizens of all kinds. I simply cannot agree that cutting the arts budget to $0, and saving just one percent of the city’s overall budget, is worth the much larger price of doing so.
Comment by Kristin Ferguson-Wagstaffe August 6, 2008 @ 5:03 pmYes to the arts! If we’re to be a world-class city, we should behave like one. This is our chance to demonstrate our standing as a citizen of the global community.
Comment by John Elder August 6, 2008 @ 5:13 pmkeep the funding for Indy City Arts- it is definitley needed for our city.
Comment by kathryn August 6, 2008 @ 5:17 pmYES – keep the funding.
Comment by Tammy Gigli August 6, 2008 @ 5:18 pmIndianapolis has a rich variety of artists with unique ideas and perspectives and we need funding and support for this to grow and continue to enrich Indianapolis culture.
Also, the arts are vitally important to the development of youth. Involvement and exposure to the arts helps with cognitive abilities, mental and physical well-being, discipline, and can allow healthy self-expression and self-esteem.
Comment by Sara Yanney-Chantanasombut August 6, 2008 @ 5:19 pmThe arts keep the soul alive. If you take away the arts, the results could be catastrophic.
Comment by Amanda McSwine August 6, 2008 @ 5:24 pmKeep the art funding. I like seeing sculptures up and art in window spaces.
Comment by Tré Reising August 6, 2008 @ 5:25 pmThe arts (and parks, also in danger) are critical to the life of our city. Just when we thought it was safe to brag about our illustrious Arts Council, our growing public-art program, our public support of numerous arts organizations, we get hit in the gut. And, I agree that arts programs keep kids involved in fun activities that promote a safer city.
Comment by John Sherman August 6, 2008 @ 5:29 pmPlease keep the arts funding — the arts are languages that all people speak that cut across racial, cultural, social, educational, and economic barriers and enhance cultural appreciation and awareness. Indianapolis needs the arts to achieve world class city status.
Comment by Mary Azar Callahan August 6, 2008 @ 5:34 pmWe need arts funding in Indianapolis. The health and vibrancy of a city’s arts community is a clear indicator of a city’s financial health.
Comment by Erik Deckers August 6, 2008 @ 5:34 pmA city breathes, dances, sings, writes, sculpts, paints, acts, speaks, grows through the arts. Nurture cultural aspirations, community spirit soars. “Yes” vote here.
Comment by John Barna August 6, 2008 @ 5:35 pmIt would be a shame to lose public arts funding after we’ve made such recent strides. Please vote to keep it!
Comment by Robin Toulouse August 6, 2008 @ 5:36 pmThe idea of cutting funding in the arts is infurating. If we are not showing and teaching our community to think and act with curiosity, invention and imagination – we will not solve any of the problems we face.
Comment by Brian McCutcheon August 6, 2008 @ 5:38 pmArt is so important in every person’s life. Art enables someone to think out side of the box – something that can be applied to every other aspect of life. Please keep public funding for the arts!
Comment by Marlina Lies August 6, 2008 @ 5:44 pmProtect the arts! Arts funding is such a tiny fraction of the city budget already. Surely there are other ways to balance the budget than to eliminate arts funding.
Comment by Benjamin Berg August 6, 2008 @ 5:51 pmPlease keep funding INDY arts!
Comment by Jan Nichols August 6, 2008 @ 5:51 pmStudies have shown that funding for the arts returns over 6 times that funding in tax revenues. Any business person would tell you that this is an excellent investment.
Comment by Andrew Ball August 6, 2008 @ 5:52 pmProtect funding for the arts so Indy can continue to become a premier city for visitors as well as a great place to live!
Comment by Becky Wardzala August 6, 2008 @ 5:54 pmArts are the soul of a community. With citizens looking closer to home during an economic downturn, it is more important than ever to sustain this community. Professional sports are increasingly reserved for those with higher incomes, and no Colts outcome has ever touched many of us like a vibrant arts community might.
Comment by Jerry Mannell August 6, 2008 @ 5:54 pmFunding the arts makes the city a great place to live!
Comment by Matthew Van Oss August 6, 2008 @ 5:55 pmPlease keep public funding for the arts!
Comment by Katy Prairie August 6, 2008 @ 5:57 pmKeep Funding
Comment by Marlon Hurst August 6, 2008 @ 5:57 pmPlease keep public funding for the arts so the city can continue its diverse vitality.
Comment by John Clark August 6, 2008 @ 6:03 pmYes, please retain public funding of the arts in Indianapolis at current or even increased levels.
Comment by Clay Miller August 6, 2008 @ 6:03 pmKeep the arts funding!
Comment by Wilson E. Allen August 6, 2008 @ 6:05 pmThe arts are so important to our community and its future. I am proud of our city’s progress in this area and would be saddened to see support for the arts go away. Please keep the arts a priority moving ahead.
Comment by Amanda Cecil August 6, 2008 @ 6:05 pmAmanda Cecil
Please do not cut funding for the arts. Arts are a vital component to the quality of life in a City (and surrounding areas), and it’s a well known link that quailty of life issues are important for economic development and attracting good jobs.
Comment by Amy Haacker August 6, 2008 @ 6:06 pmYes! Fund the arts, unless you want thousands of disenfranchised, bored, broke, creative rebels wandering the streets looking for ways to get peoples’ attention. I don’t want that and I’m one of them!
Comment by Phil Barcio August 6, 2008 @ 6:10 pmArts programs in our community can inspire and open doors for many individuals who would not ordinarily have these opportunities. It is imperative that both public and private funding –especially at grass roots levels –be sustained.
Comment by Claudia Johnson August 6, 2008 @ 6:11 pmWithout the arts the community is close to unable to express themselves freely. The arts in Indy are very important. Indy is a very artsy town, and SHOULD remain this way. Its part of our identity.
INCREASE THE FUNDS!
or at least KEEP them!
Megan Rainwater
Comment by Megan Rainwater August 6, 2008 @ 6:11 pmA city without public funding for the arts is NOT a world class city! We MUST support the arts to enrich the lives of our citizens.
Comment by Tom Vriesman August 6, 2008 @ 6:14 pmPlease do not stop funding the arts!
Comment by Amy Stoddard August 6, 2008 @ 6:17 pmYes, please keep art programs in the city budget.
Comment by Alisa Ervin August 6, 2008 @ 6:20 pmReduce funding for the arts? Who wins in that situation? Certainly not Indianapolis, whose image as a single-minded sports capitol demands the balance of a thriving arts community. Let’s increase funding instead.
Comment by Judith Reasoner August 6, 2008 @ 6:23 pmYes, please continue to support the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Jim Butz August 6, 2008 @ 6:26 pmHow can this city make the claims it does about itself if its leaders do not have the common sense to continue public funding for the arts? It is necessary that the City-County Council include arts funding in OUR budget on a permanent basis.
Comment by Owen Schaub August 6, 2008 @ 6:27 pmThe city government’s progressive attitude towards the arts (up until now) is one of the main reasons I chose to stay after graduating from Butler, rather than contributing to the ongoing brain-drain. I would hate to see Indianapolis turn its back on something that makes the city so vibrant and attractive, and I shudder to think at how our local economy wil be affected if we lose arts patrons to other cities. Please keep the arts funding- and consider increasing it!
Comment by Becky Ruby August 6, 2008 @ 6:27 pmdon’t stop funding the arts
Comment by Jeff Weissenberger August 6, 2008 @ 6:27 pmIndy has come a long way. Now is not the time to retreat bck to bing a 2nd class city. Please keep the funding for the arts in Indianapolis!!
Comment by James D Smith August 6, 2008 @ 6:28 pmNo matter how big our sports arena(s) and no matter many times we say we want to be a “go-to” city, Indinanapolis will never sustain the resident and tourist status it seeks if it continues to ignore the fact that great cities must have a thriving and vibrant arts base. Please INCREASE the available public funding for the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Kathi Ridley August 6, 2008 @ 6:31 pmPlease retain funding for the arts!
The greatest cities throughout civilization have all supported the arts, artists, and art education. Imagine your favorite public art anywhere – disappeared. Art touches everyone’s lives and improves it by allowing us to walk in beauty – or controversy. Keep that spark alive, keep the conversations going, keep this community walking towards greatness by, at a minimum, funding the programs already in place.
Nancy Lee Digman
Comment by Nancy Lee Digman August 6, 2008 @ 6:35 pmplease don’t cut arts funding! kids have it rough enough!!
Comment by Sarah B Tatnall August 6, 2008 @ 6:36 pmThe arts are essential to the vitality of a truly “world class” city. The arts are underfunded the way it is…especially public art. Keep Indianapolis vital by maintaining/increasing funding.
Jay Young
Comment by Jay Young August 6, 2008 @ 6:38 pmWith Indianapolis’s apparent desire to increase its tourism appeal and hospitality industries, moving to eliminate support for our fine cultural and educational attractions makes an unfortunate statement about which destinations our city leadership holds to be of significance. More importantly, revoking arts funding only further deprives our local constituencies of services that citizens of most major cities can rely on as a given. A very bad statement about mayoral priorities is being made by way of this gesture.
Comment by Rebecca Uchill August 6, 2008 @ 6:40 pmArt is an expression of our culture! Don’t we want to leave something behind other than places we’ve bombed?
Comment by John Stoddard August 6, 2008 @ 6:41 pmPlease increase arts funding. Please start funding positive hip hop. It is the voice of an alert generation.
Comment by Casey Bridgeford August 6, 2008 @ 6:46 pmYes, I vote to keep & in fact increase public funding for the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Laura Henderson August 6, 2008 @ 6:47 pmYes, please keep art funding alive in Indianapolis! Its so important to keeping the heart of Indianapolis alive and downtown as well. Plus, art is a crucial part of a child’s creative life and is so important in fostering self esteem and a creative mind. Don’t cut the funding, if not for the artists, then for the future of the children of Indianapolis.
Comment by Shivani Seth August 6, 2008 @ 6:51 pmSo many have said it so well already. We must not cut the financial support of the arts from our city’s budget.
Comment by Michael Pettry August 6, 2008 @ 6:52 pm“It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see. The writer shakes up the familiar scene, and, as if by magic, we see a new meaning in it. “-Anais Nin
Comment by Karen Chapman August 6, 2008 @ 6:52 pmPlease keep funding for the Arts in Indy!
Comment by Amber Davis August 6, 2008 @ 6:52 pmKeep funding the arts! Cultural variety is vital to our city.
Comment by Julia Schenk August 6, 2008 @ 6:53 pmContinue funds for the arts! I grew up in Indy, and because of the many opportunities I had throughout school and in the community I became a music teacher. Art is LIFE! Don’t cut funds!!
Comment by Jennifer McQueen Hurst August 6, 2008 @ 6:54 pmThis is OUTRAGEOUS!! Indianapolis is quickly becoming a cultural and events center in this great country. People are realizing the great potential our state has for things other than racing and growing crops (although those are AWESOME claims to fame!!) and we should support and harbor as much development as possible. Cutting the budget will add a small amount of money and hardly any worth to other areas of interest. We need to do everything we can to keep this $1.5million and hopefully grow it to $3 million
Comment by Patrick Roberts August 6, 2008 @ 6:55 pmKeep Indianapolis a booming cultural city by supporting ARTS.
Comment by Kathryn Yost August 6, 2008 @ 6:56 pmThe arts are a key part of any vibrant community; providing public funding to support them is essential to ensuring that Indiana continues to move forward.
Comment by Katherine Welsh August 6, 2008 @ 6:59 pmPlease continue to support the arts!!
Comment by Julie J. Schrader August 6, 2008 @ 7:00 pmI strongly support continued funding for the arts.
Comment by Jill Reinhart August 6, 2008 @ 7:02 pmI grew up in the far east side of Marion county, and it wasn’t until I went to high school closer to Indianapolis that I got a very good look at the city. When you drive through downtown, you notice a of very cool, unique, alive places, but also a lot of run down, under appreciated areas.
This year, I will be a freshmen in college. Not only do I support this because my intended major is fine art, but because I want to see more of the more of the hip, Indy culture come back to Indianapolis. The first step to convincing businesses to invest in Indianapolis is by showing the teams, hotels, stores, clubs, that it is a good place to be, and showing our pride in our city is a good way to invest our culture. The loss of the public arts funding would be a terrible step backward.
Comment by Christin Ferguson August 6, 2008 @ 7:04 pmThis is a vote and a plea. Keep supporting art.
Comment by christopher newgent August 6, 2008 @ 7:08 pmWe new the new administration had this potential.
Comment by Lisa Pelo-McNiece August 6, 2008 @ 7:08 pmThey certianly do not recognize the total value of public arts funding and the impact it has on the continued forward development of the region. For Indianapolis/Marion County to cut tax supported public arts funding shows that they have no concern for how much benefit the arts bring to Indianapolis/MC and the surrounding counties…Hendricks County, where I live. How can our capital city, the city representing all of Indiana, show this lack of support for such influential aspect of our economic and social forward development.
I strongly support continued funding for the arts.
Comment by B. Langan August 6, 2008 @ 7:08 pmBy eliminating public funding for the arts we would be making a very bold pronouncement – that the arts (read: our culture-what makes us human) are only for an elite group (read: those who can afford it). Those of us posting on this blog know that is not and should not be the case.
“I do not want art for a few any more than education for a few or freedom for a few.” William Morris, 1834-1896
Comment by Shannon Linker August 6, 2008 @ 7:09 pmPlease do not cut Art Funding. By cutting out the art funding you are cutting out the heart of the city. Downtown would be a ghost town without the arts. Look how much downtown has improved since the Indianapolis Symphony moved into the Circle Theatre.
Comment by Michael Davis August 6, 2008 @ 7:10 pmI strongly support the funding for the arts. Growing up in the culture of fine arts, I know that it is a vital part of any metropolitan city… if Indianapolis wants to stay competitive and grow it must keep up with the public funding for the arts!
Comment by M. Yamaguchi August 6, 2008 @ 7:13 pmThe life of a community is expressed, reflected, examined, debated… improved through the arts. Without the rich cultural life provided by the Indianapolis arts community, I would have no reason to continue living in the city that raised me. And no reason to raise my family here.
Comment by Lynne Perkins Socey August 6, 2008 @ 7:15 pmPLEASE continue investing in the overall health of Indianapolis by supporting funding for the arts.
In a world where the lowest expectations are the best we can hope , there is always the arts to remind us that as humans we can achieve so much and enjoy all that is our humanity. We must push what is hopeful and pure and direct away from sameness and waste.
Comment by Michael Stricklin August 6, 2008 @ 7:17 pmTo cut funding to the arts is to preach darkness and despair to our children. All that is good in society comes from within. Only the broadcast of these feeling and emotions will correct the valueless void that is a part of all ours souls.
It is by far the most noble of deeds. It is as essential as clean air and water.
Michael Stricklin – Human
The arts is an important motivating factor as we try to draw more residentsbusinesses to Indianapolis. Please support the arts.
Comment by Leah Voors August 6, 2008 @ 7:18 pmI support continued funding for the arts!
Comment by Valerie Wahlstrom August 6, 2008 @ 7:19 pmPublic arts may seem like unnecessary fluff in a budget, but a cultured city is one attractive to business and industry, is a safer city with more people engaged in the activities of the city. A city cannot be “world class” without a strong arts community that provides avenues for artists of all ages, socio-economic status, and races — through theatre, dance, galleries, public art, architecture and more. Don’t cut art funding because it seems unimportant in safety and quality of life, because it most certainly is VERY important to all those things.
Comment by J Rhodes August 6, 2008 @ 7:23 pmPlease keep funding for the Arts in Indy!
Comment by Ryan Davis August 6, 2008 @ 7:25 pmWe need MORE arts and culture funding, not less!
Comment by Linda Sommer August 6, 2008 @ 7:28 pmKeep funding the Arts in Indy!
Comment by Thomas Elliott August 6, 2008 @ 7:28 pmPlease keep funding for the arts!
Comment by Laura Hundagen August 6, 2008 @ 7:30 pmYes, we must continue to fund the arts. The arts in all forms are a vital and fundamental part of every community. If Indianapolis plan on being and staying a global city, we better find a way to continue to fund the arts. Leadership starts at that top.
Comment by Anthony Ware August 6, 2008 @ 7:31 pmPlease keep Indianapolis Arts funding!
Comment by Daniel R. Altstadt August 6, 2008 @ 7:31 pmKeep and INCREASE arts funding! The arts are vital to a vibrant and healthy community and the education of our youth.
Comment by Amanda Meyer August 6, 2008 @ 7:35 pmPlease continue to fund the arts.
Comment by Alice Mattingly August 6, 2008 @ 7:35 pmPublic funding for the arts goes farther towards making Indy a world-class city than any professional sports team ever will.
Comment by Mary Jane Moriarty August 6, 2008 @ 7:36 pmThe arts have spurred much of the positive things happening in downtown Indianapolis. Keep moving forward with continued funding.
Comment by Alisha Valentine August 6, 2008 @ 7:36 pmI strongly support continued funding for the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Pamela Joyce August 6, 2008 @ 7:40 pmI am strongly opposed to the funding of spoerts stadiums which are used by the wealthy. Lets have more public art we can all enjoy
Comment by Judit Murphy August 6, 2008 @ 7:43 pmHey Mayor Ballard and city county counselors! DO NOT cut funding for the arts!!!! Please! Read David Hoppe’s column in 8-6-08 NUVO. Cut funding for all sports, cut subsudees to companies coming into our city, cut funding to Jimmy Irsay, cut the police budget. But don’t cut the arts. Indianapolis wants to be world class…we need more and more and more funding for the arts!!!
Comment by timjharmon August 6, 2008 @ 7:46 pmTim Harmon
627-0498
Please keep Indianapolis art funding!
Comment by Kelly Branno August 6, 2008 @ 7:52 pmKeep the arts funding! Arts organizations can’t survive without support from our government and without those organizations many after school programs, summer camps and outreach programs with be eliminated. How will we inspire creativity and independent thinking from our youth? How will we provide alternative programs to keep kids of the streets? Save Indianapolis, Save the Arts!
Comment by Julia Arbogast August 6, 2008 @ 7:55 pmPlease keep Indianapolis art funding….
Comment by Andy Fark August 6, 2008 @ 7:56 pmArt is a part of our daily life. Art improves our lives. Indianapolis needs to continue funding.
Comment by Ralph Gerdes August 6, 2008 @ 7:57 pmIf we want Indianapolis to be regarded as a thriving first-rate city, we must excel culturally. Without a rich arts community, the growth of this city will halt causing an economic and social decline. I’m disappointed that in 2008, people (especially in positions of leadership) are still ignorant to the necessity and importance of public support for the arts…
Comment by Rachel M. Simon August 6, 2008 @ 7:58 pmThis city would loose a lot of character if it lost any of its arts. The city should be looking at putting more into the arts not less.
Comment by April Dahncke August 6, 2008 @ 7:59 pmPlease keep the Indianapolis art funds!!!! Without it people like my step sister who are only in elementary school will not have the chances I have had while growing up in tis city. The Art is one of the main reasons I continue to live and go to school in this city.
Comment by Alyse Fred August 6, 2008 @ 8:01 pmPlease keep Indianapolis culturally alive! Continue & increase arts funding.
Comment by William Rood August 6, 2008 @ 8:11 pmThe arts are not a minor concern to our city, and they deserve more than the funding they already receive. Considering the other projects the city is willing to spend far more money on, please consider cutting the budget elsewhere.
Comment by Ryan August 6, 2008 @ 8:12 pmPublic funding for the arts is a sign of a vibrant, creative and growing city. Cutting such funding is short sighted and sends the message that the arts are no longer valued. What a shame if this plan succeeds!
Comment by jennifer todd August 6, 2008 @ 8:14 pmPlease do not cut arts funding. We need more!
Comment by Jessica Rodgers August 6, 2008 @ 8:18 pmPlease keep Indianapolis arts funded!!!
Comment by Dave Adair August 6, 2008 @ 8:19 pmIt is ignorant for any executive bodies to undervalue it’s public art and that of it’s supporters. It is this mentality that keeps us a step behind other thriving metropolis’. Please keep Indianapolis Art Funding and aim to increase it.
Comment by John Albrecht August 6, 2008 @ 8:20 pmPublic funding for the arts not only gives artists the hope and encouragement to continue to communicate visually, but enhances the importance of thier job to keep the communities social conscience…how else can a community grow and grow stronger? The people that want to eliminate this funding…are the people afraid to look and above all see!
Comment by Cagney King August 6, 2008 @ 8:22 pmPublic funding for the arts is crucial to sustaining a healthy artistic community and sends a strong message about a city’s commitment to culture and diversity. Please do not eliminate public funding of the arts.
Comment by Rich Cohen August 6, 2008 @ 8:23 pmTwice I’ve received a Creative Renewal Fellowship from the Arts Council. Those fellowships were vital to my growth and development as an artist. Public and priviate funding supplied the money. In turn, I’ve become involved in the Indianapolis arts community in a way I hadn’t before!
Why would anyone want to cut arts funding from a public budget? It does not make good economic sense. We should be increasing funding!
If what we want is an exciting, vibrant community that will attract visitors and encourage positive development, we should INCREASE public funding for the arts!
Please: do not cut funding for public art!! Increase it!
Comment by Betty Scarpino August 6, 2008 @ 8:24 pmPlease keep arts funding!!
Comment by Heather Davis August 6, 2008 @ 8:27 pmMuch of the revitalization of Mass Ave, and Broadripple is due to the growing arts community. Arts brings people, and people bring money to those areas that need it most. Please keep the arts funding!
Comment by Sarah Tirey August 6, 2008 @ 8:27 pmCreative thinking is as fundamental a part of education as reading, writing, and mathematics. Seeing problems from a new and different perspective is critically important for coming up with solutions to the problems that face us in this era. Art is a practice of seeing things in a new and different way. It trains us to see with our eye and our mind. To not introduce children to these notions as a part of general education is a detriment to their development and future as a society. Do not compromise future generations’ creative thinking, please fund art in our schools!!!
Comment by David Seltzer August 6, 2008 @ 8:28 pmPlease keep funding the Arts in Indy!
Comment by Jason C. Zickler August 6, 2008 @ 8:34 pmPlease keep arts funding; it is important in many, many ways!
Comment by June Edison August 6, 2008 @ 8:36 pmBy supporting the arts, Indy is supporting a well-rounded education for its children, tourism, and many positive things for the community. Please keep financially supporting Indy’s arts.
Comment by Ginny Babbitt August 6, 2008 @ 8:39 pmArt is life. Please don’t diminish that.
Comment by Stacie Hoch August 6, 2008 @ 8:42 pmplease support the arts.
Comment by Angi Aldrich August 6, 2008 @ 8:46 pmPLEASE keep the arts! I am an art student at Herron IUPUI- what will this do to my school!? Please, just look around you and realize just how beautiful Indianapolis has become because of the arts!
Comment by Kristin Andrews August 6, 2008 @ 8:49 pmMaintain funding for the arts!
Comment by Matt Hall August 6, 2008 @ 8:51 pmI support the arts in Indy — I hope the city will too!
Comment by Lisa Whitaker August 6, 2008 @ 8:58 pmThe arts offered in Indianapolis is one of the main reasons I chose to attend school there! Don’t kill it!
Comment by Devon August 6, 2008 @ 8:58 pmIndianapolis is becoming a vibrant, first class city largely due to the vision of several great mayors (Lugar and Hudnut, for example). Why give up now? Keep the funding for the arts – the investment pays for itself tenfold!!
Comment by John Duff August 6, 2008 @ 9:00 pmPlease don’t cut Arts funding. In fact, it needs to increased. Indianapolis already has a reputation for being culturally behind other cities in arts and education. Don’t make our city an object of ridicule throughout the country.
Comment by Stephanie Mineart August 6, 2008 @ 9:01 pmIndy Arts funding should be increased!
Comment by Joshua Leonard August 6, 2008 @ 9:04 pmI am a student at Herron – Public art is very important to this city! Please continue supporting the arts!
Comment by Brittany August 6, 2008 @ 9:04 pmkeep funding the ARTS! Keep this city beautiful, alive with culture, passion, and expresssion!
Comment by Casey Mitscher August 6, 2008 @ 9:06 pmkeep funding the arts! The art culture here was just beginning to grow! we can’t let it stop!
Comment by Dan Mitscher August 6, 2008 @ 9:08 pmart really IS important!
Comment by Candice Hartsough McDonald August 6, 2008 @ 9:08 pmA great city cannot exist without support of the arts. Leaving the humanizing role of the arts aside, in purely economic terms, a city with a vibrant arts community attracts educated productive people who will boost the city’s tax base. If you build it, they will come ……
Comment by Zora Dunn August 6, 2008 @ 9:09 pmYou can’t be an elite city by starving the arts community. The result is analogous to “brain-drain”. My Herron-student sister already believes she absolutely MUST move once she graduates!
Comment by Miles Z. Sterrett August 6, 2008 @ 9:15 pmPlease keep Indy’s funding for the arts!
Comment by Catie August 6, 2008 @ 9:16 pmAs a theatre student and costume designer, I must say that keeping the funding for the arts is crucial to this city’s culture. If funding is cut, Indianapolis will spiral downward, and it will be nearly impossible to draw educated individuals into the city. Also, inspiring creative children to nurture their talents will become increasingly difficult as they will have no outside influence telling them: “Yes, art is appreciated, and there are outlets for you to express yourself.” And so I say, yes – keep funding for the arts. It’s an action that will not be regretted.
Comment by Whitney Claytor August 6, 2008 @ 9:19 pmYes, support arts funding–a city needs to be more than chain stores, stadiums, and highways!
Comment by Steve Fox August 6, 2008 @ 9:22 pmDear Mayor Ballard,
The arts help to define who we are as Hoosiers and it is the most important cultural legacy we can partake and leave for future generations. All of that without going into how much money cultural organizations generate for this town which is an astronomical number according to recent Arts Council study. So it doesn’t even make economic sense to eliminate the support for what is a money maker in this town.
Think about that Mr. Ballard, next time you visit the symphony or the IMA. You are reversing the incredible progress your predecessor made and the citizens of Indianapolis, both Republicans and Democrats, are speaking out against this nonsensical move. The arts are the common link between us, our contemporaries, and our ancestors. Is that the legacy you want to leave?
I came to Indianapolis from New York City. I found Indy going through a positive reevaluation of what this city is all about. Striving to transform Indianapolis into a cultural destination was part of this grand plan. Pay attention to the numbers and understand that cutting funding for the arts does not make sense. I hope that you reconsider your position and continue to give 1% or more of the budget to the arts.
Artur Silva
Comment by Artur Silva August 6, 2008 @ 9:24 pmVisual Artist
The arts are vital to this city’s future.
Comment by Kevin Kastner August 6, 2008 @ 9:25 pmyes please keep arts funding in the budget. Thanks
Comment by Keli Almeida August 6, 2008 @ 9:25 pmAs a city taxpayer, my wish is for the city to continue funding the arts at present, if not increased levels. The important symbolism of the city’s funding needs to continue.
Comment by Eric Stark August 6, 2008 @ 9:26 pmThe arts do more then improve the quality of iife in the city. The vibrant arts community generates revenues well in excess of what we invest, help attract special events and educated job hunters.
Vote yes for the arts. Vote yes for our quality of life, and the health of our community.
Comment by roundpeg August 6, 2008 @ 9:27 pmThe arts bring into this city several million dollars per year. In any business you have to spend money to make money. The city’s decision not to invest 1.5 million per year is one of the most blatantly stupid moves I have ever heard of. I vote to continue to financially support arts in Indy.
Comment by Jeffrey L Cowsert, RA August 6, 2008 @ 9:32 pmPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis. Feed the souls of Indy citizens!
Comment by Maria Meschi August 6, 2008 @ 9:34 pmYES, the arts need to be funded. Arts not only make our city more appealing to visitors, but also help children learn in so many ways. If we cut arts funding, what message are we sending to the community? Yes, play sports and we’ll support it; decide to make something beautiful, sorry, it’s not important.
Comment by Emily Benson August 6, 2008 @ 9:34 pmI’m astonished that this is even being considered. Tell this is a hoax.
Comment by Dr. Robert A. Archer August 6, 2008 @ 9:42 pmBeautiful art means beautiful city, enriched children and a stronger economy. Please keep the 1% for our art programs. It’s worth it!
Comment by Kristen Angarola August 6, 2008 @ 9:45 pmYES YES YES. It is integral to the growth of benefit of our children as well as the legacy we as people on this earth leave behind that we have this funding to continue our work in beautifying this world and leaning about each other. A thousand times yes.
Comment by Joanna Winston August 6, 2008 @ 9:49 pmThe arts are an important part of the city’s culture! Don’t take that support away, have some pride in your city! Please keep funding the arts and make Indy a more beautiful and interesting place to live.
Comment by Lori August 6, 2008 @ 9:52 pmKeep arts funding!!
Comment by Anne August 6, 2008 @ 9:56 pmOne of the major reasons I stayed in Indianapolis after graduation from college was the vibrant arts scene,everything to enjoy, but especially for all the possibilities for employment in not-for-profit arts organizations.
Comment by Erin O'Rourke August 6, 2008 @ 9:56 pmAs the Outreach Manager for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir, I have seen up close what this money and funding support. Please do not cut funding for programs and people that really need it.
Continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis!
Please keep funding the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by James Cramer August 6, 2008 @ 9:57 pmThe arts are an integral part of the fabric of every community. Please continue to provide funding in support of the arts in Indy.
Comment by CRAIG LAFUSE August 6, 2008 @ 9:59 pmArts are an extremely important part of any community and its develpment for all people but especially the young. Please continue supports for all arts.
Comment by David Hinshaw August 6, 2008 @ 10:08 pmAs a elementary education major, I vote to continue funding for the arts.
Comment by Nicholas August 6, 2008 @ 10:19 pmVote YES for art! The signs entering Indianapolis say “building a world class city” and what other claim to fame will we have if we inhibit our burgeoning art community, our extreme carbon emissions?
Comment by Shane Carte` August 6, 2008 @ 10:22 pmPLEASE continue to fund the arts!
Comment by Stephanie Smith August 6, 2008 @ 10:28 pmyes!
Comment by Asoka Ratnayake August 6, 2008 @ 10:29 pmKeeping funding the arts! Arts programs are the soul of the country….
Comment by Terry F. Fox August 6, 2008 @ 10:36 pmPlease please please keep arts funding!!
Comment by Jennifer Hintz August 6, 2008 @ 10:37 pmWhat is a city without the art? Keep funding the arts!
Comment by Katherine Van Wyk August 6, 2008 @ 10:55 pmFund the arts! Our arts reflect the culture of Indianapolis. We should be putting more money into that funding in order to be more expressive as a successful city. Carmel seems to be doing pretty well for it. We cannot let Carmel win!
Comment by Chad Waples August 6, 2008 @ 10:56 pmI support the arts fully, It is the summit of creativity and a sanctuary for many, something many wish to keep!
Comment by Crystalstarrlight August 6, 2008 @ 10:58 pmPlease keep the arts!
Comment by Meaghan Sermeno August 6, 2008 @ 10:58 pmCutting funding to the arts and other programs which enrich public life is flawed in so many ways. It shifts away resources from the very thing that makes this city warmer in winters, and cooler in summers. We have benefitted greatly since the IMA opened it’s main galleries free of charge. As an artist I understand that art lives with or without funding. It is like a creek that when it swells in the spring overflows and changes the land around it. That is why I’m not afraid of these dams being put up around the arts. It is too strong, in the end, to be denied when the passion is great. And in a city with so many monuments and faceless high rises, it helps to see every once in a while a small art shop, a class of students in a museum, the murals that line parts of the city, both privately and publicly funded. And as far as what this city’s leaders choose to eliminate from our city, it’s a matter of seeing that if all we eventually have is a hammer, everything will look like a nail. And in the end we are all reduced by the lack of shared experience, the meditative experience which all true art inspires. When I think of a student in an impoverished school doodling in a book to dream away the time, it’s like the moment they wake up they’re pushed into third gear and it takes for ever to get up to speed. To put it in Indy terms, arts are the igniton that spark our engines.
Comment by Brian Duff August 6, 2008 @ 11:05 pmI am paying a county Inn keeper 9% tax for the sports complex but no tax for the arts. I would like to see the arts in Indy get all the money we can find. Keep this council aware we must be funding our arts programs. I am sending this notice to vote to 100 people.
Comment by gail juerling August 6, 2008 @ 11:12 pmThe arts are essential for a thriving, creative, growing, compassionate community. The arts spur our imagination, and warm our hearts. They make us softer, and at the same time motivate us! Addtionally, the arts bring others to the city and keep them coming back. Who wants to visit a city with no public art? Think about it! Please don’t cut arts funding.
Comment by Deb Edgecombe August 6, 2008 @ 11:13 pmEven if I were not to touched, being a current student of the visual arts on the undergraduate level, I would still vote a thousand times “yes”!
Comment by Allison Brown August 6, 2008 @ 11:24 pmi concur with all of the previous statements!
Comment by lauren ashley August 6, 2008 @ 11:25 pmkeep the funding of indianapolis arts, PLEASE.
the arts community is one of the only things keeping indianapolis interesting and not completely dull, honestly.
there are SO MANY talented artists in this community … any city that TRULY has a culture has a thriving arts community!
Yes, Please keep arts funding intact or increase.
Comment by joan H. Morris August 6, 2008 @ 11:35 pmPlease keep arts funding intact. I would also vote for increasing arts funding.
Comment by tarrandwoolley August 6, 2008 @ 11:47 pmFunding of Arts and related programs is a vital portion of any community. I do understand concerns about budgetary needs, but the ramifications of a short sited solution can have unforseen negative effects. The phrase “penny wise pound foolish” is a perfect desription of the situation you now face. I would hope that elected officials would know that short term thought brings down long term aims, goals, ambitions and future prosperity.
Best Regards
Ryan Fleming
Comment by Ryan Fleming August 6, 2008 @ 11:54 pmI am an supporter of the arts, and beneficiary of the transformational effect it has on the urban youth in our city. In a city with one of the poorest urban school districts in the country, the arts provide a creative outlet for energy of the youth. I would be going to Law School from after graduating from a “drop-out factory” if it was not for the arts…
Comment by John A. Waller JR. August 6, 2008 @ 11:57 pmAs an avid supporter of the arts in Indianapolis since 1986, I am appalled that our city government will not be able to even include the $1.5 million for arts support-arts growth is on a fantastic and wonderful upswing at this time, and pulling support from it will jeopardize this advancement of our city immensely-
Comment by Roberta Wong August 6, 2008 @ 11:58 pmplease visit other major cities and see how art lives, breathes, and yes, enriches the lives of those residents-
for a city vying for major status in this nation, the arts are an integral component for our image, in a wonderfully vibrant and emerging city of mention-take care not to disintegrate it after we have come so far-thank you,
Roberta Wong
Butler University, Anderson University, IU Bloomington, Jordan Academy of Dance, Creative Renewal Fellow 1999, Indianapolis Woman 2000
Hello. Living without arts is like living with imagination. Can you believe that? Please don’t cut the funding. It makes you think and feel outside ones’ self.
Comment by Isaias August 7, 2008 @ 12:05 amI also vote on more funding!!!!
Arts education is often the key to unlocking the full potential of young people. Time and again, I have seen exposure to the arts help them thrive in other areas of their lives. Please keep the arts funded in the city of Indianapolis.
Comment by Jane Hachiya-Weiner August 7, 2008 @ 12:13 amInvesting in the arts brings more money back into the city for every dollar invested than putting money in sports teams. Not only is it the right thing to do, it is the financially prudent thing to do.
Comment by Jan Rubin August 7, 2008 @ 12:17 amPlease maintain city funding for the arts.
Comment by Nicole August 7, 2008 @ 12:22 amThe arts are an essential part of our city. Arts education makes for better students; having a cultural scene makes a city worth living in. We can’t afford to let our children down and we can’t afford to make Indy less attractive to visitors and prospective citizens. Please don’t cut funding to the arts.
Comment by Max Murphy August 7, 2008 @ 12:34 amPlease keep funding the arts. To me as a young person trying to complete my dreams, it is very important to me to have other people believe in the arts and to allow more children be able to persue any dreams they may ahve in the arts as well! Please Please keep our dreams alive and keep funding the arts!
Comment by Danielle Brebbeman August 7, 2008 @ 12:47 amKeep Indy Arts Funding! Sarah C.
Comment by Sarah Charles August 7, 2008 @ 12:49 amPlease keep/increase the funding for the arts! A world without art is no better than a world without life!
Comment by Lindsey Edens August 7, 2008 @ 12:53 amArt is just as important as math, science, and history. Music, art, and physical education funding should never be cut!!!!!
Comment by Jennifer Sams August 7, 2008 @ 12:56 amSave Indy Arts. Please continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis!!
Comment by Judy Hardin August 7, 2008 @ 12:56 amI urge you to support city funding for the arts. I have lived in Indiana all my life and am dismayed that our capital city would not support the arts. As an educator I have seen first hand how the arts can enrich the lives of children. Research also shows that children’s involvement in the arts and music improves their scholastic achievements. When I visit Indianapolis it is usually for an arts related event. I can not imagine why anyone interested in economic development (as well as quality of life) would think to stop funding for the arts. Funding for the arts should be increased not decreased!
Comment by Paula Worley August 7, 2008 @ 1:00 amIt is absolutely absurd to discontinue funding the arts just after investing millions in the gorgeous IMCPL.
Comment by Terry Daley August 7, 2008 @ 1:08 amKeep the arts alive in Indianapolis! Art reminds us that there is much more going on in the world than just war and recession! We NEED the arts!
Comment by Tara Burkley August 7, 2008 @ 1:10 amThe arts and our parks are integral components of what distinguishes Indianapolis as a truly great city. Please do not eliminate funding in these areas.
Comment by Dana Harrison August 7, 2008 @ 1:20 amSeriously! I wish I could be polite about this but come on… all the crime, all the poverty, all the ugly things that are happening at an alarmingly higher rate lately and you want to take away the one thing promotes thought, intelligence and beauty in humanity. Bad move! Bad move! I think if we used the arts to enrapture our youth they would grow up to be less violent and more productive while understanding the importance of accountability, creative thought and self-reliance. Bad move Mayor Ballard.
Comment by Quincy Owens August 7, 2008 @ 1:21 amIndianapolis has a wonderful tradition of public art. Please don’t discourage our culture!
Comment by Elizabeth L. Adams August 7, 2008 @ 1:21 amPlease continue to fund the arts
Comment by Victoria Cahn August 7, 2008 @ 1:33 amDitto, I would be more creative, but someone cut my funding.
Comment by Katrinka Gmerek August 7, 2008 @ 1:38 amArts funding is desperately needed—-it’s what spurs artists to innovate, improve themselves, the artistic scene, and entire community because they have the means and symbolic support to do so! Cutting this puts the evolution of a city at a standstill.
Please keep the arts funding!
Comment by Ben Melchiors August 7, 2008 @ 1:45 amI serve with an organization that has demonstrated over and over again the importance of arts programming. Our city is overflowing with musicians, singers, dancers, painters, writers…and without funds, this flow will cease. I sign this petition in the hope to be counted among those who do not want to see arts money in Indianapolis evaporate. I beg our City County Council to reconsider their position and KEEP ARTS ALIVE!!!
Comment by Diane Lewis August 7, 2008 @ 1:46 amTo cancel funding for the Arts will only send Indianapolis back to IndiaNOpolis. This city is so much more than sports. If this city spent money to interest the youth to get involved in the arts, to express themselves in a positive environment, maybe we wouldn’t need so much money for crime prevention…Do not go backwards now-We’ve already come so far.
Comment by DJ Worton-Butche August 7, 2008 @ 1:51 amYES. Please keep (INCREASE!!!) arts funding.
Comment by Dani Raicu August 7, 2008 @ 1:53 amPublic support for the arts indicate a vision for this city that supports beauty, creativity and hope. Without it what will counteract mean streets, and sense powerless and hopelessness that threaten to overtake this community? Don’t take a leap backward.
Comment by Tish Pyritz August 7, 2008 @ 1:53 amPlease support the arts and increase funding! Without it Indy will become a dead end to creative flow…it’s vital!
Comment by Cindy Zoellner August 7, 2008 @ 1:58 amone of the things I love about Indy is their attention, dedication and support for the arts. Keep on supporting!!!
Comment by Rachael August 7, 2008 @ 2:01 amYes, please save/fund the arts of Indiana.
Comment by Kelsey Kincaid August 7, 2008 @ 2:12 amPlease support the wellbeing of a healthy community by continuing to fund Indianapolis art
Comment by Paul Miller August 7, 2008 @ 2:16 amPlease maintain the current funding for the arts. The lives of our children have been greatly enhanced thru arts programs, art displays around town. We too are a family that is NOT involved in sports. If we can figure out how to build a stadium for football we can certainly maintain status quo for the arts. I too will send this on to everyone I can.
Comment by Juli Van Wyk August 7, 2008 @ 2:17 amThe arts enrich a city, the failure to support the arts impoverishes the life of a city. Please continue the public funding of the arts.
Comment by Margaret Moran August 7, 2008 @ 2:18 amI feel it necessary to the vitality of Indianapolis that the city continue to fund and support the Arts locally.
Comment by Lucie G. Orzeske August 7, 2008 @ 2:23 amThe development of the arts community in Indianapolis has helped to save entire areas of the city from urban ills. Please help local artists, galleries, art students and teachers and collaborative groups continue this work by maintaining funding of the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Robin Long-Jordan August 7, 2008 @ 2:23 amEditor,
Whenever I hear despondent voices crying about the insufficiency of funds for this or that project or charity, I’m reminded of the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes. The point of the story of course was that there were no new clothes; the emperor was stark bare naked but no one wanted to say so because the tailors who pretended to make the clothes from a miraculous cloth said that anyone who couldn’t see the clothes was either stupid or incompetent. Since no one, from the king on down, wanted to be judged so harshly, all pretended that they could see the magnificent cloth and the superb suit of clothes made from the cloth that the emperor was wearing.
In a similar but reverse manner, we in this country do not see abundant national riches that go uselessly into the bank records of our highest paid corporate executives. There they sit, numbers on a page, not feeding any starving children, not saving any dying victims of AIDS or malaria or heart disease or cancer, not invested in lowering carbon dioxide emissions or in research into non-poluting fuels. Last but not
least, we sacrifice music, poetry, painting, dancing etc. in order to maintain the foolishness of paying people money they can’t even use!!
Despite the joker’s definition of “enough” as “a little more than you have”, there are some in our society who have more than enough and then some. If we could agree that a person who is paid $250 an hour is “well paid”, since that comes to More han half a miliion dollars a year, why in the world would we pay more than that by say, doubling or tripling or by paying more than 28 times that amount as we do in paying Angela Braly’s salary of 14.86 million dollars? (Indianapolis Star 6/22/08) Could that extra 14.34 million not be put to better use in schools, hospitals, and even bread lines? But of course, if we acknowledge that we are wasting millions on numbers on paper, we will surely be condemned as stupid or incompetent.
Comment by JAY CARRIGAN August 7, 2008 @ 2:24 amJohn Carrigan
jaycarrigan@earthlink.net
CHECK MY WEBSITE AT
http://www.whatsreallyhappening.org
Please continue the public art funding.
Comment by Megan Bryant August 7, 2008 @ 2:26 amPublic art deters non-official public art.
Comment by Tré Reising August 7, 2008 @ 2:28 amFunding for the arts is funding for the voice of Indianapolis. Don’t cut it off.
Comment by Charles Borowicz August 7, 2008 @ 2:47 amMay I strongly encourage Mayor Ballard and the City County Council to sustain and indeed increase funding for the Indianapolis Arts Council. No society worth its name in human history has eliminated support for its arts, which raise the sights of all citizens and engage them in their community all the more surely. That 1% of the city budget should be questioned as an appropriate funding is unthinkable.
Comment by James R. Briscoe August 7, 2008 @ 2:52 amPlease continue funding for the arts! I am a student heavily involved in the Art (Band, Theatre, Choir) and I know firsthand the funding is NEEDED! Thanks a lot!
Comment by Kyle Barker August 7, 2008 @ 2:55 amThe arts are essential to the success and growth of the city. Have we forgotten that the arts have been central to the improvement of our community for years? Indianapolis is getting ready to destroy the dome in order to make way for a bigger and better stadium – that only a few can afford to enjoy. Do we have to continue the destruction of our city in the process? This does not make sense. The arts are for everyone and should not be sacrificed under any circumstances. Citizens of this city should be up in arms right now!
Comment by Carol W. August 7, 2008 @ 2:56 amPublic funding for the Arts is necessary for a good quality of city life. Funding must remain in place and if we want Indianapolis life to get better we should increase funding.
Comment by Michael Warner August 7, 2008 @ 2:58 amThe Arts make the world go round – and Indy (and central Indiana) needs to encourage the growth of public art in all citizens – especially young people. The greater good of society strongly depends on diversifying public mindset, looking toward the future and giving the youth of central Indiana hope in the fact that they too can contribute something beautiful to the world. Give us the chance for hope!!
Comment by Miss Jess August 7, 2008 @ 3:03 amPlease save the Arts Funding. It’s our children who will suffer!
Comment by Delane Wood August 7, 2008 @ 3:11 amThe measure of a great society is determined by the depth of its soul. Decades of solid empirical evidence points to the critical value of arts in the academic success of children, as well as the community leadership skills it creates. The arts provide jobs and strengthen a local economy, engage a diverse and fearing community in conversation and shared undersetanding, bring a sense of “life” to a place that draws people in and together. Historically, great leaders looked to the impact of their efforts on the generations to come – they started efforts knowing they’d never live to see the fruits of it. Leaders today more often make decisions out of fear, out of a lack of creativity (finding a way where there seems to be no way), and from a strong pull to do what is expedient, not wise. I implore the elected leadership of our city to find a way where there seems to be none. Set the intention and ask the people to help make it happen. It may seem like the arts culture in our community is growing so well, the city is not needed. In fact, it is that partnership that binds it all together. Do not underestimate the power you have to set the tone and the stage for the list of players to grow. If you think small now, you will plant seeds you never thought you planted. Vote for continued arts funding.
Comment by Anne Hudson August 7, 2008 @ 3:27 amPlease keep funding the arts!!!
Comment by Amber Remeeus August 7, 2008 @ 3:30 amThe Arts and our parks are so important to our quality of life here in Indianapolis. I’ll gladly pay more in taxes to ensure these vital services remain in our beautiful city.
Comment by Shannon Hill August 7, 2008 @ 3:30 amPlease increase arts funding. It’s a small investment with huge returns both financial and quality of life. Now is time to be creative. Cuts are easy; please challenge yourselves. We chose your leadership for your ability to provide solutions. Please do not accept defeat on this.
Comment by David Allee August 7, 2008 @ 3:32 amArts make Indianapolis great!
Comment by Kate Bunten August 7, 2008 @ 3:34 amYes, yes. If you want a practical view in addition to the ones the Ballard administration may consider lofty, try this on: Art saves lives. It can save youth who may otherwise turn to crime. It gives those who don’t do well in traditional academics a place to shine. Everyone should have access to the inspiration and benefits of art, not just the rich.
Comment by Terry August 7, 2008 @ 3:34 amWhile I doubt I can stress the importance of art better than those who have already posted, I would like to point something out to the politicians deciding on these issues:
I would find it very hard to believe that there are no movies, plays, comedians, musical artists, etc. that you find worthwhile and enjoyable. Remember that every artist starts somewhere, and public funding can make a huge difference.
Comment by Patrick Vollmer August 7, 2008 @ 3:34 amFor the well-being of ALL citizens of central IN, present and future, local government must show its commitment to the arts with its continuing financial support.
Comment by Anne Duthie McCafferty August 7, 2008 @ 3:36 amPLEASE continue to fund the arts. Better yet, increase it.
Comment by Brenden Hudson August 7, 2008 @ 3:43 amArts funding should not decrease. It is vital to our way of life. We do not grow, learn, share, and experience the wonders of our world without these fine things. If anything the funding should increase to bring in more revenues to this great city, county, and all the little neighborhoods that flurish and grow from it.
Comment by Daniel J. Marshall August 7, 2008 @ 3:44 amPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis. To stop funding the arts will send the wrong message to our children and to the world around us. To stop the arts is to stop vision.
Comment by linda costlow August 7, 2008 @ 3:56 amSince art is the vehicle which reminds us of and strengthens our humanity as well as stimulates us to be more than we were, it is crucial that funding for the arts be increased, not merely maintained.
Comment by Sarah Blandina August 7, 2008 @ 4:08 amYES keep funding for the arts! I am a dancer/performer/advocate for the arts anywhere, but especially in Indianapolis! Cultural districts like Mass Ave, Fountain Square, and Broad Ripple keep our city alive and interesting! Music, Art, Theatre, and Dance have all been scientifically proven to help children in school and make people happier– why aren’t we providing MORE money??
Comment by Kelsey B August 7, 2008 @ 4:30 amYes! Please keep arts alive. They’re as necessary and vital as the other civic areas we pour money into, if not more so.
Comment by Rian Zeleny August 7, 2008 @ 4:37 amAs a full time teaching artist, musician and drum maker in this community, there is no question in my mind that the arts must continue to be funded by the City of Indianapolis. We need more funding in order to provide more programming that is capable of facilitating preventative measures that help curb negative behavior in our community. Study after study has given factual accounts of how the arts boost the health of the body, mind and spirit. Heaven knows we all could use more of that! May the peace, health and prosperity we all seek be found.
Comment by A.J. 'Tony' Artis August 7, 2008 @ 4:45 amI live in Bloomington (an hour away) and am more likely to visit Indianapolis for arts events than for any other reason. When I visit I often spend money on food, shopping, etc. Funding the arts helps to bring more money into the local economy!
Comment by Anne Haines August 7, 2008 @ 5:26 amYes! Please keep funding in IPS for the arts. All three of my children have participated in specialized programs for the arts and have vastly benefitted. Just this summer, my daughter has started her own not for profit company to provide children in Austin, TX ages 3 to 18 with extracurricular arts experiences. Without her exposure to the programs at BRHS, I doubt she would have been so inspired to start her own company.
Comment by trudy martinez August 7, 2008 @ 5:39 amFunding of the Arts is important to Indianapolis and should be maintained and quite possibly increased. The Arts enriches our city life on a local and national level. It inspires the community and builds upon the new identity Indianapolis has achieved with the Superbowl win and change to the Eastern Time Zone, among other accomplishments and improvements to the city. It makes sense both culturally and economically.
Comment by Elisabeth Lugar August 7, 2008 @ 5:46 amPlease save the arts. They are the only reason I came to this city and my tax dollars pay for shiny new stadiums and convention spaces.
Comment by Eric Gomez August 7, 2008 @ 6:04 amThe arts are an oulet and an avenue that keep many students and adults on track in their life. Many lessons can come from the arts, just as they come from sports. If there is no funding, many people would never even have the opportunity.
Comment by Shannon Schwier August 7, 2008 @ 10:08 amI realize the city is in financial trouble, but public funding of the arts is part of the solution, not the problem. If Indianapolis has any hope of attracting and maintaining a larger tax base, the arts, specifically public examples, are a key attractor. This is especially true if we are interested in attracting a creative and dynamic workforce from other states. Please do not dull our competitive edge by removing public funds for the things that humanize us.
Comment by Troy August 7, 2008 @ 10:51 amDon’t deny Indianapolis and its citizens the means for creative output it/they are entitled to…retain funding for the arts!!!
Comment by Jamie Hook August 7, 2008 @ 11:22 amSurely, if the city can spend millions on sports, it can also spare some for the arts. At least, the arts haven’t added an extra sales tax!
Comment by Doris Young August 7, 2008 @ 11:37 amPlease do not reduce money in the already too small arts budget. There are many of us in the City who believe the arts are as important as sports. Find another place to reduce spending!
Comment by Linda Gilkerson August 7, 2008 @ 11:55 amSome things are worth paying for. Arts are one of them. Public funding is just a small part of the funding picture for the arts. It’s the seed money that shakes loose corporate and private funding. The arts make just as big of a contribution to the tourist economy and quality of life of Indianapolis as professional sports does. A community that can support professional teams should be able to support professional artists.
Comment by Ed Norman August 7, 2008 @ 12:15 pmPublic funding for the arts underwrites more affordable cultural events than could be catalogued here. Many of us don’t care about sports, and many who do care can’t afford to buy professional sports tickets. But much of the publicly supported art is there for everyone to enjoy at little or no cost. Support for the arts should be increased — a 100% increase would still be a tiny fraction of what the public is forced to invest in sports in the way of sales taxes.
Comment by Tom Abeel August 7, 2008 @ 12:16 pmThe public art and other art throughout Indianapolis is one of the things that makes me most proud of my city. It would be a shame to eliminate funding. As a member of the Board of Heartland Actors’ Repertory Theatre, I know how important public funding can be to keeping the arts alive in Indy. Please keep funding public art.
Comment by Cindy Lasher August 7, 2008 @ 12:20 pmIt is so important that the arts get their funding—these cuts will not only affect the bigger arts organizations, but think of all the smaller organizations that may not be able to keep on going without this support. It is crucial that Indianapolis keep moving forward in the arts. So many people that visit this city tell me “I can’t believe how much support Indianapolis gives to the arts—it’s a great thing to see that you don’t get in many other cities.” With these cuts, we are only moving back. Please please please support our Indy arts!!
Comment by Sarah Myer August 7, 2008 @ 12:23 pmSave Indy’s Art!
Comment by Dana August 7, 2008 @ 12:30 pmYes, the arts are definitely needed. Sometimes the arts are motivation for education.
Comment by Martha Riley August 7, 2008 @ 12:31 pmPlease keep the arts funded and a little more money wouldn’t hurt!
Comment by Nathan Frdilin August 7, 2008 @ 12:33 pmIn the midst of a multicultural city like Indianapolis, it is disappointing to see a council try to throw a knife straight into the heart of the Arts here. We need funding to help it continue to grow. There are so many people who benefit from the arts. I agree with the comment earlier that we shouldn’t be sent back into the 19th century.
Comment by Laneia G. Thomas, MT-BC August 7, 2008 @ 12:34 pmI feel that funding should support ALL the varied activities of the population. There are several of us who may never enter the sports arenas that are funded by this city. Yet we pay taxes. Should the activities that interest us not also receive funding? I say keep arts funding in the Indianapolis budget!
Comment by Kevin D. Smith, CPA August 7, 2008 @ 12:34 pmThe arts are critical to the well being of our society. Keep the city’s art funding!
Comment by Andy Chen August 7, 2008 @ 12:34 pmPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Kim Easton August 7, 2008 @ 12:38 pmI like the arts. I like it when they are funded. Yay!
Comment by Claire Wilcher August 7, 2008 @ 12:42 pmArts are a vital part of life, keep funding them!
Comment by Laurette E. McCarthy August 7, 2008 @ 12:44 pmPlease continue to fund our art programs!
Comment by Katie Speckman August 7, 2008 @ 12:44 pmI moved to Indianapolis a year ago, and part of what has endeared the city to my heart is its committment to local art. Please don’t abandon that committment!
Comment by Katherine Raley August 7, 2008 @ 12:52 pmArts = Society = Your life.
Comment by Nelson Wei Tan August 7, 2008 @ 12:52 pmIndianapolis is a city that is continuing to grow. It makes no sense to stop funding something which helps make our city more entertaining, diverse, and appealing.
Comment by Sean Henseleit August 7, 2008 @ 12:53 pmIt makes no sense to stop funding something which helps make our city more entertaining, diverse, and appealing.
Comment by Sean Henseleit August 7, 2008 @ 12:54 pmThe last 10 years have seen a great revival of the arts in Indianapolis, largely because of city funding. It has helped fuel the growth we have seen as a city, and it is a major factor in helping the city and surrounding areas attract new companies and jobs. Many organizations could not exist without even small gifts from the arts fund, and that is what is helping Indy become such a great and unique place to live. Please save the arts and keep funding levels where they have been.
Comment by Rob Everetts August 7, 2008 @ 12:56 pmBeth Sprunger
Comment by Beth August 7, 2008 @ 12:59 pmI grew-up in Indianapolis and am currently working for a prestigious auction house as an art expert in London. I would have never had the opportunity to learn about art had there not been art funding in Indianapolis growing-up. I believe it provides young people with an opportunity to explore an avenue that might otherwise be closed to them. I sincerely hope that the funding for the arts remains in Indianapolis to inspire others.
Comment by Kelly Curtis August 7, 2008 @ 1:03 pmPlease keep funding for the arts! If you want young, educated professionals to stay in Indy, this is SUCH an important component.
Comment by Sarah Hundagen August 7, 2008 @ 1:04 pmPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by J. Scott Cole August 7, 2008 @ 1:08 pmYes, please keep funding the arts! The arts bring value to our city in countless ways (i.e., generating revenue, attracting talented professionals to Indy, etc.)
Comment by Christine Freiman August 7, 2008 @ 1:09 pmOur support of the arts presents an impression of a city alive to culture ,music and something more than sports.It lifts the city to a different level and brings joy to many who would not have these experiences in their life.Please keep the arts alive in our city and available for all.
Comment by CatherinePalmer August 7, 2008 @ 1:12 pmThe arts provide so much to a community and its individual members. The city needs to continue to play its part in support of the arts.
Comment by Jeff Hopper August 7, 2008 @ 1:14 pmPlease keep funding the arts…this is vital to the City of Indianapolis.
Comment by Jeanette Hammel August 7, 2008 @ 1:18 pmPlease keep funding the arts in Indy!
Comment by Laura Gerber August 7, 2008 @ 1:25 pmPlease support the arts in Indy!!
Comment by Cassidy August 7, 2008 @ 1:26 pmAs a Republican, I would hate to see abandonment of public arts in Indy a legacy of this administration. The good character of our city is at stake.
Comment by Rick Bockrath August 7, 2008 @ 1:37 pmIn addition to the very well-documented fact of the arts contributing enormously to the fiscal foundation of Indianapolis, the arts represent the soul of any vibrant community. Please continue to show that the city recognizes that value…
Comment by Michael Sells August 7, 2008 @ 1:42 pmPlease continue funding the arts.
Comment by Aaron Rarick August 7, 2008 @ 1:47 pmPlease continue to support the arts — our youth need it!
Comment by Rebecca Davidson August 7, 2008 @ 1:55 pmThe arts make life in the city more of a joy. Keep the funding.
Comment by Kent Farr August 7, 2008 @ 1:57 pmPlease keep funding the arts in Indianapolis. Indy is starting to become an exciting city to live in, with lots of art, music, theater, and culture. I fear that if you cut the arts funding, we will start to slip backwards instead of continuing to move forward.
Comment by Samantha Stelting August 7, 2008 @ 1:58 pmArts programming is a vital part of a vibrant city. Public funding for the arts is essential. Please continue to fund the arts organizations and programs of Indianapolis.
Comment by Cassandra Pixey August 7, 2008 @ 2:05 pmI support keeping or even increasing arts funding in Indianapolis.
Comment by Doug Spaniol August 7, 2008 @ 2:14 pmThere is no question that funding for the arts is exceptionally important. A city without arts is a city without distinction. Keep funding for the arts and increase it!
Comment by Diane Kondrat August 7, 2008 @ 2:18 pmA vibrant arts program is essential both to the success of the city and also gives valuable exposure to the arts for children. Business funding of the arts is key, but business also look for government as part of the partership. All parties, both government and private entities, need to be stakeholders in these endeavors.
Comment by David Fine August 7, 2008 @ 2:26 pmArts funding is critical to the cultural, educational and spiritual good health of the Indianapolis Community. The value of this is well documented, reflecting a stronger impact on our daily lives than sporting events. Don’t let it die!
Comment by James Nottage August 7, 2008 @ 2:34 pmPlease continue to support the arts!
Comment by Amy Crook August 7, 2008 @ 2:39 pmI have worked at Noble of Indiana for 11 plus years. Noble works with people with developmental disabilities, and we have seen the value art has on these folks. The developmental disabilities – no matter what they may be seem to disappear when they can create and express themselves through the many avenues of art.
Comment by Beth Sills August 7, 2008 @ 2:41 pmSince the Arts Council of Indianapolis is a non-profit, can a compromise be drawn here? Say cut the budget just a little and partner with Indianapolis for bigger fund raisers. Money is tight for everyone but everyone in Indianapolis benefits from what the Arts Council gives back. For every dollar $1 invested by the city, the arts generate at least $5 and more in return to the local economy; supports more than 15,000 full-time jobs. Attendance at Indianapolis arts events totals nearly 7 million visits annually including repeat visitors, educational programs, community programs and tourists looking for cultural opportunities. City funding through the Parks Department-approved by the City County Council- supports free arts programs in neighborhoods for inner-city at-risk children and free ticket admissions for Senior Citizens, and art education programs that some of Noble’s people with developmental disabilities can attend.
Everyone is very concerned with public safety in our neighborhoods; and cutting funds to the Arts Council will take at-risk teens and youth back to the streets where move trouble can come about; take away some people’s form of expression; and keep one’s with lower incomes from enjoying an occasional symphony; or concert, or attending art programs and educational programs.
For the return to our local economy can we consider keeping the Arts Council within the city budget?
The arts have a significant impact on the quality of life in any city. Businesses that are considering relocating to Indianapolis or organizations that are looking into holding a conference here will use the state of the arts in Indianapolis as one of their criteria when making a decision.
So, not only would losing public arts funding have a negative impact on the residents of the city, but the loss would also mean less income and I would bet that loss would exceed the current cost of arts funding. That funding is such a tiny portion of the budget and to remove it would reflect so badly on the city and the city’s current administration.
Comment by Naomi Tropp August 7, 2008 @ 2:41 pmSave the arts in Indy!!
Comment by Gwyn Zawisza August 7, 2008 @ 2:48 pm“The arts must be considered an essential element of education… They are tools for living life reflectively, joyfully and with the ability to shape the future,” says Shirley Trusty Corey of the New Orleans Arts Council, and I agree. The arts already are underfunded. Further cuts would be the unraveling of the many years of positive efforts. Prove that there is a vision for Indianapolis and that it includes the arts, which are so important to quality of life.
Comment by Betsy Jones August 7, 2008 @ 2:52 pmPlease keep funding the arts!
Comment by Adam Chavers August 7, 2008 @ 2:54 pmPlease keep funding the arts in Indianapolis. It’s part of what makes this city soo great!
Comment by Daniel Mendoza August 7, 2008 @ 2:58 pmOne of the reasons Indy is such a great city is due to it’s vibrant art scene. While other cities our size have seen a decrease in admission, our’s has seen an increase. Obviously it’s a draw to locals as well as tourists.
Comment by Kristy Guthrie August 7, 2008 @ 3:00 pmPlease continue funding the arts.
Comment by Karen Holdridge August 7, 2008 @ 3:01 pmPlease keep the art funding!
Comment by Denise Maxfield August 7, 2008 @ 3:01 pmplease keep the arts funding!
Comment by Angie Miller August 7, 2008 @ 3:02 pmOur amazing art scene makes Indianapolis a city I can be proud of. Do not cut our funding!
Comment by Jenni Gray August 7, 2008 @ 3:02 pmTaking away arts support for the city would greatly reduce the atmosphere that makes Indy such an interesting one. If the budget were to go down, it would lower the educational value and soul that everyone wants in this great city.
Comment by Jeremy Gahimer August 7, 2008 @ 3:04 pmIndy needs the arts to continue being a great city–please don’t reduce the funding!!
Comment by cathy Lauterhahn August 7, 2008 @ 3:05 pmYou must keep arts funding in the budget if you expect Indianapolis to grow as city. Businesses and talented workers are attracted to communities that are great places in which to live. A community without arts programs are rarely the best places to live.
Comment by Andrea McNeely August 7, 2008 @ 3:07 pmYES to Public Arts Funding! Our city will fall to the wayside of the progressive minded cities if we fail to maintain ALL aspects of a metropolis.
Comment by Ryan Hickey August 7, 2008 @ 3:11 pmAgreed. Keep arts funding.
Comment by Shannon McCarrel Hamaker August 7, 2008 @ 3:12 pmIf Indianapolis hopes to attract major national and international corporations to our fair city, we must consider quality of life factors. I believe “The Arts” is foremost among these. Our city and our state have done so much to eradicate negative perceptions of Indy as a backwards, sleepy town. Eliminating funding for the arts is a step in the wrong direction.
I understand and appreciate the desire to balance the budget and keep property taxes low, but I view certain expenses—the arts, education—as an investment in the future of our city. I would hate to look around in 20 years and see blight, thousands of police, and no record of our collective creativity.
Comment by Jenn Rarick August 7, 2008 @ 3:13 pmPlease maintain public funding of the arts.
Comment by Kirk Smiley August 7, 2008 @ 3:22 pmAn investment in our thriving downtown was inspired by the arts community’s commitment to the center of our city 20 years ago. Please don’t yank the rug out from underneath their feet. Reward their foresight by maintaining public funding for the arts. Let’s seek ways other cities have faced these challenges and succeeded.
Comment by Cathy Strauss August 7, 2008 @ 3:27 pmPlease continue to support the arts through city 1 percent revenue and/or the sales tax which art sales support.
Artists and their collectors not only support the city with sales, but we bring a high spirit of activity to the city of Indianapolis; witness First Fridays sponsored by IDADA when thousands of people enliven downtown to see what creative people are visualizing. Are we going to dry up and let all local art activity go to Carmel’s art galleries?
Art’s 7% sales tax adds to the city coffers. When out-of-towners come, they enjoy our culture and spend more money to see our arts.
Please continue to support the arts – Let our revenue help continue to make Indianapolis a better place to live. The City Council can use the arts to divert young people away from criminal activities. Please put someone on the council who understands how culture lessen crime. See what wonderful activities the Garfield Park’s Arts Center offers to young people at risk.
Please continue to be an Enlightened City through support of the arts. Thank you, Rosanna
Comment by Rosanna Hardin Hall August 7, 2008 @ 3:31 pmAs an artist and someone who understands the importance of art in this world, i think it would be a bad move to completely do away with art funds. If anything funding for art should be increased!
Comment by Matthew Ellis August 7, 2008 @ 3:34 pmThroughout history, the mark of an advanced culture has been support for the arts. The quality of a society can be judged by how it views and values arts and culture. For all the posturing Indianapolis has for culture and the recognition of our diversity, it seems to have no clue how to nurture or build its own. Parades and festivals do NOT satisfy our need to fund and promote creativity and education through arts for all people.
Comment by Travis Little August 7, 2008 @ 3:36 pmHistory has always demonstrated that the progress of civilization is requires society’s support of arts and literature. Keep public funding for the arts at all costs.
Comment by charles i. letbetter August 7, 2008 @ 3:41 pmPlease keep funding for the arts. They make our city a better and more interesting place.
Comment by Stephanie Koutek August 7, 2008 @ 3:45 pmIndy needs to keep funding the arts. PLEASE do not drop these funds. To be a major hitting city, we need the arts in our community.
Comment by Brenda Jalaie August 7, 2008 @ 3:50 pmYes, arts is one thing that keeps a city alive and interesting. You remove arts and you remove talented young professionals from our marketplace, and then you remove jobs when companies cannot get the talent they need in our market. Arts = Growth, plain and simple.
Comment by Crystal Grave August 7, 2008 @ 3:50 pmPlease keep funding for the arts!! The Arts Council has done great work in the last few years for our city!
Comment by Kelly Hand August 7, 2008 @ 3:52 pmPLEASE keep arts funding!!
Comment by Michael Countryman August 7, 2008 @ 3:54 pmPLEASE keep funding the arts!
Comment by Kirstie Kleopfer August 7, 2008 @ 3:58 pmWe must continue arts funding. A vibrant community does not thrive without the arts!
Comment by Tim Jensen August 7, 2008 @ 4:00 pmI personally would be willing to pay higher taxes if I knew it was going to support the arts, (or education, public safety, parks and environmental issues, etc). If we can implement an increased sales tax to pay for a stadium, why not the arts?
Comment by Joli Heavin August 7, 2008 @ 4:01 pmOne percent of our city’s budget for the arts is enough, but also necessary to keep our city competetive with other large US cities. Being from Chicago originally, I’ve seen this city grow so much in the last 26 years. I thought Indy could never ‘replace’ my loyalty to Chicago, but I am proud to say I live here and hope we continue to stay cutting edge in every avenue, including the arts. Doing away with our arts budget is not the answer. Paring back slightly in other areas would make up that difference without hitting one area too badly. Surely, every major budget funding area could take a minimal hit to make up the shortfall in the arts funding. Mr. Ballard, with his business background, can make this work.
Comment by Nancy Wargo August 7, 2008 @ 4:05 pmArt is a key componant of culture. Support the arts! Culture and a civil society are not made of just technology. We need the arts – all kinds – to be a fully human. Remove the arts and watch how fast civil society deteriorates.
Comment by Janet Diehl August 7, 2008 @ 4:07 pmI make room for arts patronage in my personal budget. The city should do the same–if only for the sake of those who could never afford a concert or play without the help of government-funded programs.
Comment by Michael Toulouse August 7, 2008 @ 4:09 pmThe Arts are a significant cornerstone of the Indianapolis culture that has been developed over the years. This culture does not evolve by itself but takes many passionate and dedicated people to create through their individual commitment of time and resources. We as a city can not afford discard that which we have already invested in.
Comment by Peter Fischer August 7, 2008 @ 4:12 pmA vital arts community not only effects the City of Indianapolis, but increases the quality of life for everyone in the Indianapolis Metro area. Citizens and visitors alike will remember public art much longer than most other expenditures. Please continue the support.
Comment by David M. Finkel August 7, 2008 @ 4:13 pmKeep the arts for the needy, art can make them feel productive and creative.
Check the government unneeded spending on the high executives and politicians, and the minor jobs that’s not needed in the government, I trust that’s where they should cut!
Comment by Christine Chong August 7, 2008 @ 4:14 pmKeep Arts Funding!
Many of the people I speak to who came to Indy from larger cities are amazed at the “lack” of cultural events and activities. I can only imagine how much harder it will get to recruit employees to Indianapolis when many programs disappear.
Comment by Jim Bartek August 7, 2008 @ 4:19 pmSave the art. (I’d rather be voting between our out-of-control sports arena spending and public safety.)
Comment by Natalie Ingle August 7, 2008 @ 4:27 pmPlease keep funding the arts!
Comment by Pam Allee August 7, 2008 @ 4:30 pmYES!!! Please continue the arts funding. It is important to Indianapolis and its community.
Comment by David Voss August 7, 2008 @ 4:39 pmPlease keep funding the arts.
Comment by Todd Bracik August 7, 2008 @ 4:39 pmYou can’t attract and keep well-educated professionals without an active arts scene. People want (and need) more than car races and the Colts.
Comment by Chad Martin August 7, 2008 @ 4:42 pmAs an actor, I find the arts to be an important deterrent from several illicit activities which I could have been involved in as a youth. Arts programs provide a safe and productive outlet for young people. Please don’t take that away from them. We shortchange them too often as it is.
Comment by Ryan Powell August 7, 2008 @ 4:51 pmPlease keep arts funding. PLEASE!!!!!
Comment by Rodrigo Cardoso August 7, 2008 @ 4:51 pmThe arts are an extremely important part of our community. We cannot allow our minimal funding to be taken away.
Comment by Keeley Shoup August 7, 2008 @ 4:52 pmEver notice when people show you their vacation photos, there is always some picture of cool street art? That goes on here too. My friends absolutely loved the light up people art and the big bubble head people art that was out a few years ago. It really gave us a big town feel. We need more of that. If you want to cut funding, do it somewhere that matters, somewhere you could cut more than 1%. Maybe the bloated offices in government or the ridiculous pay of some employees. My wife is a teacher and the mentality for paying them is, “If we keep the pay low, only people that want to be teachers will be teachers (or cops)”. Maybe we should follow that in the hiring of our government.
Comment by PHIL VELIKAN August 7, 2008 @ 4:55 pmSounds stupid when you plug in YOUR job doesn’t it…
please keep the funding for the arts!
Comment by s.r.coogan August 7, 2008 @ 4:56 pmPlease keep funding for the arts! Look instead to duplicated departments within Indianapolis and Marion County governments, for example, for places to cut. Besides measurable revenue, the arts offer benefits to children and adults that don’t appear on the balance sheet but are nonetheless important!
Comment by cdashnaw August 7, 2008 @ 5:03 pmYES, PLEASE continue the funding for the arts!
Comment by Jay Gambino Esparza August 7, 2008 @ 5:16 pmPLEASE, keep funding,its our livelyhood.
Comment by Amanda Stirn August 7, 2008 @ 5:17 pmPublic finding for creative endeavors is critical to the health and growth of a community. Budget constraints must be met through innovative means without cutting services and amenities, or we face a decline in the steadily increasing quality of life we have enjoyed in Indianapolis for many years. Public arts funding is essential for development in modern American cities.
Comment by Dr. Scott August 7, 2008 @ 5:19 pmPlease continue funding Indy Arts.
Comment by Andrea Hastings August 7, 2008 @ 5:21 pmKeep funding that arts
Comment by katie weaver August 7, 2008 @ 5:23 pmWe need our art funds!
Comment by Sara Diggs August 7, 2008 @ 5:26 pmthe arts create respect and pride for community in a way that nothing else can. increase the funding, don’t cut it.
Comment by wug laku August 7, 2008 @ 5:29 pmThe arts enrich our lives. They feed our need for creativity. They give us a positive outlet for self-expression. They encourage dialogue. They comfort us, excite us, motivate us, empower us, and bring us together. They communicate experiences to others. The arts and our cities’ artists are a vital element to Indianapolis’ and cutting the already small budget for the arts would do this city, and it’s citizens, a huge disservice!
Comment by April A. Tchiguka August 7, 2008 @ 5:31 pmAs I think about any major US city, I realize they don’t have an identity without their arts identity…Chicago…LA…NY…Indy. We’d all be FLAT places with sports teams if it weren’t for the depth and diversity that the arts bring. How could you possibly think about taking away funding for this wonderful part of our community…what next? Education? Marketing?
Comment by mediakath August 7, 2008 @ 5:31 pmPlease keep funding the arts
Comment by Maggie Bowden August 7, 2008 @ 5:36 pmYes – please keep the arts funding in Indianapolis.
Comment by Katherine Wall August 7, 2008 @ 5:37 pmWe need to continue funding the arts in Indy. Please don’t take that away!
Comment by Stephanie August 7, 2008 @ 5:39 pmPlease save the arts! We are supposed to encouraging creativity not suppressing it!!!
Comment by Ann Glasscock August 7, 2008 @ 5:39 pmPlease keep funding for the arts!
Comment by Jim Korn August 7, 2008 @ 5:41 pmPlease keep funding the arts.
Comment by Tim Earl August 7, 2008 @ 5:45 pmPlease continue public funding of the arts in Indianapolis!!! Increased funding is necessary for Indianapolis to continue to grow as a world-class city!
Comment by Laurel Judkins August 7, 2008 @ 5:46 pmAs a full-time artist and part-time musician, who cannot afford to go to expensive sporting events, I depend on arts funding for my livelihood and the parks for my recreation.
Fund the arts and the parks!
Comment by Bill Price August 7, 2008 @ 5:52 pmYes!! Keep funding the arts!!
Comment by Mike Guido August 7, 2008 @ 5:55 pmPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis. This is an important step in stimulating commerce and encouraging long term economic growth of our city.
Comment by carol morotti August 7, 2008 @ 6:04 pmPlease keep funding the arts!!
Comment by Lindsey Geller August 7, 2008 @ 6:06 pmPlease keep funding the arts
Comment by Caron Peper August 7, 2008 @ 6:06 pmPlease continue to fund the arts! Art helps to define a culture and if we cut it out of our city what is that saying about us?
Comment by Grace Fletcher August 7, 2008 @ 6:24 pmPlease keep funding the arts!
Comment by Gina Pope-King August 7, 2008 @ 6:24 pmPlease keep funding the arts
Comment by Michelle Miller August 7, 2008 @ 6:32 pmPlease continue to fund the arts in Indianapolis!
Comment by Sarah Jane Mills August 7, 2008 @ 6:32 pmPlease keep funding the ARTS!
This is not about expenditures for Conte’ crayons and paint brushes, and it’s not about staying ‘in the lines’, this is about allowing kids to create, and express in ways that they may not have a chance to otherwise, and in that process learn the greatest lesson of all…. their own self worth.
“It is through Art and through Art only that we can realize our perfection; through Art and Art only that we can shield ourselves from the sordid perils of actual existence” -Oscar Wilde
Comment by jay slifer August 7, 2008 @ 6:33 pmThe arts play a huge role in the health and growth of Indy. Please keep funding the arts.
Comment by Rosie O'Hara August 7, 2008 @ 6:33 pmI vote YES – continue funding for arts!
Comment by Amy Ahlersmeyer August 7, 2008 @ 6:37 pmPlease keep funding the arts.
Comment by Linda Brundage August 7, 2008 @ 6:38 pmYes, please keep funding the arts. All of the art-related non-profit agencies truly need the financial support of the city to survive. The growing Indianapolis art scene has really enriched the culture of our city.
Comment by Jason Hathaway August 7, 2008 @ 6:39 pmPlease keep arts funded! The arts keep all people young and old creative, thinking and contented. Joseph D. Blakley
Comment by Joseph D. Blakley August 7, 2008 @ 6:40 pmYes. Why is it that the arts are always the first to go. It appears to be the same in our public and private schools as well. The arts are rich in history and give kids and adults a form of entertainment outside of tv, computers, ipods, etc. Think of what could have been done with just a 1% of what is spent on our professional sports teams as well as our high school athletic programs. SUPPORT THE ARTS!
Comment by Lori August 7, 2008 @ 6:41 pmPlease continue funding for the arts!
Comment by Lisa Wall August 7, 2008 @ 6:41 pmOur city is on the right track, lets keep it going. Please continue to fund the arts!
Comment by Michael Clark August 7, 2008 @ 6:41 pmIt’s so important for this city to not only have funding for the arts, but to increase funding for the arts.
Comment by Brian Brake August 7, 2008 @ 6:42 pmAll that and then some. Okay let’s look at what’s not working. I see that your statment suggest that if we Increase public safety by increasing the pay of police adn fire fighters… have you ever considered endorsing the arts with more funding to see what difference it will make. There are plenty of us out there young and old who thrives on creativity. This is our nature and I feel sadden to know that the state will endorse a negative reward than a positive one. Promote positivity results are positive. Stating that we are in crisis and no way out then to put people in jail the out come more people in jail. Please feel free to come visit Genesis Art Instruciton and you will see for yourself the power of art. http://www.genesisai.com
Comment by Tami Thompson August 7, 2008 @ 6:43 pmPlease continue funding for the arts, our city needs some culture!
Comment by Charlotte Lutin August 7, 2008 @ 6:46 pmI work for the Indianapolis Civic Theatre and every year we reach thousands of people with our outreach and educational programs. We are all so passionate about the arts and sharing our passion with others is why we come to work everyday.
Comment by Emily Mediwala August 7, 2008 @ 6:55 pmIf the city cuts the arts funding then I will have to give serious thought to moving to a city that is supportive of the arts. It is such a small portion of the budget. Surely there is waste happening elsewhere in the system that should be dealt with harshly. Dig deeper Mayor Ballard and all you councilors! Show some balls and find those who truly waste the city’s resources and cut them off for once!
Comment by Ray Mills August 7, 2008 @ 6:55 pmPlease continue funding for the arts. It’s so important to our city!
Comment by Megan O'Brien August 7, 2008 @ 6:57 pmIn the grand scheme of things, the arts don’t cost the city much. Please don’t take away the funding for the things that make life hear so livable!
Comment by liz joss August 7, 2008 @ 6:59 pmArts and Culture in Indianapolis is paramount – please do not reduce funding! Thank you.
Comment by April Hensley August 7, 2008 @ 6:59 pmPlease continue funding the Indy Arts!
Comment by Chris Asbery August 7, 2008 @ 7:00 pmPlease continue funding for the arts.
Comment by Tiffany Garcia August 7, 2008 @ 7:01 pmExposure to art enriches everyone’s lives. Cultural context defines us.
We are getting an expansion to the city airport because we anticipate hosting the super bowl.
We are building a new convention center and home for the colts because we need to attract conventions that have outgrown the RCA dome as the years have gone by. I see that Indianapolis has HOPES for something bigger.
Those hopes would be nothing with the creativity of engineers and architects and landscapers to make things better for the Indianapolis skyline.
Access to the arts by everyone in Indianapolis would enrich our culture… no one wants to go to another big city that resembles a concrete strip mall with company endorsements. Citizens needs a taste of the local scene and tourists want to remember how Indianapolis is different from other major cities.
Over the long term a city flourishes more if the arts are available for all to connect with. People do not want a cookie cutter experience… they want something different and neglecting the arts will not give them that. Not just that but it’s the young people who need to remain inspired and need to remember that there are some things worth saving and cultivating. We need to set the standard for how high we value art in Indianapolis. Keep the funding for the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Monica Connerly August 7, 2008 @ 7:02 pmPlease keep funding the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Stacy Coale August 7, 2008 @ 7:03 pmI vote YES for Art funding!! I truly believe that finding the money is a matter of priorities!! I am all for decreasing the budget for sport related things.
Comment by marcia shumaker August 7, 2008 @ 7:04 pmPLEASE keep public funding for the arts!
Comment by Lisa Rittenhouse August 7, 2008 @ 7:05 pmI say NO to cutting funding for the arts in Indianapolis!!
Comment by James Kelly August 7, 2008 @ 7:10 pmHave you not noticed that there is a huge population of artists in this community? Have you not participated in any arts related activity in Indianapolis, and seen the huge turn out they get? The people of Indianapolis will not accept any cuts to the ARTS Programs.
Keep public funding!
Comment by Jarod Wilkerson August 7, 2008 @ 7:14 pmKeep public funding for the arts!
Comment by Susan Hodgin August 7, 2008 @ 7:20 pmALL healthy and vibrant cities need public funding for the Arts.
Comment by Jessica August 7, 2008 @ 7:24 pmPlease add my signature to support continued funding for the arts.
Comment by Curt Chuvalas August 7, 2008 @ 7:26 pmArts in Indy are a large part of what makes this a great city. Please add my name in support of continued funding for the arts.
Comment by David Drashil August 7, 2008 @ 7:33 pmSave this vital resource!
Comment by wayne bertsch August 7, 2008 @ 7:35 pmall forms of art, whether they be music, painting, filmmaking, etc. have the capacity to transform our daily thoughts and actions. they force us to think, to relax, to envision the world in a different way. art is the soul of civilization and without it we are not much more than robots with hair.
Comment by Michael R. Sanchez August 7, 2008 @ 7:37 pmThe Arts are such a vital part of a well-rounded education. There is not a single other subject in our schools, that does not relate to the arts. How wrong some people are to think that by limiting a students access to a diverse curriculum they are gaining a better education.
Comment by Sarah Knight August 7, 2008 @ 7:48 pmIncrease Arts Funding!
Wow, I encourage everyone to please read the IBJ article from August 4th, from which I quote:
“But the budget strains don’t stem solely from bloat. Marion County’s property tax reassessment, for instance, has led to months of delays in tax collections. As a result, local government has had to borrow to keep cash flowing. Reynolds put the extra interest cost of such maneuvers at $30 million annually.”
I wholeheartedly agree that we need to achieve a balanced budget, but when the inadequacies of our local government cause such undue strain as mentioned above, the solution should not be to rob the people of Indianapolis of the pittance of funding dedicated toward our arts, culture and public parks. Run Unigov like a business, and continue to invest in the growth of this city by funding arts and culture.
This sad circumstance reminds me that we should all make an extra effort to thank the true patrons of our community who support arts and culture such as Lilly Endowment, The Clowes Fund, Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, CICF, and the countless others that this blogpost does not have space for.
Comment by Craig McCormick August 7, 2008 @ 7:48 pmINCREASE funding for the arts, parks, and education! Higher quality of life will lead to higher property values, which leads to higher tax revenues.
Comment by Christopher Parker August 7, 2008 @ 7:50 pmAs an Artist, I feel the arts do wonders for the community.
Comment by Micah Kirby August 7, 2008 @ 7:56 pmPlease keep the funding!!!!!! It would a Horrible loss
Yes – please keep the arts funding in Indianapolis.
Comment by Clyde Harris August 7, 2008 @ 8:03 pmYes, keep funding the arts.
Comment by Melissa Pederson August 7, 2008 @ 8:08 pmPlease don’t eliminate funding for the arts.
Comment by Angela Hauck August 7, 2008 @ 8:10 pmI support the arts in Indianapolis!
Comment by Sara Silver-Lee August 7, 2008 @ 8:11 pmPlease keep funding the arts.
Comment by M.J. Meneley August 7, 2008 @ 8:11 pmPlease keep funding the arts!
Comment by Kelly Rushing August 7, 2008 @ 8:14 pmKeep the arts! It is what makes Indy a great place to live!
Comment by Lorrie A. Brown August 7, 2008 @ 8:17 pmPlease keep funding the arts!
Comment by Anisha Kumar August 7, 2008 @ 8:18 pmI support continued public funding of the arts in Indianapolis. All major metropolitan areas realize the importance of a vibrant artistic community. Indianapolis deserves it. Or maybe we should all move to Carmel’s Arts and Design district. They seem to get it.
Comment by Chris Lieber August 7, 2008 @ 8:21 pmart requires money.
Comment by Alicia Obermeyer August 7, 2008 @ 8:23 pmPlease keep funding for the Arts in Indianapolis!
Comment by Jennifer Danic August 7, 2008 @ 8:26 pmI support public funding of the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Stefany Cooper August 7, 2008 @ 8:31 pmPlease keep the arts alive in our communities! For so many underserved youth who already don’t have access to the arts through their schools places like the Indianapolis Civic Theatre are the only place they will experience the intellectual stimulation that the arts provide. Reduce redundancies in services and identify ways to streamline processes to save money—don’t go for soft targets like the arts! Yes, I know city county council folks get a salary of $13K—but are there other perks that aren’t reflected in that #–free tickets to events for example that could instead be donated to local schools or charities to at least symbolically show yes, we’re trying to make a difference. What about travel expenses, supplies, etc. when is the last time someone evaluated those areas of city budget to ensure the most bang for the buck. I have worked with several non-profits, including one in the arts and I know they have the lean budgets. We recycle paper, we get used equipment—all to keep mission top on the list. What efforts is the city or the council making along those lines?
Comment by L.E. Frank August 7, 2008 @ 8:31 pmFunding from the public sector must continue.
Comment by Brian Petersen August 7, 2008 @ 8:32 pmPlease keep funding the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Derryl Craddock August 7, 2008 @ 8:35 pmWhy is it that the arts are always the first to go? Possibly crime would not be such an issue if more cultural opportunities were available for our youth.
Comment by Cindy Utley August 7, 2008 @ 8:35 pmThe arts are absolutely critical to the health of this community.
Comment by Ruth Roberts August 7, 2008 @ 8:42 pmFunding the arts in Indy is vital to continuing the city’s cultural and economic development. I fully support funding for the arts, and view a reduction in funding to be a serious error; this is reflected in my voting record!
Comment by Mahri Irvine August 7, 2008 @ 8:44 pmThe arts have played a major role in reinventing Indianapolis since the 1980s. Taking money away from the arts is a short-sighted non-solution to this city’s issues.
Comment by Amy McKune August 7, 2008 @ 8:54 pmPlease keep funding!!!
Comment by Kelly Price August 7, 2008 @ 8:58 pmThe arts are good for the soul, for the betterment of the community and for the city’s economic development. An increase in arts funding would be much more beneficial and appropriate.
Comment by Robert Hesse August 7, 2008 @ 9:00 pmArt is the cornerstone of culture. Taking away funding for the arts denies Indianapolis its cultural expression. It will also take away important activities and events and leave the youth of the city even more wanting for entertainment than they already are. It is important to remember that the arts provide an opportunity to gain revenue, not just spend it. Some of the most successful and lucrative industries in this country center around the arts-the music and film industries provide excellent examples.
I strongly support the funding of the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Courtney Kuhstoss August 7, 2008 @ 9:03 pmPlease keep arts funding in Indianapolis!!
Comment by Elizabeth Spalt August 7, 2008 @ 9:04 pmPlease keep city funding for Indy arts. The funding programs, as they stand, support both large and small arts organizations and free-lance artists. City funding is a way for the government to honor the integrity of the work of local artists, making the city a rich and vibrant place to live and visit. Two small grants from the Indianapolis Arts Council funded projects that helped me to gain acceptance into a prestigious London school for theatre arts. I am devastated to hear about potential cuts to the arts because I’ve considered moving back to Indy after completing my Masters degree. I want to return to a city whose government values what artists offer to society.
Comment by PJ Maske August 7, 2008 @ 9:24 pmYes, keep art funding!
Comment by Jennifer Meuninck August 7, 2008 @ 9:26 pm“To affect the quality of the day, THAT is the highest of arts.” ~ Thoreau
I have four children who thrive on the art that Indianapolis provides; serendipitous outings to the IMA, clever installations that spark conversations on our walks downtown and classes and involvement that encourage the artist in all of us. This wonderful city would be a sad place to raise my children if the arts were curtailed or reduced to a bare minimum.
Mayor Ballard, please don’t allow the predictions about your policies to come true; prove ‘them’ wrong. Strive to preserve art and culture in our city.
Comment by Lisa Whitman August 7, 2008 @ 9:30 pmKeep the funding.
Comment by Josh Johnson August 7, 2008 @ 9:56 pmIt makes sense for a conservative base to attempt to squelch any funding that may stimulate creativity and subversive thought. Art is a powerful and any success in limiting the outlets and arenas will lead to a defeated spirit. Which in turn leads to a more compliant and desperate society.
They should increase funding for the arts! What is the use of a city, save a nation, without art? By decreasing funding your decreasing a future. Possibly a future of a child in this city and there love for art.
Sincerely,
Comment by Jaime August 7, 2008 @ 9:57 pmA Herron Student of fierce conviction.
I implore you to support and increase funding for the arts in Indianapolis, Mayor Ballard and especially in our public parks and venues. Apparently you believe OUR parks are fine for anti-terror wargames by the Marines, but question the need for arts funding and live, city supported music concerts in OUR parks, which our tax dollars fund!! Your priorities are backwards, Mayor Ballard. I miss Bart!
Comment by gregory a. ziesemer August 7, 2008 @ 10:06 pmPlease keep funding the arts! Don’t make everything that people say about conservative Indianapolis come true!
Comment by Ellen Leonard August 7, 2008 @ 10:08 pmAs I noted on another post – the arts generate noticeable income, making them both a sound fiscal investment and an essential investment for the health and development of a community. (See http://www.arc.gov/index.do?nodeId=2126 for some data)
Although I no longer live in Indiana, I have spent 26 years of my life there. I moved away after high school, but returned largely because of the arts scene.
Comment by Heather May August 7, 2008 @ 10:15 pmYes, keep & increase arts funding! Indianapolis is know as a bad city for music and the arts this won’t take us in the right direction any time soon…
Cliff Snyder
Comment by Cliff Snyder August 7, 2008 @ 10:26 pmIndianapolis Songwriters Cafe
Please keep current arts funding at the current, even better, consider increasing.
I personally know several folks from surrounding areas (Carmel, Greenwood, Greenfield, Muncie) who travel to Indy on a regular basis to enjoy all we have to offer in the way of the arts. Each trip here, they purchase meals and other goods to support our local economy. If the opportunities to enjoy the arts decrease here, so does our economy.
Please do NOT cut arts funding!
Comment by Rick Garrett August 7, 2008 @ 10:26 pmPlease keep funding the arts. This is a most important way to bring the arts to Indy.
Comment by Michael Slosarz August 7, 2008 @ 10:29 pmHow ironic that I read about this just as I’m headed out the door to enjoy the music of Rob Dixon at Holliday Park! In this stressful world of ours, what a quality of life benefit the art programs in our parks are. Please, keep our arts!
Comment by Cyndi Wagner August 7, 2008 @ 10:31 pmI like art
Comment by Treyman Wallace August 7, 2008 @ 10:33 pmI understand that tough economic times make for hard economic choices, but I would implore the powers that be to reconsider such a massive cut in financing. I feel that in a few ways (one in particular that’s very close to me), Indianapolis is at a tipping point culturally, and to just walk away now from the progress we have made and are making would be, in my opinion, partially negating that progress, by painting it as an expendable “fair-weather” feature of life in Indy. It really shouldn’t be.
Comment by Laura Edwards August 7, 2008 @ 10:38 pmThe Indianapolis Arts scene needs continued support. As a Masters student at the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London (originally from Bloomington), I have found the resources available in Indianapolis to be truly amazing. The current IMA display combining “The Americans” by Robert Frank and Jack Keroac’s “On the Road” is one of the best Hanging’s of Frank’s work I have ever seen. The grassroots base is already in place, but more funding will allow the art centers to advertise their great resources and to attract more scholarship and future revenues.
Comment by Stephen Todd August 7, 2008 @ 10:42 pmWe were finally getting to the place where arts and culture were starting to get the respect, attention and at least some of the money they deserve in this city, and now I hear the mayor wants to cut public funding. Please tell me it’s not so. Any city worth its salt has great arts, music, dance, etc. and if we aspire to be such a place, we need to keep funding these things. It can’t all be about sports, which we seem to have no problem pouring vast amounts of money into, whether everyone wants to or not. The programs that are available to all people, whatever their financial status, are especially important so that everyone has an opportunity to be exposed to and moved by the wonders the arts offer. Mayor Peterson understood this and was instrumental in moving things along as far as they have come. Tell Mayor Ballard to concentrate on stopping the almost daily violent deaths we’ve been having recently and leave the arts alone.
Comment by L. Cohen August 7, 2008 @ 10:42 pmYes!
Comment by Cindy Neal August 7, 2008 @ 10:46 pmHow will we attract the best and the brightest without arts funding in Indianapolis? Since I moved here in 1995, I have seen the city grow – a lot of it has to do with the various arts projects around the city. To take this away would be a shame. I don’t spend a dime on sports, but I do support the arts. Please do not make a mistake.
Comment by Annette Gross August 7, 2008 @ 10:51 pmKeep funding the arts in Indy!
Comment by Sara Justus August 7, 2008 @ 10:53 pmI am a firm believer that not all children learn in the same capacity. The arts are not only a healthy emotional release for children (and adults!), I also believe it engages children’s minds and can have a huge impact with learning certain school subjects. Indianapolis will not be recognized as a cultural icon if it does not embrace culture. And culture can not be embraced if our children are not exposed to it.
Comment by renae mitscher August 7, 2008 @ 11:03 pmWe are what we create. We create nothing we are nothing. The arts are not only what allow us to opportunity to connect to who we are as a people, but to reach out to others. And I thought Indy was becoming a class act! Perhaps we are headed back to the days we use to be called India-no-place!
Comment by Doreen Fatula August 7, 2008 @ 11:06 pmPlease keep pulic arts funding.
Comment by Jessica Teipen August 7, 2008 @ 11:18 pmPlease keep arts funding
Comment by Andy Teipen August 7, 2008 @ 11:21 pmMayor B, It would be a sad mistake to cut funding for the Arts in Indianapolis. One of the things that characterizes a Great City is its support and encouragement of the Arts. I have been proud of our city and the way it has promoted the Arts in the parks. Visitors to Indianapolis are always complimentary about our enlightened attitude about this and we are envied because of it. Don’t throw away all that has been built after all the hard work that has been expended to get us to where we are now. Cutting funding for the Arts would be short-sighted and costly to the community because businesses decide on where to locate based in part on the opportunities their employees will have to experience and participate in the Arts. To cut funds for Arts in the parks is to cut the throat of the community.
Arts
Comment by John F. Moe, MD, MPH August 7, 2008 @ 11:26 pmArts funding is a must – we need less athletics & more arts – if you get a pool & a stadium & a field – We should also have the ARTS!
Comment by Deby Crislip August 7, 2008 @ 11:35 pmPlease continue funding for the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Cary Allen Fields August 7, 2008 @ 11:55 pmFrom basic aesthetics, to quality of life issues, to preventing the “brain drain” as our talented young people leave for communities with more vibrant and attractive arts communities, I count this expenditure as a justified and absolutely essential use of my hard earned tax dollars.
Arts are essential to quality of life. Please do not cut funding!
Comment by Marian Willeke August 7, 2008 @ 11:56 pmArt, music, and parks programs are essential – please don’t cut funding!
Comment by Jean Vance August 8, 2008 @ 12:06 amStudy after study has shown that when the arts fourish in an urban environment it improves and sustains our quality of life. The arts are for more than enjoyment, the arts expand both creativite and logical abilities of our young as they participate in the arts: visual arts, musical arts, theatrical arts, and more. We look to our Mayor to stand up for what’s necessary for a flourishing, vibrant city that attracts and holds great citizens.
Comment by Michael Watson August 8, 2008 @ 12:17 amYes – please do not forget about the Arts. Nurturing the arts is an important way a city maintains some its own uniqueness, plus it just feels good!
Comment by David Gordon August 8, 2008 @ 12:20 amThe Arts are always the first to go when budgets get tight. While occasionally inconvenient, it’s always important that we take pains to preserve what cultural resources we do have in Indianapolis. I don’t think anyone wants to see sacrifices in public safety, nor do we want to reduce the salaries of policemen and firefighters — posing these two as an either/or proposition is a false dilemma. There are other places to reallocate funds; let’s look harder and find them.
Comment by Colin Dullaghan August 8, 2008 @ 12:21 amWow…a government official who comes up with a dumb idea??? Wake up!! Please continue to support our parks and art!!
Comment by scott rudicel August 8, 2008 @ 12:37 amAs a teacher in the public schools, I know how important the arts are to both our children and our community. Please continue to fund our arts. It is essential to create discussions, honor individuality, and promote diversity.
Comment by Karen Gouge August 8, 2008 @ 12:39 amEveryone at Kristian Andersen + Associates, throws our full support behind continuing to support the arts and we encourage our elected officials to do more than just pay lip service to the role that art plays in fostering culture, community, and commerce.
Comment by Kristian Andersen August 8, 2008 @ 12:42 amI know that times are tough and funds are tight, but I believe arts funding has been an unappreciated contributor to Indianapolis’ success. Please, let’s not stop now.
Comment by Evan Finch August 8, 2008 @ 12:43 amThis is important. For goodness sakes, the thing that makes us human are the arts! Please don’t cut funding for something so very important to civilization.
Comment by Carol B. Tomlinson August 8, 2008 @ 12:45 amOur city doesn’t have the best climate or geographical advantages, but Indianapolis thrives because of its community. Why on Earth would we want to take away from the very things that bring us together?
Public Arts Funding is incredibly important in terms much more than just dollars. To treat it as a simple line item does it a great disservice and shows that our leaders truly don’t understand the people they serve.
Comment by Rob Elliott August 8, 2008 @ 12:49 amPlease don’t cut funding for the arts!
Comment by LuAnn August 8, 2008 @ 12:57 amIt’s incredible to me that our mayor would even consider trimming the arts budget. He seems to be gun-ho on creating a Chinatown here though. Whatever for? We have wonderful programs with concerts and movies in the park and we should never stop them; in fact, we should increase the opportunities for the public to gather for the arts! It’s not only entertaining, it’s enriching and educational for all ages! If you want to cut something, how about a few deputy mayors and their secretaries, chaplains who don’t do anything, and all the other extraneous political “employees” we don’t need.
Comment by Carol Ackerman August 8, 2008 @ 1:02 amGovernor Daniels, Mayor Ballard and all elected City Council members, WAKE UP! Please continue to fund (increase funding) the Arts! The Arts are not expendable, removing what little funding that there is, is unsound fiscal policy! This proposal so very deeply offends me and should be a matter of moral outrage! Completely cutting the minute 1% of the entire under-funded, public investment is not the quick-fix remedy to existing crucial budget problems for the city of Indianapolis. I am not originally from Indianapolis, but having lived here for decades, I have watched this city grow from being a one and a half horse, socially/culturally disadvantaged small town into a blossoming state of being that people from diverse places are drawn to. I am proud as all get out to say that I live in Indianapolis and would dearly hate to have to detract that passion.
Art has almost been completely weaned from the classroom and it is becoming increasingly more difficult for artists in all areas to fund their work/projects. Indianapolis arts education funding lies on the bottom of the national scale, art teachers/Instructors are buying their own arts supplies and volunteering time in order to keep the arts within the reach of young minds. We must all acknowledge that the arts are an integral central part of the human experience, it teaches creative concept, discipline, skill, focus, problem solving, cooperation… I could go on and on, with a nearly endless litany of educational and cognitive benefits.
Can any of you coherently explain to us all, why it is that artists are always the first target, after phasing us out as a concentric unit, what’s next? Have you not comprehended the independent study sponsored by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, statistically stating that the arts lead business and economic growth in Indiana, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. This is quantitative evidence, proof that you can take to the bank. The myriad of arts disciplines/genres are a reflection of our communities and definitely should not be under valued, disregarded or much less annihilated.
To be the competitive city worthy of national/world recognition that Indianapolis aspires to be and to attract talent, cultural assets and big business from around the globe, it must be in a position to offer a superior quality of life to its constituents. The arts culture is consistently utilized to promote Indianapolis as a first-rate, high quality place to relocate, visit, hold conventions/conferences, for business startups and as a world class city it requires world class culture and amenities, not just seasonal sports! The state of Indiana has made monumental strides in recent years including the infrastructure, economic development as well as culturally, and a quantitative portion of that success is due to the presence of the local arts industry. With Indianapolis’s progressive initiative to increase cultural offerings, tourism and hospitality industries, decision to totally eliminate support for educational and cultural venues as well as support to the creatives of this city makes an unequivocal, devastating and most unfortunate statement that the arts culture in Indiana just doesn’t matter!
Yes, public safety is of great concern in all of our neighborhoods as well as the world, but cutting what little percentage that arts funding receives will offer at-risk youth as well as others the incentive to find motivation elsewhere. Culture helps proportionately to alleviate crime, take away jobs in the arts industry as well as our outlets of expression and what will Indianapolis have then? Taking away the funding for youth programs will present even greater possibility of trouble in the streets, create loss of income, more jobless on the welfare dole and even less of a motivation/inspiration to progress. This scenario has the potential to snowball, if this occurs what do we have to look forward to in the near future? Even more vacant, dilapidated housing, banks of recently built, unoccupied and vandalized housing developments, a cultural and spiritually deprived community and a greatly reduced population due to cultural flight? Eliminating arts funding is ten steps backwards, there are other paths with which to conquer these challenges.
Who is to blame for this? Many! The short sighted and money hungry, individuals who don’t care to understand the value of arts and the effect that it has upon humanity, those in position to help but who aren’t committed or who don’t give a damn about a comprehensive enlightenment and education in America. In my opinion it will utterly ruin Indianapolis if the arts funding is cut to zero over the course of the next three years.
Think Back… to the early 80’s -90’s, the community knew very little about artists and their work, had little if any interaction with them at all. Remember how downtown streets were a cruising arena for “people” of the night and their patrons, or just how decrepit the Mass Ave. area actually was? We have since moved on, do you really want a replay of yesteryear? Fountain Square has begun to bloom into a recognized arts destination as well as many other areas of the inner city with arts venues, galleries, First Friday Art walks, artists studios, arts activities, etc. Much of the revitalization of the arts districts such as Massachusetts Ave. or areas like the Harrison Center of the Arts is due to the developing and expanding arts community, outlying areas have grown equally as well.
Two logical and much more effective tactics that could be utilized by legislators would be to cut excessive governmental subsides and tax abatements to big business, companies coming into our city. Analytically better would be for Indianapolis and state policy makers to endorse a 1-2% arts funding of what is now happily relinquished to our sports entities through the same government subsidies and tax abatements that I referred to previously, we would undoubtedly have some of the greatest cultural assets “including working artists” in the free world! And/OR sell off the vast amount of vacant housing to individual buyers, much as the city did in the 80’s? That would be a much more feasible, productive, logical and fiscally satisfying means to acquire needed revenue. We have come so very, very far, and have seen the impact of significant progress within the last decade or so, why stop now? What we have is a concise display of disregard for the numbers of individuals, business, volunteers, partners organizational and otherwise, all and any… no matter in how small of a manner, who helped Indy begin to mature into what is has become. Indianapolis Arts Community this has to be one of the most important issues of this new administration.
Comment by D. DelReverda-Jennings / Interdisciplinary Artist: August 8, 2008 @ 1:02 amSTAND UP! CREATIVE INDIANAPOLIS …… TO INFLUENCE POLICY WE NEED NUMBERS!
Reading thru more than 830 comments (and counting!) provided me with a collection of stories from people who have built the arts community we enjoy today in Indianapolis. So many people who live here today know nothing about what it was like not so long ago.
I moved here over 20 years ago — a time when Ruschman Gallery was the only commercial gallery along Mass Avenue. There was no Cultural Trail, no First Friday gallery walk, no Stutz Tour, no IDADA, no iMOCA, no Murphy Art Center and so on. At that time it was easy to say that Indianapolis was deserving of its title as India-No-Place.
Fortunately, people have worked hard to change the culture of this city. In 1988 I would never have been forced to make the difficult choice of which arts event to attend on a Friday evening — sadly, because there were no events. With the generous (and seemingly limitless) financial support of people like Gene and Marilyn Glick, Ann Stack, Turner Woodard and countless others we now have a vibrant arts community.
The benefits of the culture that has been created is much greater than weekly gallery openings, concerts and beautiful public art. Without renegade artists and their patrons we might still have entire quadrants of Indianapolis populated with dangerous, boarded up buildings instead of bustling neighborhoods such as Mass Avenue, St. Joseph Place and Fountain Square. This sort of transformation has allowed the City to generate millions of dollars in property tax revenue. Without the future boost of funding from the City it’s possible that the success and growth of arts-related businesses in fledgling neighborhoods like these could stop – or even reverse course. That’s a time when we’ll certainly need increased public safety budgets.
The most influence you will have on this matter is with your City-County Councillor. That person needs to understand the implications of Mayor Ballard’s plan and how it impacts the organizations and citizens who benefit from public arts funding. We must remind them that it was private dollars that were invested to develop many of these cultural “jewels” – and it is the same private dollars that may or may not fund their reelection.
Use the following link to find the name and contact information for your City-County Councillor:
http://imaps.indygov.org/GovntProfile/
Comment by JohnESuter August 8, 2008 @ 1:04 amCutting funds in the arts will not solve current problems but create new ones. Politicians facing budget problems may see it as a quick corner-cutting way to meet current monetary limits, but the damage done to the community in the long run is incalculable. When will they realize this overused shortcut has serious consequences? The truth is the arts are not optional, so cutting an already minimal budget is not either.
Comment by Lisa J. Li August 8, 2008 @ 1:11 amCouncilwoman Nytes brings up tough choices. Maybe my knowledge of city government and financing is lacking, but what about getting the Colts machinery, largely funded by us to a tune of many times 1.5 mil, to kick it back? What percentage of the additional 1% restaurant sales tax we now pay would be needed to hit the 1.5 mil? The money IS there. It is NOT a choice between police officers and the Arts. And, echoing one of the other commentators, cutting the arts will add to the work of the police.
Comment by Greg Malone August 8, 2008 @ 1:28 amArt is the window to the soul and we must fund the Arts to reach, teach, encourage, enlighten, and engage our youth. Historically, when the Arts have been included in budget cuts, we all suffer.
Comment by Norma Dunton August 8, 2008 @ 1:40 amplease and thank you …do not cut funding for the arts
Comment by linda cadore August 8, 2008 @ 1:40 amArt attract talent, talent creates business, business create wealth, wealth creates tax revenue. Everyone knows this now, it’s well documented. Do not think we can stop the brain drain while decreasing funding for the arts. It just won’t happen, we won’t be able to compete with other cities.
Please support the arts, do not cut funding. That would be a bad investment. I would rather have more crime than less art.
Comment by Jeb Banner August 8, 2008 @ 1:50 amThe arts are so very important to this community. They should be discussing increasing the funding, not removing it!
Please save the art!
-Jack Shepler
Comment by Jack Shepler August 8, 2008 @ 1:56 amCutting the funding for the arts is unacceptable. We already underfund the arts in Indy.
Comment by Jen August 8, 2008 @ 2:15 amWhy can’t we cut the fat elsewhere?
I have an idea… Stop allowing our Police personal use of our patrol cars. If they use our cars for personal use, they should reimburse the city. I believe that the reimbursement rate is .58/mile. The savings could go to the arts. Who knows, we may even be able to increase the arts funding with the savings.
Don’t take this away!!
Comment by Amanda Hardin August 8, 2008 @ 2:17 amI make my living as an artist… so, you have my vote!
Comment by bobbi+ August 8, 2008 @ 2:17 amI’d die if it wasn’t for the arts. And Wouldn’t have any entertainment.
Comment by b Jackson August 8, 2008 @ 2:18 amPlease keep the arts funded, and if possible, increase the funding to the parks and art events.
Comment by Pastor Timothy Walker August 8, 2008 @ 2:19 amPlease don’t decrease spending on the arts.
Comment by Seth Jenkins August 8, 2008 @ 2:20 amThe arts are important everywhere but nowhere more so than here.
An increasing problem in society, now, is that with technology we don’t interact enough–take a look at studies. So, if we become increasingly less social beings, how can we “be” a community?
Funding for the arts gives people from all socioeconomic levels a chance to come together–and a reason. It exposes people to more outside of their paradigms and increases awareness for better understanding of each other and even the world–an asset, itself, since we’re becoming increasingly multicultural. Please reconsider. Increase, rather than decrease funding.
Comment by Karen Thurber August 8, 2008 @ 2:28 amPlease continue public funding for the arts.
Comment by Roberta Lovenheim August 8, 2008 @ 2:30 amMayor Ballard: Investment in the arts pays off in terms of tourism dollars, student achievement, business development and quality of life. Please keep our city’s modest investment in the arts. It demonstrates that Indianapolis is a city on the move.
Comment by Dan Henkel August 8, 2008 @ 2:30 amKeep the funding for the Arts and our parks! the things that make a city great are not the multi million dollar sports teams and stadiums. Arts play a big part in the quality of life in any major city. Cutting funding for these programs and the green spaces that are our park system shows that we are an unenlightened group of hicks who don’t understand what make humans tick.
Comment by Steve Ruemmele August 8, 2008 @ 2:30 amContinue to build up the Arts in Indy and people will come. It will increase our tourism industry; business prospects and help decrease brain drain. We are teetering on the edge of being a great city, don’t let Indiananpolis tip into a downward spiral. Art is part of smart! Be Smart, Support Art!
Comment by Jeanine Fox August 8, 2008 @ 2:31 amPLEASE keep or increase arts funding. How else will we change the perception that there’s only corn and sports in Indiana? We have world-class musicians here, and they deserve the support and spotlight of their community. Also, for all those children in Indiana who don’t aspire to be pro athletes, having a vibrant arts community helps give them new directions to dream, be it painting/visual arts, vocal or instrumental music, and drama. They’re called the humanities for a reason: they’re the things that help define our humanity. Most random gunmen, for example, tend not to be very arts-oriented. By helping create a climate that is more aware of art and music, you will create a more peaceful community and see a reduction in violence on our streets, as well as attracting more folks here. To compete with world-class cities, we need to BE a world-class city, and that means supporting the arts.
Comment by Jennifer Midkiff August 8, 2008 @ 2:35 amAll major destinations…New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, even Memphis, understand, support, and encourage the promotion of the arts. We should aspire to be at that level. We’ve come a long way, so let’s not return to the mind-set of just being a race track in the middle of a corn field! FUND THE ARTS!!!
Comment by Bill Lancton August 8, 2008 @ 2:36 amPlease continue the arts funding. It is important to Indianapolis and its community.
Comment by Dmitri Alano August 8, 2008 @ 2:40 amA world class city without arts? An oxymoron and a contridiction. Please INCREASE public funds for Arts/Music/Humanities.
Comment by Joe Hart August 8, 2008 @ 2:41 amMayor Ballard: The Arts are a huge part of the heritage of the Indy Community. We need to keep the modest funding we have, and actually need to increase the level.
Kevin Strunk, Buckdancer’s Choice
Comment by Kevin Strunk August 8, 2008 @ 2:43 amWhy on earth would we cut arts? Please realize that there is an entire universe out there and we need to keep all of it alive. The arts needs to come off of the endangered species list now!
Comment by Scott Pazera August 8, 2008 @ 2:52 amPlease keep the funding for the arts and our parks. Without the arts and green spaces, this city wouldn’t be nearly as vibrant!
As for needing the money to allow for raises promised to police officers & firefighters, and to help fight increasing crime rates, according to a 2007 report by Channel 13, the merging of the police and sheriff’s departments a little over a year ago added over 100 officers and several new beats to help fight a rise in crime:
“According to city leaders, the combined force will mean an additional 137 officers patrolling the streets by the end of 2008. The new department will add 22 beats to strengthen police coverage.” (wthr.com, ‘Departments Get Ready for Police Merger’, Jan. 31, 2007)
Additionally, former Mayor Peterson claimed that the merger would save taxpayers an estimated $9 – 10 million a year. Where is all of that money we “saved”? Shouldn’t that money be put to use to bolster IMPD & IFD, instead of cutting funding for the arts?
In the past year or so, our property taxes have increased, our state/local taxes have increased, and our restaurant taxes have increased. Even with all of those increases, the budget is still not enough to cover government expenses because of a massive delay in property tax bills.
You know, if I make a mistake and don’t pay my electric bill on time, the power company will cut my electricity. They don’t go to my neighbors and turn off their power. This is exactly what you’re doing to the arts/parks! A government department made mistakes in the property assessments, they then had to do a reassessment, the legislature stepped in and reworked property taxes, which delayed the mailing of the property tax bills, now the city is going to penalize the arts and parks for something they had nothing to do with.
Here’s a thought: Why don’t you take money from the city paving budget? From the state of many of the city’s side streets, it doesn’t appear that they’re using it.
Comment by J. E. Luckett August 8, 2008 @ 2:52 am10 bucks mayor ballard would fund a new stadium for the colts….oh wait a minute he did! Pacers will get funding to buy more guns…..In Indiana, music gets nothing!! Let’s change!
Comment by Julia Keller-Welter August 8, 2008 @ 2:53 amThe arts are vital to keep moving Indianapolis forward. To decrease funding would be a huge step backward. I am a full time musician and my livelihood depends on it. If the arts funding were to be decreased, this would be a tragedy and I would seriously consider moving to another arts supportive community.
Comment by Emily Ann Thompson August 8, 2008 @ 2:54 amArt….trA Art….trA Art….trA Art….trA Gotta love those palindromes! Life without art is like, well it’s like something.
Comment by Delmar Lincoln August 8, 2008 @ 2:54 amPlease keep or increase the funding for the performing and visual arts in Indianapolis. It is difficult enough for artists to obtain funding to continue their careers in the arts. Indianapolis has a few venues who pay for exhibits and performances and these fees really help artists continue to produce and share their art. Most artists have “day jobs” and they struggle to keep doing what they love. The fees and grants provided by the city venues and companies really help them. The local artists are the heart of the city…please help keep the heart beating.
Comment by Bella Louisa August 8, 2008 @ 2:59 amKeep the arts and parks funding! How many people benefit from IndyParks and the arts, versus the pro sports arenas? Let’s fund the things we can all enjoy.
Comment by Carol Divish August 8, 2008 @ 3:01 amArts are as important to Indianapolis as are sports. Both are important to maintain a healthy, diverse and thriving community. Please do not reduce or cut public funding to the arts.
Comment by Bob Karnak August 8, 2008 @ 3:02 amI hope the funding for the Arts programs will be continued.
Comment by Joyce E. Bowman August 8, 2008 @ 3:08 amKeep the arts and parks funding! How many people benefit from IndyParks and the arts, versus the pro sports arenas? Let’s fund the things we can all enjoy.
Comment by Robert Valdez August 8, 2008 @ 3:09 amI hope you will continue funding the Arts programs.
Comment by Joyce E. Bowman August 8, 2008 @ 3:10 amI’m a lifelong resident of Indianapolis. Cutting funding for the arts is a huge mistake. Do you realize how far the arts and culture of this city have come in the last 20 years? One “simple” budget cut could set that progress back years. Is that what you want on your record when re-election time comes around? Do the right thing and find the money elsewhere. I’m sure there’s still a lot of pork fat in the city budget. Now is the time to step up and show the citizens of Indianapolis what kind of leader you truly are.
Comment by Kelly F Thompson August 8, 2008 @ 3:13 amplease keep the funding!
Comment by Ted Somerville August 8, 2008 @ 3:13 amJoseph Campbell, the late, great comparative mythologist once said “artists are the shamans of today.” What he meant by that was that artists of all types help people to understand the world in a unique, and often spiritual way. This unique perspective is something we can’t get from other sources, and we are actually already lacking this insight in our society to a great extent. As such, we need the arts more than ever. The arts are not silly extras. The arts touch the hearts and souls of people. The nature in our parks also provide a healing effect for people who are caught up in modern living. As human beings we need nature and we need the arts. To take them away is equivalent to amputating a person’s healthy arm or leg.
Comment by Julane Lund August 8, 2008 @ 3:15 amI moved here b/c of Indy’s arts community, and the growing green space/walking/biking opportunities. Sacrificing them in the short-term will mean long-term damage to the City’s ability to attract new business and labor. Please re-examine the consequences of the cuts you are proposing.
Comment by Jennifer August 8, 2008 @ 3:16 amMayor Ballard, Point #1 As a long standing member of the music and art community of central indiana and indianapolis in particular I implore you not to decrease the arts funding in the city. We have long been known as a place where artists and musicians struggle. To decrease or do away with arts funding would mean being eventually devoid of the arts completely as a profession and the artists as a people. Having worked as a musician and my wife being a professional artist, I can tell you about the struggles even as they are now. Any decrease would only further exasperate the situation. Please do not take away what many of us believe to be the life blood of our city.
Comment by Ernst Buckingham August 8, 2008 @ 3:16 amPoint #2 As the parent of multiple children, both artistic and linear, I can tell you of the necessity of art in the lives of children who struggle academically because of learning disabilities and or neurological disorders. Whether it be dysexia, central audio processing disorder, of some sort of receptive or expressive language disorder, the arts are the first, best, and sometimes the only chance for these kids to experience success. It’s the first time they can feel like the aren’t the “dumbest kid in the class”. The need for the arts is underscored in their lives on a daily basis. This is not an elective choice. Arts education and expression are a need in the lives of these children (who will later become adults)if they are to become productive members of our society. Please do not remove funding for the arts!!!!!
We really do need the arts to offer our citizens more than basketball and football. Children need to learn that their creativity can be channeled into the arts rather than criminal activities. The mayor says he wants to help bring down the crime stats but reducing the arts will surely cause an increase.
Comment by dee anne moore August 8, 2008 @ 3:16 amThe value of the arts in public venues is intrinsic to the idea of having public venues at all. Also, in the parks arts programs are a major ingredient in the antidote to violence. Especially in the face of recent crime statistics in Indianapolis, this alone is reason enough to continue funding. Other reasons abound in the areas of business, education, government and spirituality.
Comment by Gary Wasson August 8, 2008 @ 3:20 amThe arts allow us all to “escape” once in a while – keep the funding – fund the keepers of creativity!
Comment by Jeroen Smit August 8, 2008 @ 3:25 amThe arts are our culture. As they go, so goes our society. We need to keep the funding of the arts our highest priority! Please keep the arts program going.
Comment by Joe Snider August 8, 2008 @ 3:30 amAlrighty folks . . . . creative Indianapolis has clearly spoken! And it has spoken persuasively, articulately, and well.
At the risk of sounding a little too spooky for some, I truly believe that art and music are transcendent currencies. And, regardless of what our fair city chooses to do budgetwise, I’m confident that the impassioned folks who have posted here will continue infusing Indianapolis with their collective gifts.
That said . . . the arts truly aren’t a speculative investment!
The hard-fought dollars allocated for the arts in any city (including our beloved Indy) regularly do the following:
-physically transform previously forgotten and dilapidated areas. (Hooray for increased property values which equal more revenue for the city via those pesky property taxes . . .)
-open avenues for public dialogues promoting social justice issues (think “Spirit and Place Festival”)
-unite neighborhoods for common purposes . . . when art and music are present, neighbors are more likely to mingle with other neighbors. When we aren’t strangers, we are much more likely to care for one another on very basic levels and likely reduce the fiscal burden on our city in doing so.
-make people more likely to visit a city and spend their money there (think the Louvre or the Sistine Chapel . . . who knows. . . . there may be a wee Michelangelo among us . . .)
I guess the question is whether the social and fiscal benefits of funding the arts provide a tangible enough return for our city to continue the current level of funding.
Let’s not forget that the value of some of the most precious things in our world aren’t quantifiable by traditional standards.
Please maintain the current level of funding for the arts in Indy.
But, even if that doesn’t happen, we’ll keep singing and sculpting, and painting, and playing the accordion, and making this city a better place with what we do have.
So there.
Comment by stasia demos mills August 8, 2008 @ 3:38 amYes, yes – a thousand times yes!
Comment by Bradley D. Moore August 8, 2008 @ 3:39 amCreative thought leadership is the future of not only our city, but of our country. The arts inspire all of us to think in a way that promotes commerce and innovation.
It is a business decision to keep the arts properly funded.
Comment by ANN BERIAULT August 8, 2008 @ 3:42 amWE VOTE YES!!!!! YES, YES, YES, YES, PLEASE CONTINUE TO FUND THE ARTS. Continue to invest in the success and enlightenment of INDY. For years the Indianapolis Arts Council has provided excellent service and arts resources for our city! We need this organization and more like it. We need the arts in all of its many forms, we need the artists, the arts entities, we need the arts venues and the arts related businesses, and the people associated with the arts.
We want to keep INDY as a growing, diverse, culturally progressive, thriving center of the Midwest, not ole’ biased “NapTown” as it used to be. To Mayor Greg Ballard and all of our elected officials, PLEASE DON’T LET THE CITY, PEOPLE OR ARTS CULTURE OF INDIANAPOLIS DOWN! CONTINUE FUNDING THE ARTS IN INDY!!!!!!!! Keep INDY Arts alive!
Comment by The DelReverda-Jennings Family August 8, 2008 @ 3:53 amIt would short sighted for Indianapolis to cut arts funding after a period in which the city seemed to finally begin to understand the value of the arts to the city’s culture and economy. In an era in which Indianapolis is regularly outspent by other cities in arts funding, why must we be talking about cuts? Protect arts funding in Indianapolis!
Comment by Kyle Barnett August 8, 2008 @ 3:54 amYES. Please keep (increase!!) arts funding.
Comment by Dennis Moore August 8, 2008 @ 3:56 amcreativity is an essential ingredient in problem solving…the arts are an expression of a community’s creative spirit…and a strong, creative community spirit can solve problems…lets’ keep building our strong community spirit…and keep the ‘canary in the mine’ singing!
Comment by Laura Hildreth August 8, 2008 @ 4:10 amPlease keep the Arts Funding giong. It is good for the community and the arts.
Comment by John Payne August 8, 2008 @ 4:10 amI am an out of towner, so I can not really vote. However, I come to Indy frequently to see friends and to partake of the local arts scene which is incredible. Don’t decrease the funding for the arts — that is what makes Indianapolis special.
Comment by Aviv Naamani August 8, 2008 @ 4:51 amPlease keep funding for the arts!
Comment by Ryan Mullins August 8, 2008 @ 4:52 amWhen I moved here, I was specifically only looking at cities with active arts communities and a high proportion of green space. Cutting funding for arts and parks would be extremely short-sighted in a time when Indy is trying to attract new residents, new businesses, and new tourist traffic.
Comment by Debbie Gates August 8, 2008 @ 5:06 amFunding for the arts is a fundamental pillar of a balanced and civilized community. Our state and city already face questionable reputation as being backward illiterate farmers — why perpetuate this perception by cutting funding for culturally enhancing experiences?
Comment by Ken Haddle August 8, 2008 @ 6:21 amOne of the great things I love about Indy when I moved here was that I could take full advantage of the opportunity to perform as a musician, both as a hobbyist, and as a professional. Please keep the arts funding coming so others may experience the rich arts culture of this great city.
Comment by Jared Gollnitz August 8, 2008 @ 6:55 amA vote against arts funding is a vote to force the youth of the city out of Indianapolis and into other areas where they can be supported by their community. Don’t exile and alienate the FUTURE of this city! Keep funding the arts!
Comment by Kyle A. Herrington August 8, 2008 @ 7:18 amPLEASE! Don’t take away the funding for the music and art culture of our city.This one of the things that makes our city special and a wonderful place to live
Comment by barbara stevenson August 8, 2008 @ 8:55 amGet rid of the colts before you get rid of arts funding.
Comment by Bart August 8, 2008 @ 9:05 amSpeaking as someone who has been deeply involved in neighborhood and poverty issues, I can tell you that the arts make us all safer. The arts connect us with each other in subtle and powerful ways. And our art scenes-music, visual arts, theatre, film, literary arts-are good for business.
It takes more than a Super Bowl to make a city great. Cutting public funding would be a giant step backward.
Comment by Ken Honeywell August 8, 2008 @ 9:27 amYes! The arts are essential for Indianapolis to reamin a first class city.
Comment by Kristi Lee August 8, 2008 @ 9:38 amPlease continue to support the arts through public funding. It is an investment in the quality of community life which keeps many here, and could be the difference in attracting people we want to move here as well.
Comment by Jack Hill August 8, 2008 @ 9:47 amPlease keep funding the arts. Art nourishes the soul.
Comment by Susan Malasics August 8, 2008 @ 10:09 amFunding the arts is good business. It’s a people magnet. They spend money, ergo, the arts are good for the economy.
Comment by Steve Wright August 8, 2008 @ 10:09 amThe arts must continue being fully supported and funded as much as possible. Having local world class talent is good for business, tourism and our cultural growth.
Comment by Todd Beals August 8, 2008 @ 10:12 amHow can you even think about taking away something so positive for all of Indy? KEEP FUNDING THE ARTS!
Comment by Doris Lake August 8, 2008 @ 10:58 amThe arts are important for a healthy community. They bring people together. Please find a way to maintain (or increase!) the city’s art funding. Let’s keep Indianapolis a thriving city.
Comment by Katy Ratcliff August 8, 2008 @ 11:03 amThe arts are needed for all humanity to remain sane. It is an outlet of our expression!
Comment by rhonda fleming August 8, 2008 @ 11:12 amWe need the arts in this community. If you are to decide not to continue on with it . It would be a sad day for indy.
Comment by mark murphey August 8, 2008 @ 11:32 amLook at the Olympics… there will be athletic events, but what are we looking at before that? How does Beijing look… that is all art- the buildings, banners, statues, performers, — we judge it all the time, whether we realize it — it gives us a feeling- do we like something… we want the SuperBowl and events to come to Indy… how will we look? Thank you to the artists who make us proud of how we look… and feel about our communities!
Comment by Kris Burke August 8, 2008 @ 11:45 amI think we need the arts now, more than ever. However, I do not feel comfortable sacrificing public safety or the parks. Let’s ask the Colts-they have always been able to find funding for their pursuits-which I don’t think is a bad thing. If they can do it so can we!
Comment by r. spisak August 8, 2008 @ 11:45 amYes – we NEED to keep arts funding!
Comment by Stephanie August 8, 2008 @ 11:46 amIt’s stinking thinking like yours that we are going to vote out of office! Of course we need our parks and the arts funded! Even in the worse of times people need the social interaction of the parks and the stimulation of the arts. Do the right thing Mr. Ballard and stop being paranoid!
Comment by Patti Dale August 8, 2008 @ 11:48 ami don’t “do” sports, so the emotional return on my tax dollars(investment in my city) isn’t to be found in any temple of athletic prowess. i “do” the Arts, museums, exhibits, live theatre for children & adults. grabbing lunch & imagining the thoughts inside “the head” on Mass. Ave., enjoying the coolness & tech of the electronic dancing woman & walking man, the expression of service to humanity in the sculpture gracing my neighborhood firehouse @ 30th & Capitol…. the Arts in general give a city life & Public Art in particular allows us to feel it’s pulse. VOTE YES TO CONTINUE FUNDING THE ARTS! IT’S FOR ALL OUR SAKES!!
Comment by dkj August 8, 2008 @ 11:56 amIn order for Indianapolis to become a world class city, arts funding is essential.
Comment by Erin Day August 8, 2008 @ 11:57 amWhat a BAD decision on his part. This should be laughed at!!! Were will he do his Anti-crime speeches from? The Jail!! Eagle Creek is one of the finest City Owned Parks in the nation, and he won’t even get it cleaned up. I know there is a budget, but cut out the over paid, worthless DOT people, and build a park bench!!!
Comment by Peter August 8, 2008 @ 12:09 pmYes!!! This is essential for our city.
Comment by Beth Skafish August 8, 2008 @ 12:14 pmPlease, please, please keep the funding.
Comment by Tracy August 8, 2008 @ 12:16 pmDestroying the arts funding will destroy the only soul the city has.
Comment by Victoria Ward August 8, 2008 @ 12:17 pmA city cannot thrive on sports alone. Prosperous, progressive towns and cities with healthy tourism, and healthier economies, have the arts to thank for it. Just when it seemed indianapolis was starting to wise up, members of our legislature decide to reveal our ignorant, backwards colors again!
Comment by Laura Gordon August 8, 2008 @ 12:20 pmIn order to attract young professionals, cultural arts must continue to grow in Indianapolis! Please keep the funding.
Comment by Jess August 8, 2008 @ 12:23 pmAs a board member of Young Audiences, I see the influence of the arts in the classroom on a regular basis. The arts programming not only addresses the Indiana State Curriculum Guidelines, it increases creativity, self-esteem, problem solving skills, coorperative skills and many other skills and values to the future leaders of Indianapolis. Please continue to fund the arts!!! Joan Schneider
Comment by Joan Schneider August 8, 2008 @ 12:24 pmContinued–INcreased–funding is crucial to our city being “world class”; it fosters inclusion, interaction, interest, balances our hectic “heady” lives. To think of a city that won’t support the arts?? We’ve already lost our ballet….Please, continue to fund the ARTS!!!
Comment by Barbara Van Wyck August 8, 2008 @ 12:29 pmTo eliminate funding for the arts would eliminate some of what makes Indianapolis a destination for tourism and business ventures. Do not take away from our city’s vibrancy!
Comment by Susan Strickland August 8, 2008 @ 12:31 pmPlease continue funding for the arts. As a mother of a 7 year old, interior design business owner, and long time resident: art heals, inspires, creates, and influences all people of every background, race and interest. Please continue the momentum gained and fund the arts.
Comment by Dene Nidiffer August 8, 2008 @ 12:32 pmWe need the Arts!!!
Comment by Terri Dwyer August 8, 2008 @ 12:38 pmPlease keep, or better yet increase, the funding for the arts! It is a small part of the budget but a big part of the quality of life in Indianapolis. Plus, a major portion of those funds go to jobs for local artists, musicians, techs, etc.
Comment by Jim Litchfield August 8, 2008 @ 12:39 pmStop– Keep the ARTS
Comment by Terri Dwyer August 8, 2008 @ 12:40 pmThere are some deep similarities between public art and community development in terms of crime reduction, housing, job formation, economic stimulus, neighborhood identity (as has already been cited in these posts); the difference lies in the political perception of the arts from traditional community development corporations.
Comment by Brent Aldrich August 8, 2008 @ 12:42 pmMuch work has been done in recent years to fund public art, arts programs, community-based arts projects. It is beginning to reach a point where asset-based community development is understanding the value of an arts related aspect to a portion of the work that they do.
It would be a regression to cut funding at this point when much important foundation has been laid for developing and expanding this local culture.
Also, yes, public art and engaged community (or community engaged around art, perhaps) does add to “public safety,” so a portion of funding that is being allocated to that, I would support in favor of community-based art projects. Also that tax for a new stadium…
The world needs more beauty, keep the funding in place.
Comment by Jesse Jones August 8, 2008 @ 12:42 pmcan tell you, Ballard is NOT getting rid of the arts and cutting all funds. Truth is, he is cutting the budget in all departments, including the arts, due to the budget crunch of our city. Bottom line, the arts are not as important as a family eating and having shelter. The taxes, gas prices, and increased cost of living are crippling. He is honetly dealing with a hard situation, without raising taxes. I like Ballard, who I personally have met and know to be an individual of integrity and who is not an elitist. He was left a mess by Peterson.
I would actually go further than Ballard and cut the arts (and a lot of other programs. We would not have that stadium and other money pits funded by tax payers. Good investments will attract private investors). I see it as a private function. I would bring govt back to its true function, so you as an individual, could spend your money on things you value, such as the arts. My belief is that as individuals, who actually earn the money, can spend it wiser than govt.
Comment by Liz K August 8, 2008 @ 12:47 pmAs a frequent visitor to Indianapolis for art and cultural activities, I am against such a funding decrease. Please keep your city the vibrant place it is!
Comment by John Frigo August 8, 2008 @ 12:50 pmThe arts help to make Indianapolis profitable-about $468 million dollars profitable as the Arts in American Profitability study has shown. So don’t cut the arts funding. It will be like cutting one of your major employers!
Comment by Becky Hill August 8, 2008 @ 12:52 pmI can’t believe this is even up for consideration. Art of all kinds is vital to our community. What can our government possibly be thinking. You think it’s reasonable to decide to use our tax dollars for only sports facilities? I demand that my tax dollars be utilized to support the arts. This is absurd. How dare you make a decision like this!!!!
Comment by Sandy Thorne August 8, 2008 @ 12:54 pmPlease do not cut funding for parks and arts! When we have visitors to our city, the first thing they look for is recreation at parks, and any cultural events. Please do not turn back the clock on Indianapolis – if we want a first class city, it has to be first class in parks and arts, not just a Super Bowl.
Comment by M. L. J. August 8, 2008 @ 12:58 pmImproved quality of life reduces crime. PERIOD!
Comment by Joshua Brewster August 8, 2008 @ 12:59 pmHaving funding cut for the arts is a travesty. As a city/state government we need to reconsider how our tax dollars are spent and keep growing Indianapolis as a hub of cultural and artistic communities. Please do not cut the funding, this is a huge mistake and will haunt the city for decades to come.
Comment by Jennifer Hughes August 8, 2008 @ 1:01 pmPlease save cultural arts in Indianapolis – culture is one of the things that defines a city, attracts companies and workers, and makes the city a destination for travelors. Bottom line, we lose more than we gain by cutting funding.
Comment by Mindi Epstein August 8, 2008 @ 1:01 pmNot only do a lot of artists depend on the funding, but a lot of businesses benefit also. The continual renewal of arts funding benefits the spirit of us all. Intangibles such as this spirit are a necessary part of the human experience and must be supported!
Comment by Marc Lohr August 8, 2008 @ 1:07 pmIn difficult times cut backs are required in all aspects of life. If it helps, cut back funding temporarily. We as private citizens, if we really believe in what we say, will step up our support in the interim. This city will not be more or less arts oriented based upon this support. It is up to every one of us to take care of that.
Comment by Craig Von Deylen August 8, 2008 @ 1:08 pmPlease work to keep funding for the Arts in Indianapolis!
Comment by Kaitlin Nichols August 8, 2008 @ 1:24 pmGrowing up in a small town in a musical family, I used every resource my town provided from community theater to the parks with great play areas and lots of live music to music lessons through my schools. When I decided to move to Indianapolis to live and raise my family, the wonderful culture for music and arts definitely made an impact on me. I came to the area for college, fell in love with the city and never left. Everyone who comes to visit me here loves the city and all the opportunities available. My four year old son is just now getting to the point where he can really take advantage of all the tremendous options out there for him and I seriously hope that those continue to be available for him and any other child. Please keep the arts funding – and increase it even – as our children deserve to be raised in the same wonderful environment that we were!
Comment by Laura Adams August 8, 2008 @ 1:28 pmThe Arts add happiness, grace, beauty, depth, wisdom, imagination to our community. I know funds are tight and that cuts need to be made overall, but the in cuts to the arts consider that they have been funded less well than over the years than many other budget items. Arts funding has always been lean. Do not starve the arts!
Comment by Linda Lee August 8, 2008 @ 1:29 pmCutting funding to the arts is a grave mistake for the people in this city since it is already an under funded realm, in the schools especially. As a teacher I see that mark making of all kinds is the first and therefore very important thing to children and adults alike!
Comment by Kelly Beerbower August 8, 2008 @ 1:29 pmPlease continue to fund the arts and other cultural happenings in Indy. It’s so important to keep Indianapolis a first rate city, and a city of character.
Comment by Tad Robinson August 8, 2008 @ 1:32 pmIndianapolis is so much more than just its sports. We should be a well-rounded city where people want to relocate, live and raise their kids. At a time when a high crime rate and high school drop-out rates are center stage, the arts add to the peace, creativity, challenge and balanced lifestyle that a growing, forward-thinking city needs for its citizens to thrive, economy to grow and for people outside our community to have a positive impression of us.
Comment by Denise Fort August 8, 2008 @ 1:34 pmPlease don’t cut funding for the arts in Indy. Our cultural assets are one of the things that make this city a place where people still want to live, work & play.
Comment by Carmen August 8, 2008 @ 1:36 pmWhat are you thinking? Take away the Arts and all you have left in the city is the thugs.
Comment by kevin August 8, 2008 @ 1:36 pmI can’t begin to understand what thought processes would bring one to the conclusion that cutting arts funding is a good idea!!!!!! PLEASE don’t push Indy back to the 60’s & 70’s when the city was dirty, boring & unused. Every single citizen benefits from a strong arts community. Keep the funding!
Comment by judith webster August 8, 2008 @ 1:38 pmDear Mr. Council – please send money. Your Fren, JR
Comment by Jason Rowland August 8, 2008 @ 1:38 pmAs a parent, educator, and citizen, I feel very strongly that arts must be supported in Indianapolis. I have one example of how the arts bring out people: the evening of August 2 the Heartland Actors Repertory Theater presented The Merchant of Venice at the White River State Park Amphitheatre and over 1,100 viewers attended. Families and friends spent a lovely evening celebrating and enjoying the arts — we need MORE of those opportunities, not fewer.
Comment by elizabeth masur August 8, 2008 @ 1:41 pmPlease keep or raise funding for Public Arts. Keep Indy better, healthy and vital!
Comment by Michael John August 8, 2008 @ 1:52 pmIn the budget, the first things to be cut are often Arts and Music. These wonderful things inspire people and keep kids going to school. Please do not cut the arts. That is what keeps the special people caring about the world.
Comment by Lesley Moore August 8, 2008 @ 1:54 pmL
We need a healthy park and Public Art system in Indy. It is essential that funding be kept at least the same, if not increased!
Comment by Jan Brent August 8, 2008 @ 2:02 pmYES! Keep funding the Arts!
Comment by Dannyn Peterson August 8, 2008 @ 2:02 pmYes. Art matters!
Comment by Annette Schlagenhauff August 8, 2008 @ 2:04 pmIt would be so sad to see the arts funding go away. I think the live music and art make Indy a special place to be. It would be empty without it. Please keep funding the arts. So much money goes towards sports and not everybody is interested in sports alone.
Comment by Barbara Chivers August 8, 2008 @ 2:08 pmPlease continue to fund the arts.
Comment by Kimberly Nentrup August 8, 2008 @ 2:10 pmthe mayor is becoming a george bush! he is crasy the art meuseum would have to start charging people.
Comment by clover August 8, 2008 @ 2:13 pmPlease find a more creative way to cut the budget than eliminating the City’s participation in the Arts, which are vital to any thriving, healthy community.
Comment by Loree Everette August 8, 2008 @ 2:16 pmArt paid for by politicians/our taxes is called propaganda. People are losing their homes, jobs and even lives to taxes. What’s the question here?
Comment by wedeclare August 8, 2008 @ 2:17 pmPlease fund the arts.
Comment by Jonathan Scott August 8, 2008 @ 2:21 pmYes, maintain funding for the arts!
Comment by jennifer luttrell August 8, 2008 @ 2:26 pmKEEP and INCREASE the ARTS funding………….it would be a SAD DAY and a BIG MISTAKE to cut these funds.
Comment by Bonnie Schaller August 8, 2008 @ 2:28 pmYou must keep funding for the Arts. This is a fundamental element of our society and culture.
Comment by Vincent T. Jackson August 8, 2008 @ 2:28 pmAppreciating and participating in cultural and artistic activities can change lives for the better, which in turn changes the community for the better.
Maybe we wouldn’t need so many police officers on the street if more young people had positive ways to express themselves.
Comment by Amelia Miller August 8, 2008 @ 2:28 pmYes, I support funding for the arts. The arts, sports, etc. all combine to make Indianapolis a multi-faceted, interesting place to live. In the long run, a city that is attractive to people will be attractive to businesses as well.
Comment by Don Lathan August 8, 2008 @ 2:31 pmYes, please keep Arts funding in Indianapolis!
Comment by Adam Elkins August 8, 2008 @ 2:33 pmPlease keep arts funding in our parks and other public areas…live music and entertainment is such an important part of what makes our city — any city — special.
Comment by Dave Bagdade August 8, 2008 @ 2:37 pmKeep funding the arts!!! The world would be a dreary place without it!!!
Comment by Kelly Honan August 8, 2008 @ 2:37 pmKeep public funding for the arts!
Comment by Michael Hackett August 8, 2008 @ 2:42 pmFor everybody’s sake, keep the funding for parks and arts. Axing that would degrade the quality of life in this city, at a time when we need to keep the portion of it we still have. I notice, by the way, that even taxpayers who can’t afford football tickets have still had to cough up for a giant stadium so corporados can fete their buds. Sports may constitute an industry and a moneymaker: fine, that base is covered. But life in Indianapolis is not (believe it or not) entirely about that. Residents and visitors need something interesting to experience that’s more about imagination and expression than scoreboards — and government support has a legitimate role to play.
Comment by Barry Childs-Helton August 8, 2008 @ 2:43 pmThe arts have an essential place in any thriving community. If we want to attract new business and new residents, and if we want to keep those who have been vital to our growth as a world-class city, we cannot cut funding of the arts!
Comment by Steve Feldman August 8, 2008 @ 2:46 pmThe answer to the question is simple, why shouldn’t the arts be paid for and supported! The city can find a way to support everything else they want to support. For example the building of a new stadium and let us not forget about the new gambling facilities around the state. If we had people in office who really cared about the budget and taxes they would go after all of those RICH people who haven’t paid property or business tax in years. A special report was conducted by one of the local news channels. Watching made me sick. The state has money waiting to be collect by these people who are allowed to break the law year after year by not paying taxes. GET THE MONEY FROM THEM! Most of them are living the high life in other cities but owe their money to Indiana. Find them, prosecute them, and get the money that the state is owed to pay for what is really needed, like the arts, teachers and education.
Comment by Nicole Powell August 8, 2008 @ 2:48 pmWe must not stop the funding of the arts. It’s too important.
Comment by Richard Spahr August 8, 2008 @ 2:51 pmPlease continue funding the arts! A city as riddled with crime as Indianapolis is right now needs the arts and arts programs more than ever. Art makes our homes more valuable, our city more attractive and a better place to live and visit. A community that values arts programs, public art, museums, galleries & artists also values it’s residents & their quality of life. To reduce or remove public funding for the arts is the same thing as telling the residents of Indianapolis their quality of life doesn’t matter. There is always a compromise when making budget decisions – ask us to help find it.
Comment by Lesley Meier August 8, 2008 @ 2:52 pmHuman history has proven over and over that the arts are essential to the fabric of thriving communities all over the world – how can our local leaders claim that removing their support makes us a better, more productive, and balanced society?
Comment by Susan Britsch August 8, 2008 @ 2:55 pmThe success of a community can be measured by the quality of its artistic life. A vibrant and bold arts scene insures a community against the draining of human resources. It cannot be overstated that people, the creative, professional, wealth creating members of a community who make up the arts’ audience, crave, seek and are proud of the arts in this community and without the presence of the arts, these people will begin to look elsewhere to settle, to travel, to invest. Do not pull the plug on the arts in Indy. It does not serve Indianapolis to be treated like a second-tier town that cannot juggle support for the arts as well as infrastructure. We are bold and brave enough to stand up and act like the cultural destination we are.
Comment by Nicole Cormaci August 8, 2008 @ 3:02 pmPlease keep arts funding
Comment by Heather Stinson August 8, 2008 @ 3:03 pm“Art is the creation of forms symbolic of human feeling.”
– Susanne Langer
Take away the arts, you take away feeling from this City. Please continue funding the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Chad Mills August 8, 2008 @ 3:10 pmART IS THE LAST THING THAT SHOULD BE CUT!
Comment by Jim Landes August 8, 2008 @ 3:11 pmPlease continue public arts funding.
Comment by Victoria Petersen Elia August 8, 2008 @ 3:22 pmplease keep funding for the arts!!
Comment by elyce elder August 8, 2008 @ 3:28 pmPlease maintain funding for the arts at the current level and, when possible, increase it.
Comment by Myrna Gray August 8, 2008 @ 3:35 pmA healthy arts community is a key to economic growth. Look at the list of dying cities today in the news. One of things that keep Indy off the list of those other rust belt cities is a vibrant art and music scene.
Business owners cannot and will not do this alone. Civic events that embrace culture are an endorsement of a better lifestyle that leads visitors, business and new residents here.
Short-sided leaders in other communities have seen the effects that started with budgeting expediency and ended with neighborhood decay, business relocation and closure, and ultimately population decline.
Do not put this great city on that path!
Comment by Don Ames August 8, 2008 @ 3:38 pmWe should not cut the funding of the arts.
Comment by casey roberts August 8, 2008 @ 3:44 pmIt’s too important to the city.
Through my work in the public broadcasting profession and graduate coursework at Butler University, I have grown most fond of the vast array of arts and cultural institutions that call Indianapolis home. My daughter and I regularly enjoy visiting many of Indy’s museums (i.e., Indiana State Museum, Indiana Historical Society, Children’s Museum, and more). In my household, they are exciting educational destinations that only enhance the lives of Indianapolis citizens. Let’s make sure that they continue to receive funding from the local communities that they serve.
Comment by Lori Buchanan August 8, 2008 @ 3:55 pmI would like to see arts funding remain and increase.
Comment by Amalia Howard August 8, 2008 @ 3:57 pmI am a student of the arts at Butler University. Art is my life, and a city without it would be without interest or purpose to me.
There should be more than sports in Indiana — this requires funding for the Arts. The brain drain here is real and debilitating and it’s directly related to the failure to fund innovative arts at significantly high levels. Help us make a place in Indianapolis for people who are not jocks.
Comment by Nina L Ryan August 8, 2008 @ 4:14 pmPLEASE keep funding the arts. The growing music and art scene is huge part of the success of downtown and areas like Fountain Square. Don’t stop progress now.
Comment by Kate Cardwell August 8, 2008 @ 4:14 pmIt’s a shame that the city leaders would rather support groups that make criminals into millionaires at our expense.(Colts-Pacers)
Comment by Steve Dokken August 8, 2008 @ 4:16 pmPlease keep arts funding!
Comment by Lydia August 8, 2008 @ 4:21 pmIf you reduce funding for arts, then fewer people will want to stay in indy:which means less tax money all around.
Comment by Twon Schroeder August 8, 2008 @ 4:29 pmPlease continue to fund the arts.
Comment by Maureen August 8, 2008 @ 4:34 pmWhat are you people thinking? First art and music are all but eliminated in our school system and now you want to do away with it in our communities?? These are a vital part of our expression as a people! A history of or country, and our individuality. A story of freedom, and the first amendment. This idea is not about money, it is about taking our city and state out of any meaningful future. We will lose tourists, and status. This city is NOT all about sports. It is about a diverse citizenry.If anything is going to be done it should be an increase in funding.In the past I have worked with the violin competition, the Lollipop concerts, the fund raisers at the old’ City Market and the extremely difficult task of bringing Channel 20 to our great city. Where would we be without it?? Thank you for giving this issue your full and “undivided” attention!
Comment by Pamela Meyer August 8, 2008 @ 4:39 pmDon’t cut the arts.
Comment by Stephen Ruby August 8, 2008 @ 4:46 pmPlease keep funding for the arts.
Comment by Jon Whitlow August 8, 2008 @ 4:49 pmThank you
If you would stop giving Jim Irsay all of our money then you could afford to do so much more for this city!!! What’s next?
Comment by Craig Nelson August 8, 2008 @ 5:04 pmRidiculous. Why not cut guns instead? No harm in the arts but guns?….
Comment by Cheryl Moreland August 8, 2008 @ 5:05 pmKeep the arts for the kids! (And adults…) There are more important things in this world than sports (in my opinion.)
Comment by Cherish Griffith August 8, 2008 @ 5:07 pmArt is so important to this city and the world!!
Comment by Jennifer Kobylinski August 8, 2008 @ 5:12 pmKeep funding art!
Please keep funding the arts
Comment by Maggie Hist August 8, 2008 @ 5:14 pmArt is important to all of society. How about using your mayoral power to keep our nation out of war, instead of cutting crucial arts programs. How can we grow without an outlook on art?
Comment by Donna Noland August 8, 2008 @ 5:14 pmThe Arts are the cornerstone of any thriving culture and the heart of a vibrant society. We cannot afford any cuts in the Arts anywhere in Indianapolis or the State of Indiana. There are things more sacred than the bottom line.
Comment by Tim Grimm August 8, 2008 @ 5:23 pmyes, please keep the arts venue in the parks. we need more beauty in our lives!
Comment by Tess Baker August 8, 2008 @ 5:25 pmThe arts are our hearts and souls. Please keep.
Comment by Angela Young August 8, 2008 @ 5:28 pmPlease keep funding the arts. We have a good foundation started for elevating Indianapolis to a true world class city. Let’s not lose that momentum. Art/music provides so much more than the facade of culture in a community. Music has proven to be a strong factor in increasing advancement of math and science education. Indianapolis can’t afford not to support the arts.
Comment by Linda Osborne August 8, 2008 @ 5:29 pmPlease keep arts/park funding-we need it!
Comment by Meredith Beck August 8, 2008 @ 5:35 pmPlease, please keep the arts funding at or above its current level. Indianapolis’ vibrant culture, built on the arts, is what makes it the wonderful city it is.
Comment by Megan McKinney August 8, 2008 @ 5:44 pmPlease keep the arts funding.
Comment by Melody Whitlow August 8, 2008 @ 5:52 pmAs it is, Indianapolis provides too little funding for the arts. Last year (before talks of phasing out all funding), Maxwell Anderson, curator of the IMA, had the following to say in a NUVO interview: “But where we [the city government of Indianapolis] don’t seem to show any muscle is in spending money. The total budget for promoting the city is minor compared to other cities.”
The budget was already too low – and now we’re scrapping it altogether.
Comment by David Sledge August 8, 2008 @ 5:52 pmthe Artsgarden and other Arts events in Indy are a huge asset and a very attractive part of our community please do not take that away!
Comment by Hillary August 8, 2008 @ 5:56 pmIndianapolis’s funding commitment for the arts represents a great investment of public dollars. At the current funding level, there does not have to be a choice between basic services and Arts funding. If the city wants to attract businesses and high-caliber employees that will sustain the city’s tax base, it neds to demonstrate its commitment to the community’s quality of life. If not, we shall be on a downward slope that will cause more difficult funding predicaments for years to come.
Comment by Clayton Taylor August 8, 2008 @ 6:09 pmPlease continue funding the arts!
Comment by Kelleen August 8, 2008 @ 6:11 pmYes, please keep the arts funding in place. If anything, cut the funding for military demonstrations and sprots staduims. Arts fight terrorism because they fight fear. Increase the arts!
Comment by Stephen August 8, 2008 @ 6:16 pmPlease support Indianapolis art and artists. We need them.
Comment by Jessica Kramer August 8, 2008 @ 6:24 pmPlease continue funding for the arts in Indianapolis.
Dr. David N. Silk
Comment by David N. Silk Ph.D. August 8, 2008 @ 6:24 pmGreen space and art are important — setting a community apart from less liveable cities. Protect the budget for arts and parks.
Comment by Mary Hardin August 8, 2008 @ 6:35 pmcutting funding for the arts will remove the outreaches we’re able to do in schools. it’s no secret that kids with a community of friends in their hobby stay out of trouble. so the arts *prevent* crime in indianapolis. go kill some road project that doesn’t actually need to happen instead.
Comment by Catharine August 8, 2008 @ 6:37 pmI came to Indianapolis as a very reluctant trailing spouse. Because of the arts, I would not want to leave it.
Comment by Faedra Weiss August 8, 2008 @ 7:02 pmPlease continue arts funding! We want Indianapolis to continue to be considered a 1st class city.
Comment by S. Wernke August 8, 2008 @ 7:04 pmIf you look, you will find many, many reports telling how the arts have directed young people away from violence and tension. Our city’s arts scene and greenways have progressed so much in the past decade. Please keep and increase the funding!!!
Comment by Cathy Krauser August 8, 2008 @ 7:05 pmThe city let a world class ballet company die a few years ago… let’s keep funding for the arts so we can prevent another tragedy like that in the future!
Comment by Anna Dawson August 8, 2008 @ 7:29 pmPlease keep arts funding!!
Comment by Julia Johnston August 8, 2008 @ 7:37 pmThis is truly a travesty if we let our arts program die. What is this world coming to when we start to undervalue creative expression, individualism and beauty? Is everything about making a buck?
Comment by Sarah Wood August 8, 2008 @ 8:04 pmPlease keep the funding for the arts.
Comment by Rebecca Masur August 8, 2008 @ 8:28 pmOne of the things which set Indianapolis apart from other cities is the quality and uniqueness of our art programs. Great performance art institutions, museums, art communities, etc. make this city special and attract businesses and talented and skilled workers to the area; don’t do away with one of our best features, the city needs to grow not fade away.
Comment by Margo Kelly August 8, 2008 @ 8:31 pmPlease retain funding for Indianapolis arts!
Comment by Katherine Rzepka August 8, 2008 @ 8:37 pmVoters ask each council member to continue funding the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Marion Paris August 8, 2008 @ 8:52 pmPLEASE save funding for the arts in Indianapolis (and Indiana)!
Comment by Jonathan David Pittman, Jr. August 8, 2008 @ 9:08 pmPlease continue funding for the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by julie Hudson August 8, 2008 @ 9:25 pmDon’t be a dome head. Keep Arts and Parks!
Comment by Johnandrew Bellner August 8, 2008 @ 10:05 pmThe Arts of Indy are a great attraction for visitors and locals. Don’t stop funding for the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Brandie Unger August 8, 2008 @ 10:12 pmPlease keep funding the arts. The arts are such a powerful and exciting force within our community. Everyone benefits!
Comment by Chip Kalleen August 9, 2008 @ 1:58 amThe arts are what make life worth living- engendering comtemplation, appreciation of human creativity and progress in any community. Indianapolis without its public arts programs will become a poor city indeed.
Comment by Jill Chambers August 9, 2008 @ 2:06 amPlease keep public funding for the arts!! The arts in Indianapolis is what makes us so beautifully and culturally rich. Without it, we’re nothing special. With it, we’re more than a place worth visiting- we’re a place worth staying.
Comment by Susan Moe August 9, 2008 @ 2:32 amThe Arts means many things to many people … Find out ” WHAT INDY ARTS MEANS ” at:
http://www.indyarts.org/whattheartsmean/
Comment by URBANE D'ART / URBANE D'ART KIDS INC. August 9, 2008 @ 3:15 amIf you take away public funding for the arts, I’m moving. It’s one of the few reasons Indy is worth living in.
Comment by Kristin DeMint August 9, 2008 @ 3:20 amYES … Support The ARTS!!! FUND INDY ARTS !!! CONTINUE FUNDING THE ARTS IN INDIANAPOLIS! YES…
Need INFO & Stats: Check Out >>
http://www.indyarts.org/whattheartsmean/
Comment by URBANE D'ART August 9, 2008 @ 3:20 amWe as a city need to increase art funding and increase the amount of public art throughout the city. I’m not in favor of reducing safety or cutting pay rates for emergency response personnel, but when we pay extra taxes to help fund sports facilities, surely something can be done to continue and increase arts funding.
Comment by Evan Wineland August 9, 2008 @ 4:40 amThe Arts are not expendable! The Arts are a reflection of the passions, the politics, and the people of a given moment in the life of a culture. The Arts are an opportunity for communication. They are a window through which we might really see ourselves and explore our feelings and attitudes about the world around us. Through the mutual support of Art and Community legacy is created. Please continue funding the Arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Jen Johansen August 9, 2008 @ 5:02 amYes! The arts are just as important as any other cultural facet. The sciences provide the means for us to live, but the arts give us a reason and purpose!
Comment by Larry Powell August 9, 2008 @ 12:48 pmThe Arts are an important part of our community. Please continue to support the Arts.
Comment by phyllis Munro August 9, 2008 @ 12:54 pmIn our fast-paced/confusing/threatening world, artists, dancers, poets, writers, musicians–all creative men, women, teens, and children–help us interpret and balance what we learn from life. Please don’t minimize or remove those creative talents from our Indianapolis culture.
Comment by Shirley Vogler Meister August 9, 2008 @ 1:25 pmPublic arts are vital to a great city! Please do not cut public arts funding.
Comment by Laura Feldman August 9, 2008 @ 1:59 pmThe arts have made and will continue to make important contributions to the economic and cultural climate of Indianapolis and the state. For each public dollar invested, the arts are estimated to bring a nearly threefold return on this investment; not to mention to aesthetic, social, and intellectual benefits the arts provide to our citizens.
Please support continuing public funding for the arts; it will pay dividends in so many different and important ways.
Stuart Green
Comment by Stuart Green August 9, 2008 @ 2:25 pmIt’s unbelievable that one of the most important aspects of the individual and the community spirit, the city, state, country, and world history –support of THE ARTS– would be taken away. It’s potentially devastating, not only to the tone of the city but to our economy and ability to draw interesting people to visit and live here. Indianapolis has been unique in the country because of its support of the arts. Why on earth would that be reversed and undone?
Comment by Candace Denning August 9, 2008 @ 2:56 pmAs an Art Educator in Indianapolis I feel the ability for my students to see that the city values art is a vital inspiration for kids. Please help save the arts and Parks my inner city students need a refuge!
Comment by Jessica Watson August 9, 2008 @ 3:24 pmPlease keep The Arts funded. . . they are a lifeline for any healthy community.
Comment by Pat Shaurette August 9, 2008 @ 4:10 pmI believe the Arts, in particular local arts, are vital for the Indianapolis community, our culture, and the socialization of our children. The city of Indianapolis needs to continue to support the Arts.
Comment by Jeffrey Locke August 9, 2008 @ 4:12 pmWorking and sports is not all there is to life. The arts is another dimension we all need to experience, as well as, participate in. How can we teach our children to appreciate the arts, get them interested and involved if there are none available? For some, the various arts might be the only thing they are good at and provide them an avenue for creativity which ultimately makes them a better and more rounded individual, not to mention a productive member of society. When it comes to cutting costs I’m not sure of the answer but there has to be other areas.
Comment by Becky August 9, 2008 @ 4:38 pmMany studies have shown that an investement in the arts returns as much as 6 times the investment. Any business person will tell you that to make an investment with this return.
How to raise money: a seat tax on all stadiums funded with at least $1 of public money. Lucas Oil Stadium will have 63,000 seats. A $5 tax raises $315,000 per Colts game. 8 regular season games and 2 preseason games = $3,150,000. This does not include any other events such as NCAA games. High school events could have a reduced tax – maybe a sliding scale based on the ticket price.
Comment by Andrew Ball August 9, 2008 @ 5:43 pmPlease keep the arts funding!!!
Comment by Charlotte Kunz August 9, 2008 @ 6:02 pmSupport for the arts is a valid way to use public funds for economic development. As a non-sports fan who supports public funding to maintain sports an economic development driver, I believe that arts funding is equally important.
Comment by Mark August 9, 2008 @ 6:52 pmPlease keep the arts funding~!
Comment by Raelynn H. August 9, 2008 @ 7:21 pmIndianapolis has started to blossom as a city of culture and arts in the last 10 years – keep the forward motion with funding for the arts!
Comment by Lorrene Buckley August 9, 2008 @ 7:41 pmPlease keep and increae the funding of the arts. The arts benefit us all in ways that are beyond measuring and often are overlooked becasue of this. We need the arts to feed our hearts and souls. The city of Indianapolis has a responsibility to the whole state for partially fullfilling this need in Indiana residents.
Comment by Jennifer Schnepp August 9, 2008 @ 8:01 pmPlease keep arts funding. Indianapolis has grown so much culturally. We cannot go backwards now!
Comment by Lisa Cremer August 9, 2008 @ 8:12 pmThere are responsible and well thought-out ways to cut city spending, I do not believe this is one of them.
Comment by Dorothy Henckel August 9, 2008 @ 8:45 pmWe must keep Indy’s arts funded!
Comment by Robyn McMahon August 9, 2008 @ 9:15 pmKeep the funding……keep it
Comment by T August 9, 2008 @ 10:43 pmKeep the funding!
Comment by Dean Reynolds August 9, 2008 @ 11:08 pmIndianapolis has been striving to create a cosmopolitan image and attract visitors, new residents, and economic development. Sports alone won’t cut it. A vital and diverse cultural fabric is necessary.
Comment by Jude Odell August 10, 2008 @ 12:22 amAs an art instructor with inner-city children, I can say that exposure to the arts not only helps the children, but the city as a whole.
Yes, we need to keep public funding for the arts in Indianapolis. It has been proven that children who are involved in the arts do better in school and stay out of trouble.
Comment by Janet Lahr August 10, 2008 @ 12:27 amPlease keep funding for the arts in our city. We have a thriving and growing arts community. Why should people need to travel to other cities to enjoy something so vital to the human spirit as art? To take away funding for the arts would be to truly kill the human spirit of our city. We need to keep this alive and well in Indianapolis.
Comment by Sarah M. August 10, 2008 @ 12:32 amA healthy community starts with the Arts. Please keep this in mind when it is time to fund the Arts!
Thank you!
Comment by Mark Buselli August 10, 2008 @ 1:25 amArt is the expression of our history and our future hope. Take that away and what’s left? Art Matters! Support it.
Comment by Kory August 10, 2008 @ 2:56 amPlease keep funding for the Arts! Without the arts, we risk loss of the creative minds that find solutions to major social issues that negatively impact us all.
Comment by Eric Sorg August 10, 2008 @ 2:53 pmThe way our city will grow and compete with larger cities is by encouraging and supporting the arts. Culture is IMPORTANT! Please do not cut funding for the arts and parks, they are necessary for a thriving community!!
Comment by Margaret Olsen August 10, 2008 @ 3:25 pmYes, please continue to support Indy Arts.
Comment by Waylon W Werner August 10, 2008 @ 3:41 pmThe arts add such a crucial element to everyone’s life. There should be no question that supporting the arts is necessary.
Comment by Eric Steele August 10, 2008 @ 3:48 pmGo arts in Indy!
Comment by Justin Gutwein August 10, 2008 @ 3:51 pmPlease continue Public funding of the arts.
Comment by Margaret Wiley August 10, 2008 @ 4:03 pmthe arts are not a luxery…they are a necessity!
Comment by sherilyn nott foley August 10, 2008 @ 4:06 pmArts funding brings people and dollars into the city. A lively arts scene makes the city a desirable place to live. Arts funding is not a luxury. It is a necessity. An arts community is one of the main differences between a true vital city and an overgrown village.
Comment by Mary Kenny August 10, 2008 @ 4:20 pmAre you kidding me? Don’t be a typical conservative and cut public funding, especially in the arts! Being the Amateur Sports Capital of the world does not make a cultural city. Indianapolis NEEDS the arts funding, and it NEEDS the government to support the ARTS!!
Comment by Richard Dole August 10, 2008 @ 4:39 pmReducing funding for the arts is simply a short-term reaction without creating a long-term solution to the fiscal issues that our community is facing. Considering the return on investment for every dollar spent on the arts, it would seem irresponsible to reduce what amounts to income for the city. Please help maintain the reputation which Indianapolis has created in the region by continuing the current level of funding for the arts.
Comment by Fritz Bennett August 10, 2008 @ 4:46 pmIf Indianapolis truly wants to live up to is chosen nickname of “A Word Class City”, it’s imperative that funding for the arts is not only sustained, but strengthened.
Comment by Kelly Jordan August 10, 2008 @ 5:02 pmPlease keep the funding for the arts.
Comment by Staci Terrell August 10, 2008 @ 5:04 pmWhen I first had reason to visit Indianapolis 20 years ago, I thought it was a pretty common place. I was apprehensive when I had to move here 10 years ago. The one reason I think this is a great place to live now is because of the ARTS that are everywhere and are promoted. Keep funding for the ARTS. Don’t even think about decreasing support for the Arts.
Comment by Robert Dworschack August 10, 2008 @ 5:15 pmPlease keep and increase funding for the ARTS!
Comment by Ron Lorenzoni August 10, 2008 @ 6:20 pmKeep the funding!
Comment by Brandon Emkes August 10, 2008 @ 8:33 pmI would definitely vote to keep and also increase arts funding!!!!!
The arts provide methods of communication that we can all understand and share, regardless of personal differences. They help to bring communitites together. Indianapolis is on the rise of becoming a great destination for living and traveling in many ways. I think that in order to keep the community alive, we need things like the arts to create the vibrant community atmosphere that Indianapolis claims to have. I believe it does, but you have to continue to feed those things that are growing, you have to be sure to not step out the fire. There are many other great reasons to continue funding the arts, but I could probably write a book about it, so I’ll stop now! 🙂 But please do continue and even increase funding. The rewards will be great!
Comment by Ashley Chandler August 10, 2008 @ 8:37 pmKeep the funding. Then Increase the funding. Its more important to have year round culture than football funding.
Comment by duncan alney August 10, 2008 @ 9:48 pmI support “Saving Indy Arts.”
Comment by Amanda Lawson August 10, 2008 @ 10:35 pmThe arts are an important part of so many lives. And it would be a shame for it to be taken away.
Comment by Maureen Tucker August 10, 2008 @ 11:36 pmWhy take it away completely? Can’t it simply be reduced to .05% or something like that?
I vote to keep the arts an important part of Indianapolis by supporting it with public funds!
Comment by Nina Alles August 11, 2008 @ 1:21 amPlease keep funding for the Arts. It helps prevent crime & is unifying force in our city. It is uplifting & productive.
Comment by Vicky White August 11, 2008 @ 1:33 amPlease keep the arts funded.
Comment by Dane Sauer August 11, 2008 @ 2:10 amYes.
Brandi Eversman
Comment by Brandi Eversman August 11, 2008 @ 2:29 amOur fair city already has the stigma of being culturally behind. Many things have been done to change this…let’s not fall another step behind. I like to see my tax dollars being used for something worthwhile (i.e. education,enviroment,funding the arts). I say go a step ahead and increase the funding!
Comment by gregg kendall August 11, 2008 @ 3:26 amPlease continue to fund the arts in Indy.
Comment by Dori Davis August 11, 2008 @ 4:38 amTo make our city more attractive to business and the world we spend millions on football stadiums and promotions. I would think you can see that the arts also play a vital role in making a city successsful. Please do not cut any funding for the arts in Indy.
Comment by Doug Bell August 11, 2008 @ 5:56 amGo ahead cut funding to the arts, let them be self-supporting, but also cut funding to sports, specially the colts. Lower the taxes that were raised to fund the pacers and colts and return our taxes to pre-market square arena levels. Turn the new stadium into a giant green house and feed the homeless and those living below the poverity line. Lets be fair.
Comment by brad tollefson August 11, 2008 @ 11:26 amPlease keep funding the arts! The arts are essential for the future of our city survival. Please keep funding the arts!
Comment by Ann Elliott August 11, 2008 @ 11:59 amArts funding support from city government is critically important. Don’t cut funding for the arts!
Comment by Matthew McCardle August 11, 2008 @ 12:48 pmPlease keep the funding! The arts affects all demographics and all socio-economic groups. Imagine how many on Indpls inner city youth is off the streets due to arts in Indpls. Lets offer more year round inner city youth programs. The arts increase critical thinking and encourages the youth to something positive for themselves as well as benefiting the community.
Comment by Nic August 11, 2008 @ 1:42 pmCutting funds would do a serious dis-service to Indpls.
Indy’s arts represent our spectacular city on the global map so magnificently that it is Absolutely Essential for our city county government to maintain the $1.5 million currently allocated to this unique work, which spawns far more return to Indianapolis than almost any other public expenditure. This request/plea/demand represents 6 adult votes of responsible taxpayers/property owners in our family unit. Let our voices be heard! Thank you.
Comment by Gary Houdek August 11, 2008 @ 1:52 pmGary and Heliene Houdek, Jason and Elizabeth Houdek, Ryan and Jennifer Houdek
Everybody that comes to Indy raves about our cultural diversity and site seeing opportunities. We need this funding
Comment by Gary L Heskett August 11, 2008 @ 1:57 pmPart of what makes any city unique is its arts culture. Funding the arts would mean a step towards supporting a more diverse, creative, and attractive community–good for business, good for education, and good for the people who call Indianapolis “home”.
Comment by Emily Hansen August 11, 2008 @ 2:08 pmIt is very shortsighted to pull what little funding exists to make our city attractive and desirable for relocations. Surely there is $1.5M in excesses somewhere: perhaps in reducing or removing cars and drivers for elected officials? Consolidating those human resources departments? Chaplains for city workers? I bet if you removed coffee service in city government offices and asked workers to chip in and bring their own, there’s a fair amount right there.
When arguments are made that the private sector can make up the $1.5M in corporate or personal giving, what is never said is that without some seed funding from the public coffers, private money doesn’t come.
And for the record, I am HAPPY to pay a little extra in taxes to keep the amenities that make this city a great place to live. What would that be: $1 or $2 to keep the arts alive? Sign me up!
Comment by Julia Moore August 11, 2008 @ 2:08 pmJohn Gardner in his book On Moral Fiction wrote, “Art begins in a wound, an imperfection—a wound inherent in the nature of life itself—and is an attempt either to learn to live with the wound or heal it.” Art is not frivolity or an “extra”. Art saves lives. Every culture knows this. This is why we support the arts.
Comment by Joanna H. Wos August 11, 2008 @ 2:12 pmThe arts are one of the most critical pieces of the puzzle that push Indianapolis toward the World Class designation that we seek. Try to imagine any city that draws in tourists and citizens alike with under funded art. It just doesn’t happen. We must continue to fund the arts!
Comment by Mary Margaret August 11, 2008 @ 10:21 amPlease keep and/or increase the arts funding in Indianapolis. The arts has become more and more public within the city within the past couple of years. This is what our city and our citizens need to survive and thrive.
Comment by Marti Meeker August 11, 2008 @ 10:23 amPlease please reconsider funding the arts. I am proud of our current arts community and am interested in seeing it expand and in participating in that expansion. I believe it has a huge importance to Indy’s future growth. Art is not just pretty pictures. Arts can be a lifeline to individuals. The hands-on work of art stimulates peoples minds and bodies, provides immediate rewards, energizes people and communities, and encorages new enterprises. Please please reconsider the arts for our city.
Comment by Margaret Dahl August 11, 2008 @ 10:25 amWe need the arts!!! Please continue and expand the funding!!!
Comment by Gale Welch August 11, 2008 @ 10:32 amPlease keep the arts funding!
Comment by Becky Phillips August 11, 2008 @ 11:10 amPlease do not cut funding for arts in Indianapolis. A great city provides arts opportunities both for those who can afford to pay and those who cannot.
Comment by Charles Gardner August 11, 2008 @ 11:38 amPlease keep funding the arts in Indianapolis.
Comment by Marti Meeker August 11, 2008 @ 12:26 pmMarti Meeker
Yeah! We need the arts! Imagine life without it?
Comment by Maddie August 11, 2008 @ 1:07 pmYes!! keep funding the arts! My high school is a very large performing arts school, and we need to keep it that way!
Comment by Jaclyn August 11, 2008 @ 1:15 pmPlease keep funding for the arts!
Comment by J. Nathan Beane August 11, 2008 @ 2:24 pmIf you love Indy support the arts!
Comment by William Potter August 11, 2008 @ 2:45 pmIf we lose funding, it will most certainly make news- and not the kind that Indianapolis wants. This city struggles with an image problem as it is; when you take away arts funding, you’re saying the arts aren’t important or necessary to the vitality of our city. Highly educated workers come to cities where the arts are thriving- just look at Minneapolis. They’ve made the arts a focal point of a city nobody used to go to. If arts funding here in Indianapolis dries up, we’ll be forced to try and find private funding, and that won’t be easy in this economy.
Comment by jan aldridge-clark August 11, 2008 @ 3:02 pmThe character and spirit of a city is defined by how actively it supports creativity. Our community cannot grow in stature and individuality without the encouragement and support of the arts.
Please, support the arts!
Comment by Amy Maidi August 11, 2008 @ 3:29 pmI respectfully ask the Indianapolis City County Council to recommend continued funding for the arts in Indianapolis.
With respect to Councilor Nytes question I offer the following observations to consider as you struggle with the question of funding the arts (These comments are limited to my review of the Executive Summary of the 2008 budget posted on the City Controller’s webpage. I acknowledge these comments are not fully researched and are generally editorial in nature):
* The 2008 City budget includes $8.6 million for township assessor offices. If full property tax reform is implemented as has been suggested these offices would be eliminated and assessment activities would occur at a county level. While it is understood that the County Assessor would require a significant portion of the $8.6 million to complete the tasks formerly done by the township assessors it would be hopeful that at least 10% or nearly $900k could be garnered from the elimination of this duplication in services.
Comment by Randy Jones August 11, 2008 @ 3:29 pm* The 2008 budget for the Election Board appears to have increased by 134% over 2007 and is $3million higher than the last presidential election year, 2004. The Executive Summary of the budget states the Election Board budget is higher to assist with the 2008 election; why wasn’t 2004 this high then? Could an additional $700k be obtained here for arts funding?
* The 2008 budget for County Forensic Sciences has increased $1.1mil over 2007 and is nearly 70% higher than just four years ago. What is driving a $2.5mil increase in this line item over four years? The Executive Summary speaks of an increase in capabilities, but perhaps this deserves a closer look in ’09.
* I do not recommend a reduction of raises for public safety workers as theirs is many times a thankless job. However, it may be time to step back and evaluate what taxpayers are gaining from the incredible increase in public safety spending to ensure the $ are going to the right place (workers in the field; not necessarily more admin type positions). Public Safety and Criminal Justice spending has increased from $420 million in 2004 to $580 million in 2008. That is nearly a 40% increase in spending yet we are inundated with media reports about the steady and alarming increases in violent crime? This may just be sensationalism by local media, but if this spending is intended to have a positive impact shouldn’t we expect a healthy decrease in violent crimes? If not, perhaps we should be evaluating where these dollars are truly going. Simply putting more uniforms on the street is not the complete answer. There have to be opportunities for those in the community to improve their standing and experience success in the community. Funding of the arts is one piece of that puzzle; it’s not the entire answer, but it’s a piece.
Indianapolis has done a great job in past years introducing public art and creating an art community. Please continue funding for the arts! It’s important to those of us who know and love art, it’s important for our children, and it’s important for the economic development of our city!
Comment by Peg Frey August 11, 2008 @ 3:35 pmYes, please keep arts funding.
Comment by Paula Katz August 11, 2008 @ 3:43 pmArts funding from the city government is critical. Please rethink the cuts.
Comment by Sue Ellen August 11, 2008 @ 3:55 pmThe arts is a very important and crucial piece of any society. We must keep the funding!
Comment by Laura August 11, 2008 @ 4:07 pmPlease keep the funding and continue to support the arts in Indianapolis. We are a richer community for it.
Comment by Abby Filter August 11, 2008 @ 4:08 pmSlashing the arts budget by 1/3 is likely to cost more than it will save. Losses to Indianapolis’ budding reputation as world class city, reduced attractiveness to conventions, new businesses and visitors and associated revenues are all costs of reducing the arts budget.
Comment by Larry Gindhart August 11, 2008 @ 4:18 pmPlease do not cut the arts funding. A city that supports the arts supports the city itself. Indianapolis is growing in its ‘world class city’ status because of the arts!
Comment by Andrew Salyer August 11, 2008 @ 4:44 pmArt is not an “extra.” It’s as important as the basics in school and it’s essential to a community — for its citizens and especially for a city that is working so hard to become a convention destination. Our current arts are world-class, yes. They need continual funding, along with new things. PLEASE DO NOT CUT ARTS FUNDING.
Comment by Linda Lazier August 11, 2008 @ 4:57 pmPlease increase funding for the arts!
Comment by Emily Clossin August 11, 2008 @ 5:02 pmFunding for the arts will only serve to increase the inflow of money to our city. It gives visitors and residents alike a pleasent experience and when that happens to people they want to come back, stay longer and spend more. It becomes much more attractive to business and cultural events as well as sporting events. It’s just an all around great thing to have going on. There’s got to be another way to pay for the infrastucture. I would actually like to see the funding increased for the arts. Why not start a voluntary fund . A box on tax returns right next to the political donations box so people could give a couple of bucks to the arts at tax time. This could work.
Comment by Timothy J. Hearn August 11, 2008 @ 5:05 pmEnergy will go one way or the other, creative or destructive. Community arts are one of the greatest deterrents to crime a city can have. New York City is an excellent example and a model to follow.
Comment by Carol Tharp-Perrin August 11, 2008 @ 5:16 pmPlease keep increasing funding for the arts!!!!
Comment by Ellen Fitzgerald August 11, 2008 @ 6:56 pmTry to imagine living in a community without art and culture. Lack of support for the arts will have a ripple effect through the community affecting our ability to attract and retain a workforce, to math and science ranking of our students. Reduction of funding for the arts will be a tremendous loss of the progress that has been made in raising the quality of life in Indianapolis.
Comment by Amy DiStaulo August 11, 2008 @ 9:00 pmFunding for the arts is a must, man cannot live on sports alone.
We must be a well rounded city, take a look at Chicago’s art & music scene. They provide so much culture for their citizens.
Please don’t stop funding the arts!
Comment by Joe O'Connell August 11, 2008 @ 9:12 pmPlease keep funding for the arts!
Comment by Katie Kasper August 11, 2008 @ 10:54 pmArts funding must be a priority for Indianapolis. Please do not eliminate the hard work and funding that has positioned Indy as a community with world class arts and the great contribution to economic development.
Comment by Jim Bodenmiller August 11, 2008 @ 10:58 pmA thriving “World Class” city cannot exist with out the arts. The art community brings so much creativity and diversity that enriches us all. Please do not let funding for the arts evaporate into thin air!
Comment by Scott Schafer August 11, 2008 @ 11:11 pmPlease keep the arts funding. There is no reason why arts should not be supported.
Comment by Lucy Kagan August 11, 2008 @ 11:16 pmPlease keep the arts funding. As a clinical social worker I have used music and art with abused children, troubled teens, adults and older adults. The power of “the arts” is healing and transformative. As an advanced student with intense work loads I have alternated math and research activities with music and play to achieve a phenomenal production rate. Right and left brain activity need to be balanced. Life without the arts is impoverished, barren, and often, mean-spirited. Please keep the arts funding without decrease.
Comment by Donna R. Pittman August 12, 2008 @ 8:28 amAn alive arts community is crucial to quality of life. What good are all the buildings if there is no food for the soul? Excellence in the arts is growing here thanks to devoted individuals who are doing some amazing work and, as it is, are working for very little financial recompense. They need economic support as they strive to reach critical mass and to bring emotional vitality to our city. Let’s not let them down.
Comment by J. Gary Sparks August 12, 2008 @ 11:05 amI love to visit downtown Indy! I enjoy seeing the artwork displayed right there on the street or on a building right in front of me. Please do not cut funding.
Comment by Candace Miller August 12, 2008 @ 11:27 amThe true value of a city is reflected in it’s Art Community and whether it is flourishing.
Comment by Kevin Caraher August 12, 2008 @ 12:09 pmWe cannot afford not to help fund the arts publicly.
Actually the public funding for the Arts should be increased rather than decreased !!!!!
Please continue to support the arts. This city would be a hole with out the arts.
Comment by Portia Graves August 12, 2008 @ 1:20 pmPlease don’t eliminate the financial support of the arts for Indianapolis.
Comment by T.J. Havens August 12, 2008 @ 2:38 pmPlease keep and increase funding for the arts in Indianapolis. Our community will suffer if this critical financial support is taken away.
Comment by Taryn Hartle August 12, 2008 @ 6:32 pmOf course! Without the arts, we would be nothing as a society.
Comment by Melody Moore August 13, 2008 @ 12:47 amThe arts help fight crime by keeping kids involved kids off the streets! Kids need involvement early in life to see how they can grow and achieve, and the arts is an excellent outlet for that!
Comment by Catherine Wade August 13, 2008 @ 8:14 amAs a life long professional in the arts I have witnessed and worked for the city’s transformation through the decades. Community arts are vital to crime prevention. I worked with youth on probation in public arts programs. Our program had a 2% recidivism rate compared to all other probation programs that had well over 50% recidivism rates. In another public arts project, the presence of the Dream Wall mural (and the community involvement that was part of the process of it’s creation) at 40th & Boulevard was documented by the Indianapolis Police Department to have dramatically reduced crime in a neighborhood that had previously been recognized as the highest drug trafficking corner in the city. There are many more examples of community revitalization and community arts crime prevention that I could reference. Our city needs more of such funding to build strong communities and reduce crime. Prevention is highly important and cost effective. Energy will go one way or the other, creative or destructive. Community arts are one of the greatest deterrents to crime that a city can have. New York City is an excellent example and a model to follow. Arts funding is a vital part of ensuring public safety. We should study this carefully and focus funding into the most effective means for prevention and safeguarding our city’s future.
Thank you
Comment by Carol Tharp-Perrin August 13, 2008 @ 11:54 amWe must continue to support the arts. I have lived in a state capital city without public venues for live music, and have often told others how fortunate we are here in Indianapolis.
Comment by Mark Sneegas August 14, 2008 @ 1:03 pmPlease keep the arts funding in Indianapolis. In fact Indianapolis could use an increase in that arena. While $1.5 million seems a considerable amount of money to spend on the arts, Indianapolis is behind. Columbus, Ohio, spent over $4 million last year in that category.
Comment by Catherine August 14, 2008 @ 1:49 pmA City that funds only what they define as “essential services” is not a city I care to reside in. You end up in an efficient community that offers garbage pick-up, street cleaning and parking violation enforcement — not exactly quality-of-life stuff, and nothing to entice newcomers or young people to remain and contribute. I can even see, in the not-distant future, a Downtown that erodes into the decay of the 1970’s without public art and an appreciation of culture. Keep –or increase — Arts funding.
Comment by Rodney August 14, 2008 @ 6:50 pmThe arts are an important part of the economical and cultural health of any city. If anything, I feel Indianapolis could use an increase in that area, rather than a decrease. My family attends far more plays, art exhibits and musical performances every year than sporting events. Please keep arts funding!
Comment by Gretchen Sneegas August 14, 2008 @ 10:40 pmThe arts are – among other things – spiritually and emotionally healing not only for the practioner but for the audience and community as well. Keep arts funding.
Comment by Jeff Grafton August 14, 2008 @ 11:53 pmArts save countless lives. Please fund.
Comment by Lauren Dodge August 15, 2008 @ 12:07 amKeep arts funding for our students!
Comment by Sarah Epplin August 15, 2008 @ 12:39 amPLEASE KEEP ARTS FUNDING
Comment by Danny August 15, 2008 @ 10:06 amThe funding was meager at best and you want to take that away. This is exactly the kind of crap I expect when soulless troglodytes like you take office. Leave the arts funding alone.
Comment by Thomas Brinkley Jr. August 15, 2008 @ 10:14 amAs residents of downtown for 12 years, my husband and I are big supporters with our attendance and donations for art functions–music, gallery openings, festivals–and are thrilled with the Art Council’s displays downtown the past 2 years and this year. Please keep the funding for arts in the budget.
Comment by Twyla Cecil August 15, 2008 @ 10:51 amPlease keep arts funding. Adults and children alike need help becoming more well-rounded people. Please don’t take the city’s help away.
Comment by Angela August 15, 2008 @ 10:52 am“Arts save countless lives. Please fund.
Comment by Lauren Dodge August 15, 2008 @ 12:07 am ”
That might be one of the dumbest things ever mentioned, but the arts do deserve support. With art, Indy blossoms into a burgeoning art mecca with a serious violent crime problem. Voila
Comment by Robert Lewis Stevenson August 15, 2008 @ 11:16 amPlease keep arts funding. Art is an imperative expression of people’s lives and has the potential to bring hope, healing and FULL redemption–through Jesus Christ our LORD–in the midst of brokenness.
Comment by Allison August 15, 2008 @ 12:55 pmThe Arts is a vital part of Indianapolis Culture. It is indeed how so many not only express themselves but also support themselves and the others who depend on them. We must take the steps TODAY that are necessary to preserve this vital part of our Indiana culture and heritage for our tomorrow, or it will become extinct. We must NOT allow that to happen!
Comment by Arthur A. Cantrell, Jr. August 15, 2008 @ 3:21 pmPlease keep the Arts funding.
The vibrant Arts community is one of the things that helps make Indy and especially downtown Indy so attractive.
Comment by Derek Greenamoyer August 15, 2008 @ 6:58 pmThe arts are a vital part of any community’s life. Few investments provide such a rich return relative to the amount of money invested.
Comment by Kathleen Baum August 15, 2008 @ 8:08 pmFunding for the Arts is essential and becoming more prominent in this area of the creative class. It has been documented in thousands of studies what immense positive impact exposure and study of the arts has on almost all other life skills. It has also been documented well that the economic impact of the creative industries is rising to higher levels than most other industries. Please review the Arts & Economics Impact Study by the American for the Arts organization – the numbers are astonishing. Indiana has a rich heritage of the arts and it would be a shame and disservice to our youth to deprive them from the opportunity to learn about and experience the Arts. Funding for public arts activities is CRUCIAL for all industries and the future of the State – please plan with foresight and support the future of economics – THE CREATIVE CLASS>
Comment by Monika Herzig August 16, 2008 @ 12:42 amThank you
Monika Herzig
Arts are an integral part of all communities. To cut funding would be to wound the people. Please do not cut the funding.
Comment by Lawrence Evans August 16, 2008 @ 10:44 amThe arts are vital to our youth and for the livelihood of our artist and musicians. Music is power and is all around us daily. Keep music and the arts alive and continue to inspire talented kids to learn how to perform, read and compose. Support the arts, don’t take it away.
Comment by Rodney Stepp Music Productions August 16, 2008 @ 1:24 pmPlease keep arts funding!
Comment by Shanna Crist August 17, 2008 @ 1:25 pmI feel the arts play a very important and positive part of our communities and must continue to be funded.
Comment by Jame Chantanasombut August 17, 2008 @ 2:16 pmIndy already has a great sports image. Balance that with the fine arts and you will make Indy a really classy thriving city. Fund the public arts and be proud.
Comment by Kent Lockman August 17, 2008 @ 11:08 pmI grew up in an inner city and spent most of my summers at a city park. It gave me an opportunity to learn skills and gave me a wonderful chance to meet children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
Comment by Kate Thedwall August 18, 2008 @ 10:28 amCutting the arts? You will be cutting the life blood of a city.
Do NOT cut arts funding!
Comment by John Ross August 18, 2008 @ 11:47 amThe current thriving arts community in Indianapolis is why I am still living here! I am an artist, and there are so many other amazing art cities, and yet I have chosen to stay in Indianapolis. This is because I believe in its potential. There are so many amazing grass roots arts organizations beginning to come into their own. Some of these are Indianapolis’ main tourist attractions. Please increase art funding, or else the beauty and quality of life in this city will plummet.
Comment by Elizabeth Eisinger August 18, 2008 @ 12:08 pmArt funding is vital to community engagemnet and growth. Cutting it will ultimately result in community implosion. Please do not cut Indy Arts funding! There is no greater investment than in one’s community!
Comment by Jan Sneddon August 18, 2008 @ 6:02 pmPlease keep strong funding for Indianapolis arts! When we moved to Indianpolis 14 years ago we were delighted to find a growing and vibrant arts community and even better a city council that supported the arts. More people participate in the wide array of arts than sports! I have yet to attend a Colts game but several times a month I enjoy music, art, drama and other arts entertainment. Funding cuts will be a set back to the thriving culture that makes Indianapolis attractive.
Comment by Karla Sneegas August 18, 2008 @ 10:40 pmIndy has grown incredibly in the arts area since I moved here 35 years ago. They are the lifeblood of this city and a great draw for those thinking about relocating here. It would be a great mistake to cut funding. We need the arts now even more than ever!
Comment by Carol Ruckle August 19, 2008 @ 1:15 pmAs an economic development professional, I am aware of the impact our investment in the arts, green space and other quailty of life-type amenities has on our ability to attract and expand businesses in this community. If we are going to continue to market Indianapolis as a world-class city, we must continue to publically ($$) support arts, parks and greenways!
Comment by Katie Lineweaver August 20, 2008 @ 12:17 pmMuch of ACI’s budget goes to support organizations like mine (Young Audiences of Indiana) who provide in-school, after-school, and summer programs for at-risk children in Indianapolis. These programs give youth another venue for creative expression, and were recognized by Mayor Peterson as part of the Crime Prevention Task Force. There is a direct link between the arts and crime prevention!
Comment by Shalom Black August 20, 2008 @ 2:09 pmPlease keep funding the arts.
Comment by Emily Stage August 21, 2008 @ 12:46 amTo be a first class city, Indianapolis needs to increse its arts funding. It is a well known fact that to prosper and attract capital and human resources, communities need to provide rich cultural programs. This is no time to go backwards!
Comment by Marta Spence August 21, 2008 @ 10:22 amKeep our arts and increase it’s funding!
Comment by Ashley Jackson August 21, 2008 @ 12:39 pmIf our city can spend $675 million dollars on the Lucas Oil Stadium simply to keep the Colts in our city, we can keep the arts vibrant in our community. It is what makes us a first-rate city. I work in visitor information, and you can’t believe how many people from all over the world are so impressed with the beauty of our city and how cultural it is! The arts are a benefit to all!
Right now the funding received to fund the arts only comes to $2 per person, comparable to a small cup of Starbucks coffee. That is for the whole year! I know Ballard said “no new taxes”. How about an optional tax for those of us who believe that this is a small amount to pay for a huge benefit? A great many of the arts organizations that get funding from the city use these funds to run programs that directly benefit the under served of our city. Many are programs that go into our public schools and supplement what the schools can’t do. This is a classic example of “cutting off your nose to spite your face”. It will result in the need for more funding to boost up public safety because of kids with nothing to do and unsupervised.
Comment by Kate Appel August 22, 2008 @ 11:48 amPlease keep art funding.
Comment by Joy August 23, 2008 @ 12:36 amPlease keep art funding.
Comment by Mirabella Olszewski August 23, 2008 @ 11:38 amLisa Sirkin and her company, Gracie Communications, started this web blog. Both Lisa and her company reside in Hamilton county.
Lisa Sirkin does not pay Marion county taxes, she pays Hamilton county taxes.
However, Lisa Sirkin does get paid by the big well funded arts institutions who are getting Marion county tax dollars. Most of them are clients of her communcations firm.
Lisa Sirkin has absolutely no say in what happens in Marion county government. If she wants to have a say in our city, she needs to pack up and move here and pay our tax bills.
You don’t see me at Hamilton county city council meetings or launching blogs trying to tell Hamilton county how to spend its tax revenue, do you?
Don’t fall for the hysteria she started.
I am the tax activist who led the 2007 property tax protests you saw on the news nearly every week last summer. I am also presenting property tax repeal solutions to the INdiana Senate in September with other activists who have VOLUNTEERED countless hours to our city and state without pay.
I am also an art collector and have produced art events including a huge arts ball in 2004 that drew international art entries, guests from both coasts, provided entertainment on three floors of a national historic landmark, and peronsally gave $1000 in prizes to two LOCAL artists. I did this without public funding. I know a whole lot about what I’m talking about.
I combed every detail of the arts council’s IRS financial statement and found some disturbing information that points to self dealing of our money by arts insiders…some of whom don’t live in Marion county.
Read HOOSIERS FOR FAIR TAXATION to learn the truth about how who gets your arts dollars and why they started the hysteria and want you to believe the lie that there will be no art in Indy with Marion county tax dollars.
Comment by Melyssa August 28, 2008 @ 12:23 pmAs a dance educator and artist, i can not express how important it is that we continue to have public funding for the arts. Please do not take this away from the community!
Comment by Melissa McInnis September 2, 2008 @ 8:18 amThe Arts crosses boundaries and connects the community. Keep public funding
Comment by Kristine Lemke September 3, 2008 @ 12:48 pmI’ve been working with students in the Phillips Music Guild for eight years, and I’m so sad to see arts funding continue to decrease. The kids I work with love music so much, and it’s a shame that they can no longer get the instruments, music, stands, or practice time they need in class.
Comment by Angela Werle December 11, 2008 @ 11:44 pmyes KEEP FUNDING FOR THE ART!
THANKS
Comment by Mel February 10, 2009 @ 10:59 pmYes, This should not be any question. In fact I am writing my college paper on why it shouldn’t be cut. This funding is far more important than those paper pushers up at the capital think. They are making a HUGE mistake and will soon see a bigger economic downturn when it is put into affect.
Comment by mike April 16, 2009 @ 6:04 pmi would alway prefer hotel rooms with flannel sheets and cotton beddings, i love the feel of those fabric `’:
Comment by Amp Accessories December 2, 2010 @ 7:17 amgetting a masters degree is of course necessary if you want a wage increase and improvement in your career ,*~
Comment by Inflatable Bed December 2, 2010 @ 8:52 amthe public schools on our district can really give some good education to young kids. they have high standards :’.
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