Aug 06 2008
Indy Needs Public Art
Lisa Sirkin wrote the blog I meant to write. In response to the Mayor’s proposal to cut funding for the arts she said: For a world-class city such as Indianapolis, I find this unacceptable. To that end, she has created SaveIndyArts which includes a petition. Her goal, to generate 1,000 responses. In just a few days, she has already generated 1/2 of what she was hoping for.
And I think it is worth doing.
The tax base is generated by companies and individuals who chose to live and work here.
The arts do more then improve the quality of life in the city. A vibrant arts community gives us a competitive edge when competing for the best talent, and corporate expansion. Attracting the very people who will help us expand our tax base.
In addition, the arts typically generate more in revenue and taxes then they accept in subsidies. If you read the IBJ article, what you discover is the programs at risk are youth program, designed to introduce our children to the arts.
Some of this boils down to what type of city we want. The culturally dead naptown of the 80’s or the vibrant Indy of today. My vote:
Vote yes for the arts. Vote yes for our quality of life, and the health of our community. Go to: SaveIndyArts to voice your support!
