In an opinion article in Sunday’s (7/18) Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Simon Crookall writes, “Nearly 30,000 people attended the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s July 4 concerts at Marsh Symphony on the Prairie, and more than 10,000 visited the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in its opening weekend. Numbers like these speak for themselves: It is clear that the people of Indianapolis have tremendous enthusiasm and pride for the arts. When we take into account the range and diversity of arts activity in the city year round, it is easy to see why Indianapolis is becoming known for its culture as much as it is for its incredible sports teams. … Our arts organizations contribute significantly to Indianapolis’ vibrant community, but we cannot expect these institutions to thrive without a much more secure basis for support in the future. Lilly Endowment Inc. has given extraordinary support to the city—especially the arts—as have many other private foundations and individuals. But the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana are among the lowest contributors to the arts among their peers. Columbus, Ohio, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and many other major American cities understand the importance of the arts and make significant investments to ensure their future vibrancy.”
Posted July 22, 2010
