INDIANAPOLIS — The Arts Council of Indianapolis hosted its 24th annual Start With Art Luncheon Friday at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown’s Grand Ballroom.
”Today we are going to celebrate ‘every little bit,’”said Dave Lawrence, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Arts Council. “For non-profit arts organizations, each and everybit makes a difference. It isn’t just the artists and art administrators that make it happen each day at arts organizations, big and small, it’s also the volunteers that make our arts community so extraordinary. We are here to thank (the volunteers) for their contributions and their gifts of time, talent, and treasures to the arts.”
The motto for the Arts Council this year is “EveryLittle Bit Makes a Difference.”The event also acted as the kick-off to the arts season in Indianapolis.
Among those on hand at the luncheon was Mayor Greg Ballard.
”I am particularly fond of this year’s theme that is ‘Every Little Bit Makes a Difference’because it does,” Ballard said. “It is so true for our community and for the character of Indianapolis. We are a city that recognizes what we can accomplish collectively by pitching in.”
This year, Ballard budgeted $1 million for the arts, as well as setting aside $300,000 in funding from the CIB.
”When it comes to the arts, sometimes people are surprised to hear the difference it makes when we support the arts through events like this luncheon and the Penrod Arts Fair next Saturday,” he said. “It goes on and on. Every day and week, something is going on in this city.”
Ballard said Indianapolis is positioned to become a leader on the international stage. As an example, he named the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis that runs Sept. 10 to 26. Of the 40 finalists in this year’s competition, two are from Indianapolis.
Gary Schahet of Schahet Hotels is serving as the 2010 Start with Art corporate chair.
”Year after year, the arts continue to help our entire community,” Schahet said. “The arts community, the arts council, and all of the arts around Indianapolis help the community to grow and prosper, financially and intellectually.
”Each year, over $468 million of economic activity is created by the arts. This translates into over 15,000 full-time jobs and $52 million in state and local revenues.”
For more information about the Arts Council of Indianapolis, visit the website at www.indyarts.org.
ryan.palencer@flyergroup.com
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