Indiana ranks 35th nationwide when it comes to public funding for the arts

According to a recent press release, the Indiana Arts Commission says Indiana's per capita arts funding has decreased from $0.64 in FY2002 to $0.58. A national research study last year reported that Indiana is home to more than 8,000 arts-related businesses, which employ more than 50,000 Hoosiers.

"The Indiana Arts Commission, along with other state arts agencies, has experienced budget reductions since FY2002," noted Dorothy L. Ilgen, executive director of the IAC. "Our state's per capita arts funding has decreased from $0.64 in FY2002 to $0.58. We hope that as Indiana's fiscal situation improves, funding for the arts will also grow. The arts have proven to not only be a successful economic development tool, but represent a significant contributor to job creation and retention in Indiana."

Ms. Ilgen points to a national research study by Americans for the Arts (AFTA) which last year reported more than 8,000 arts-related businesses in Indiana employ 50,482 Hoosiers.

"Through its grant programs, the Indiana Arts Commission invests public resources into programming by major arts organizations such as the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Eiteljorg Museum, and Indianapolis Arts Center which in turn have been vital in attracting cultural tourists and business investment in Indiana," Ilgen said. "The IAC's Regional Arts Partners are accomplishing the same goals at the regional level as communities from Hammond to Rising Sun realize the arts can and do play a significant role in their economic and community development efforts. At 58-cents per person, this is quite a return on investment."