Message from the Executive Director
Let's Resolve to Make 2013 an Artful, and Art-filled Year in Indiana
Holiday greetings from the Indiana Arts Commission! On behalf of the staff and our 15 Commissioners, I want to first of all thank you for supporting the arts in Indiana this past year, and encourage your continued support into 2013.
To begin a new year, we extend a welcome to our newly elected Governor Mike Pence, Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann, as well as freshman and returning legislators. We look forward to working side by side to advance the arts in Indiana. We are particularly excited to know our in-coming First Lady is a professional watercolor artist, and our Lt. Governor-elect had first-hand experience with music education.
Through determined leadership and sacrifice, Indiana has emerged from a recession in a much stronger position than many other states. According to a recent study by Indiana University, employment in the arts, entertainment and recreation sectors remained stable during times when overall employment in Indiana decreased, and then rebounded more quickly than other sectors during our economic recovery. These jobs not only make significant contributions to the state's economy, but also appear to weather economic changes better than many other industries.
According to national economic research by Americans for the Arts, nearly 53,000 Hoosiers were employed, full-time, in arts-related jobs in 2011, an increase of 5,700 since 2010. The same study reported 13,570 arts-related businesses call Indiana home. Each of these businesses and these Hoosier workers support families and contribute to the local, state, and national economy and tax base.
The arts are a critical element to help us see not only who we are but what we are capable of being. The arts may help us be better human beings, but they also help strengthen our schools, our workplaces, and our communities. This creative economy, fueled by the arts, helps our communities and state attract the very best and brightest creative thinkers and entrepreneurs.
Thank you for another great, artistic and creative year in Indiana. We eagerly await what 2013 has in store, and the Indiana Arts Commission resolves to provide opportunities for Indiana artists, arts organizations, cultural program providers, and communities embracing the arts and their potential to help make Indiana an even greater place to live and work.
All the best,
Lewis
