From Carter Wolf, President & CEO of the Indianapolis Art Center
September is the beginning of the fiscal and organizational year for the Art Center. As with January 1, it’s a good time for reflecting on where we are and thinking about where we are going. The Board of Directors is implementing a three year plan that focuses on several areas including our fiscal health and reviewing programs and physical space in our wonderful (but fourteen year old) building. The plan is also looking at our identity in respect to landmarking the College/67th Street intersection and our accessibility by a greater segment of the Central Indiana population. So what does all that look like?
The impact of the economy has had a big effect on all organizations and we are no exception. We are now living with a smaller annual budget and have made cuts in every category except programs. To strengthen our financial situation we will look at many sources including growing our base of members, students and annual donors. We need to build reserves for both economic downturns and wear and tear of our grounds and facility.
As wonderful as our building is, it is invisible and unknown to the thousands of people in other parts of the city and even those who drive by on College Ave. Landmarking would mean a gateway or significant piece of art so that everyone would easily know we are here.
After fourteen years our two facilities have a few growing pains. We desperately need space to expand digital arts. Glass and ceramics both need more elbow room as does the ever present issue of storage space. The east entrance never was completely finished (note the temporary concrete on the sculpture courtyard) and our goal is to make that entrance more inviting to visitors from both the Monon Trail and east lot.
What do we mean by accessibility? Of course we mean those with physical disabilities and a diverse constituency. We would also like to be more accessible to those who live in outlying areas of our communities, possibly with satellite classes. We also mean those from working families who want classes but simply can not afford them.
When we get into all the work plans included in above it will mean several years and additional funding. But they are doable plans with valid outcomes. We have been here 76 years because we serve the community and it is the community that we need to make change possible.
The IAC is such an under-recognized organization in our city. It is my favorite gallery to walk through on a moment’s notice and have always felt it was too tucked away from passing traffic. I’m glad to see the visibility of the building being addressed and I’m sure it will reap great rewards.