Daniels would gut arts spending (01/29/2009)

Indiana already ranks 37th out of the 50 states. But if Gov. Mitch Daniels has his way, we'll soon be in 48th place.

The governor, pitching his first draft of a biennial budget has taken a cleaver to state funding for the arts.

Currently the state spends 63 cents per capita for the arts. The governor's proposal would cut that to about 32 cents.

The national average? $1.18 per capita.

Why target the arts? Apparently because the governor views the arts as a frill.

Are they? We don't think so.

Indiana has almost 9,000 arts-related businesses, employing about 54,000 people.

Each year, more people visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art than attend a season's worth of home games by the Indianapolis Colts. And that's just one arts institution in a state which has hundreds.

Locally, a cut in Indiana Arts Commission support for Arts Place at the degree proposed by the governor would cost two or more jobs.

More importantly, when industry looks at making investment in expansion or new plants, quality of life is a key factor. Companies want to locate and expand in communities and states that have a vibrant cultural life.

Ask yourself this, Gov. Daniels, if you were an executive looking at Indiana, what message would be delivered by a 48th out of 50 ranking in state support for the arts?

Our guess is you'd look elsewhere, searching for a state whose elected leaders had greater vision. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]