A small name change can go a long
The Arts Federation New brand better reflects organization's mission and focus BY CINDY GERLACH PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PETKOV
way. For The Arts Federation — known locally as TAF — the removal of Tippecanoe actually means more gains than losses. Tetia Lee, TAF executive director, says the name has always caused a little bit of confusion. People have been known to refer to “Taft,” she says. Or when she’s out in the field, working with artists in other counties, the Tippecanoe label seemed to fall a little flat. Because as a Regional Arts Partner of the Indiana Arts Commission, TAF serves more than half a million residents in a 14-county area in north-central Indiana, the largest geographic area in the state. It’s much more than Tippecanoe County, and the time had come for the name to truly reflect that. Thus with this rebranding, The Arts Federation helps to more accurately represent the counties represented by Region 4. Since 1997, TAF has provided support for artists and is the umbrella organization for more than 200 different member organizations. This encompasses everything from vocal and instrumental music organizations — large established ones such as the Wabash Valley Youth Symphony, or smaller ones like the Jazz Club — as well as individual artists — painters, sculptors, weavers or writers. Even performance venues such as the Long Center for the Performing Arts are members, using TAF services to help them network and reach their audience, or expand to a new one. TAF provides a physical home for those groups who need it, in their newly renovated facility, the Wells Community Cultural Center on North Street in downtown Lafayette. The
COLLAGE PHOTOS PROVIDED
16 GREATER LAFAYETTE MAGAZINE
GREATER LAFAYETTE MAGAZINE 17
