ARTS Strategies For Art Connecting to Culture “Culture is not only beneficial to cities; in a deeper sense, it’s what cities are for, a city without poets, painters and photographers is sterile.” -Rebecca Solnit, Author Recently, there is a growing recognition of the important role that cultural activity plays in people’s lives. Culture represents the connectivity through the arts that influences the way we speak, and dance, what we wear, and how we walk. Every community has its own cultural identity, a shared history and its own traditions. This cultural identity is tied strongly to an individual’s sense of engagement, belonging, understanding and an appreciation for a specific place. In Broad Ripple Park, art can be used to connect with and to reflect the culture of the community. This can be achieved in several ways: • Enhanced cultural and performing arts-based programming and classes. These programs need to focus on cultural and emotional expression as the heart of performing arts. • Family oriented public art performances (dance, poetry or music) should be encouraged throughout the park. • Public performances and activities allow a community to enhance its cultural identity and to learn about other cultures. • Public performances should include performances by a variety of local institutions, large and small (Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Opera, and the Arts Council of Indianapolis) • A partnership with the Indianapolis Art Center could facilitate an “art exchange” whereby art pieces could alternate between the two locations. This partnership will allow for frequent changes in the art installations and provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with Indianapolis Art Center employees and students. • Artists creating the art installations and doing performances could be both locally based and from around the county. This will help to provide a broad perspective to the art included in the park. • Both experienced professional performances and Pop-Up performances by visitors to the park should be encouraged. • Spontaneous activities that generate and help to create a culture.
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