PCRD

Indiana Arts Commissions Implements New Regional Block Grant Funding Plan

The Indiana Arts Commission announced the implementation of a new regional funding formula designed to more equitable distribute public arts funding throughout the state. “This new funding formula was developed with the input of all 12 of our Regional Arts Partners, and represents their joint recommendations,” explained Lewis C. Ricci, IAC Executive Director. “The purpose was to adjust our regional block grant distributions in such a way to more fairly reflect the geographic size and population of each region, as well as its unique cultural needs.”

Recommended jointly by the 12 Regional Arts Partners and ratified by the Indiana Arts Commission at its June meeting in Fort Wayne, the new funding formula is almost totally based on region population as documented by the U.S. Census. The resulting formula will be applied each year based on available state funding for the Regional Block Grant. The new regional funding will be introduced in stages to allow for a period of budget adjustment. Fifty percent of the funding change will occur in Fiscal Year 2010, with 100 percent of the change taking place in Fiscal Year 2011. For more information on the Regional Block Grant revisions go here .

Posted by Don Koverman

Norbert Krapf Chosen As New State Poet Laureate

Poet Norbert Krapf has been chosen as Indiana's new Poet Laureate.  Krapf is a native of Jasper, Indiana and a graduate of St. Joseph's College, Rensselaer Indiana.  He received his M.A. and Ph.D in English from University of Notre Dame.  Dr. Krapf was chosen from a field of 19 poets nominated earlier this year for the two-year appointment.  Krapf was the choice by the Poet Laureate Committee comprised of faculty  representing eight Indiana higher education institutions including: Purdue University, Ball State, Indiana University, Valparaiso, DePauw, ISU, Butler University and the University of Southern Indiana.  For more information go here.

The arts and culture are often overlooked in regional development planning. The State of Michigan is paying attention to this aspect of community. Here is their plan for Cultural Economic Development.

Posted by Don Koverman

Applications for the “Presenters Touring Program” Now Open

Posted by Don Koverman

The Indiana Arts Commission recently announced that applications for the "Presenters Touring Program" are now available for submission.  The Presenter Touring Program was developed to assist Indiana Presenters presenting Indiana artist/ensembles and Indiana producers tour Indiana communities.  Artists must be Indiana residents or employed in an arts organization based in Indiana.  The emphasis will be on reaching rural audiences.  Applications are due August 1, and November 3, 2008 by 4:30 pm. EDT.  For more information go to here.