Learning from Northern Cali
Everyone knows that a strong cultural community is a positive thing. They know intuitively that communities that have a wide range of creative and entertainment based opportunities for its citizens are better off than communities that have little. This is because most people enjoy the arts and the fruits of artists of all mediums.
Indianapolis has suffered a drain of creative youth and young adults for decades. The rural nature of most of the state and conservative values found therein are often restrictive to more outlandish personalities (I can speak to this personally). Since these unique individuals are often the most creative and therefore most economically vital (see Rise of the Creative Class), everyone in Indiana should consider what can be done to bolster our creative empire.
To find an example to emulate we need look no further than San Fran and the Bay Area in general. I know some readers will sigh when this area is brought up, seeing the city and it surrounding boroughs as morally corrupt. I contend that most of these people learned to think this way from Fox News, and so I ask them now, what part of the following attributes which contribute to the Bay Area's economic development seems unjust or immoral:
1.A liberal legal environment that allows the greatest personal freedom possible.
2.Subsidized college education for residents
3.Broad sweeping social programs to aide the poor and downtrodden
4.Serious social buy-in to municipalities and public works resulting in easy, safe and affordable mass-transit
5.Continual social involvement in politics, media and the green movement
6.An awareness of the importance of and public support of recycling and waste reduction.
I know that these attributes did not develop in a vacuum and that the community didn't really just decide on making their culture more accepting and social. Sizing up our own situation is different than the environment that gave rise to the creative powerhouse that San Fran is today. We face a chicken and the egg scenario. Did San Fran develop this outlook because positive growth allowed them to do so, or did this outlook allow them the positive growth?
Whatever the answer, Indy needs to buck up and start reevaluating how it approaches social development. By studying what has been accomplished in other places, we can reasonably expect a brighter future. This requires that everyone seek to be more inclusive, to support the arts, to recycle and contribute in any way possible to the solidarity and acceptance of our diverse community. In the end it doesn't matter if we have the egg or chicken, just as long as we have one or the other.
Art, Culture, Music, cultural development, the arts, diversity, development, economy
kimikokopuffs : RE: Learning from Northern Cali More..
It's apathy, Doug. There is an undercurrent of creativity, even in the slums. We, here in Indy, don't see the beauty around us. And I don't know if it's something that can be taught or learned or anything like that. Initiatives help. Awareness, public art, public works, social assistance all help. But underneath it all, these are people who WANT the change. Indy doesn't. I mean, a lot of us do. That's without question, but it's a monumental battle that is nothing but frustrating to those that embrace that kind of change. And that's why so many people give up and leave. If you are a college kid with nothing but family and the hometown you grew up in holding you here in Indiana, why would you stay?
doug.hineline : RE: Learning from Northern Cali More..
Exactly and that was the point I was trying to make. Indy has all of the facilities and a large enough community to make a really awesome hot spot for creative enterprise. If we could capture the energy of other more creative markets, it would mean more than just some art in public places. Usually tech firms rellocate to areas with strong cultural/creative/diverse communities. Many other companies do the same. That means more jobs for creative people. You see where it goes, it is self-fulfilling to seek this kind of development.
Something I thought about after I wrote this is that we should encourage everyone in Indy to start buying the artwork of local artists. That is the first and most obvious way to help. And start showing up for gallery openings, concerts and other local creative venues.
I think creative people are already supporting these artsy things or at least I try to get my friends out to do some of these things with me when I remember to share. It's a matter of converting the people who don't already do these things, letting them know that it really is worth leaving the TV for a night to drive to see an artist or play on Mass. Ave. or other events at the Art Museum or IMOCA or Art Center or any of the other galleries. I see these people when I go to First Friday and other art-related events around town. Just always the same people. :)
doug.hineline : RE: Learning from Northern Cali More..
Ya RBinIndy. The needed effort is a wide scale change in attitude for the general population not the people already in the scene. I have a distinct feeling that our cultural environment problem might be related to the adult obesity problem as well. I mean, if people got off the couch and walked around Mass Ave. on First Friday, it might mean less fat people.
kimikokopuffs : RE: Learning from Northern Cali More..
Does it have anything to do with the median income in the city as well? I mean, I would LOVE to go to more cultural events. If money were no object, I'd be at plays and live music shows every week. The art stuff (openings, First Fridays, etc) are usually free, but then I want to buy something and know that I could never afford it. I can afford a one-in-awhile event, like Tonic Ball or something, but really, I'm lucky if I make it to one theater/live music event every quarter. Sad, but true. I simply can't afford it.
doug.hineline : RE: Learning from Northern Cali More..
Ya, Kimiko, but then again that is part and parcel to the original problem of lack of participation. If promoters could plan on a certain threshold of attendees, then they could set door prices lower (in most cases). Since promoters are lucky to get participation at all, they have to charge a hefty door to recoup cost. Sad but true, even art is subject to the market and frankly our market sucks.
It's as though the status quo in Indiana are afraid to be seen near anything truly liberal. The income of average family is also a real factor hindering most. I know I can't afford to attend all the events I'd like to,everything adds up so fast.I can see why truly creative young folks are leaving Indiana.I stayed away a couple of decades.There is minimal social involvement in politics, media and the green movement.The Indiana forrests are almost gone and we keep hacking away even more.I agree with you.I'd need a visit to Humbolt County.
randydaytona : RE: Learning from Northern Cali More..
"A liberal legal environment that allows the greatest personal freedom possible."
LOL, that's a joke! Liberals that want everyone to have personal freedom?!? The liberals want the government running your life for you because they don't think you can handle it.
P.S. The "arts" are a complete joke/waste of time and money. If you want to do that in your free time, do it, but do it with out the governments help.
doug.hineline : RE: Learning from Northern Cali More..
Randy, you take a very myopic viewpoint you know...
First off, liberal can be a position rather than a party and calling the arts a joke is just silly. Cultural development means more than gallery openings. It is a fact that communities with awesome cultural resources are often the ones with the best job markets and economies.
I too am a person who wants less government, but on the federal level. States and local municipalities are the ones that should help the people, but in proportion to the desires of their constituents.
A side note: If you consider yourself conservative in today's political environment, and you support the views of the republican party, then you are closer to a fascist than anything else. I assume you consider yourself a libertarian, and if so I forgive you for jumping to conclusions about the term 'liberal.'
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