Re-imagining Community through International Contemporary Art - Phase 2

 

The second part of the IMA initiative addresses how to create the additional building blocks of an art destination in our community, to effect lasting cultural and creative change. Creating a permanent and dedicated artist studio center and professional gallery exhibition space downtown, in proximity and connect to the new art museum, would draw new artists to the community as well as offer some current local artists the opportunity to thrive. The studio center would consist of roughly 24 subsidized artists live -work spaces as well as a professional gallery exhibition and retail space on the first floor.

 

 One of the casualties of metropolitan gentrification are affordable housing and studio space for artists. Indianapolis’s loss can be Logansport’s gain. There’s a present need for affordable live-work spaces that rural cities such as Logansport can fill. Small rural cities stand to benefit from an influx of creative, energetic individuals, who often bring a wealth of educational, cultural and economic opportunities typically associated with urban cities and suburbs. Rural downtowns historically served the retail needs of those communities. By the early 1970’s prominent national and regional retail stores left downtown districts, favoring malls, and independent retailers struggled. The result was a hollowed out downtown, vacant storefronts, and creeping blight. Logansport is seeing a revitalization of its downtown, led by independent businesses, but many of the large, multi-story buildings remain blighted as renovation costs are excessive for independent start-ups. Repurposing those buildings as artists' colonies is economically viable because young artists often qualify for housing subsidies. By providing subsidized (i.e., Section 8) live-work spaces, smaller communities can leverage the economically displaced artists to revitalize downtown buildings, harness the creative energy of their new residents and enhance their cultural landscape. Artists contribute to the community by opening galleries, participating in local events, and generally enriching the community’s social fabric. They bring diversity and creativity, often leading to the establishment of new cultural institutions, art festivals, and public art installations. These cultural activities not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also attract visitors who patronize local business. Vibrant rural communities become attractive options for potential new residents. Smaller communities offer working artists a more supportive environment, where they can afford to live and work, collaborate with other artists, and engage with the community. The slower pace and lower cost of living in these towns allow artists to focus on their work without the constant pressure of financial instability.

 

Dedicated artist live-work spaces with connected curated gallery spaces can serve as a catalyst for creating a thriving creative community hub. In the shadow of a new international museum, these spaces can become focal points for cultural exchange and artistic growth. Such an environment encourages collaboration and innovation, accelerating the growth of the local arts scene and fostering interconnectedness within the community. The presence of a curated gallery space allows artists to exhibit their work locally, gaining exposure and recognition while enriching the cultural offerings of the community. This symbiotic relationship between artists and the community can lead to a more dynamic, inclusive, and economically vibrant local culture.