Why Supporting Homegrown Talent Matters

4/29/2025 12AM

"Caminos/Pathways" by choreographer Iris Rosa Santiago was among the winning projects unveiled at the 2024 New Works Premiere Performances. The 2025 event takes place May 31 at the Tarkington.

The Importance of Local Artists and Community Culture

 

Local painters, musicians, dancers and craftspeople do more than add color to their neighborhoods; they tell the stories that define where we live. When we stand behind artists rooted in our own communities, we help preserve distinctive customs, elevate economic vibrancy and encourage open conversation. By purchasing tickets, sharing posts or buying artwork, each of us can make a meaningful contribution to our community.

 

Let’s explore the importance of local art and how we can support local artists.

 

Why Local Art Matters

 

Preserving a Community’s Cultural Heart

 

Many individuals look for a sense of authenticity in a world often saturated with mass-produced goods and content. Local creators offer work that resonates with their hometown’s unique experiences, drawing on shared history, regional traditions and everyday sights.

 

Local art helps preserve a community’s cultural heart by:

• Reflecting local values: Paintings, sculptures and performances capture the spirit of an area’s history and character.
• Instilling hometown pride: When people see artwork that highlights local landmarks and cultural references, they feel an immediate connection to their roots.
• Safeguarding traditions: As local artists pass down skills to emerging talent, they help keep art forms and folklore alive.

 

Cultural identity thrives when we choose to celebrate the people who shape it, and local art is a key element in preserving that identity for generations to come.

 

Boosting Economic Vitality Through Art

 

Embracing community-based arts can generate a dynamic economic ripple effect. Local businesses, from corner cafés to neighborhood theaters, often see an increase in clientele when vibrant exhibitions and performances draw in residents and travelers.

 

Local art helps drive economic growth through:

• Foot traffic: People attending gallery openings, workshops or concerts visit nearby restaurants and shops.
• Job creation: An active arts scene requires venue operators, stage crews, marketing professionals and more.
• Strong partnerships: Collaborations between local artists and small businesses spur fresh concepts that improve a town’s overall appeal.

 

Every purchase of a handcrafted item or ticket to a performance contributes directly to the community’s well-being and fosters more opportunities for future artists.

 

Inspiring the Next Wave of Creatives

 

Children and young adults who see local artists succeed are more inclined to follow in those footsteps. When established painters, writers, or dancers mentor novices, they pass along essential techniques and a powerful belief that creative careers are within reach. This sharing can happen in several ways:

• Open-door mentorships: In-person workshops let budding creators learn directly from pros.
• Youth programs: Classes and summer camps introduce students to music, painting, digital art and other forms of expression.
• Intergenerational exchange: Veteran artists benefit from the fresh viewpoints of today’s youth, and young people gain from the wisdom of more experienced community members.

 

By investing in tomorrow’s talent, we create a living tapestry of culture that continues to evolve.

 

Encouraging Dialogue and Understanding

 

Local art has the power to drive conversation about social issues, personal experiences, and unexplored perspectives. Performances and exhibits often address themes that individuals otherwise may not discuss in everyday life, such as:

• Shared experiences: Audiences frequently recognize their own emotions and stories in creative works, which promotes empathy.
• Community forums: Post-show talkbacks, speaker panels and casual gatherings enable people to exchange ideas and viewpoints.
• Inclusion: Artists from diverse backgrounds expand cultural awareness and improve representation in the local arts scene.

 

By provoking thoughtful discussions, homegrown artists remind us that our differences can bring us closer together.

 

Spotlight: New Works Premiere Performances at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts

 

A prime example of uplifting local artists is happening May 31 at Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts. This event will feature a range of innovative dance pieces, musical scores and poetry.

 

Now in its fourth season, New Works: An Arts Commission Project promotes and sustains central Indiana’s working artists and arts communities in an inclusive way by supporting the creation of new works across all performing arts disciplines. Experience three winning performing arts presentations on stage at the Tarkington, with a talkback discussion following the performances. You’ll also get to witness the public unveiling of this year’s winning visual arts proposal.

 

Don’t wait — get your tickets today!

 

Simple Ways to Stand Behind Local Art

 

Showing solidarity with nearby creators doesn’t require large donations or grand gestures. Even small acts can have a measurable effect:

• Attend local showcases: Explore small venues, outdoor fairs and alternative art spaces.
• Buy locally crafted goods: Swap mass-produced prints for original or limited-edition pieces.
• Spread the word: Use social media or invite friends and colleagues to see a local band or visit a gallery opening.
• Contribute to arts organizations: Memberships and donations help pay for supplies, training and event space.

 

By engaging in any of these activities, you help strengthen the cultural fabric that defines where we live.

 

Backing local artists involves more than art appreciation. When we express gratitude for homegrown creations, we invest in our community’s cultural identity, economic stability and future innovation. We share resources, champion local voices and shape a place where creative spirits thrive.

 

Choosing to participate in events such as the New Works Premiere Performances on May 31 is a direct way to uphold these values. Your curiosity, attendance and promotion all matter. By aligning with hometown innovators, you help nourish a shared sense of belonging, one that grows stronger with every brushstroke and every stage performance. And that is the power of local art.

 

Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization that aims to engage and inspire the Indiana community through enriching arts experiences. The Center is responsible for the operation and programming of a multidisciplinary performing arts campus in Carmel, Indiana, that presents scores of events each year and provides space and support services for six resident companies: Actors Theatre of Indiana, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Central Indiana Dance Ensemble, Civic Theatre, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre and Indiana Wind Symphony. Explore our upcoming events and experiences, or support our work and the expansion of the arts today!