Beyond the Game: Indy's Playbook for Creative Acceleration

As All-Star fever sweeps through Indianapolis, my social media is ablaze, and my inbox is flooded with event invitations. Yet, amidst the buzz, I can't shake a niggling doubt. Indy is about to shine under the global spotlight, showcasing our knack for hosting grand sporting spectacles. But beyond the glitz, the celebrity sightings, and the big game, a question persists: Will this weekend make a lasting impact on our creative economy?

Indy’s leaders are making strides, integrating arts and culture into our cityscape, particularly in these post-pandemic times. The aim? To enliven our streets with eye-catching art and vibrant beats, celebrating local creatives alongside the spectacle of the game. This initiative, fueled by significant investments, promises a cultural feast. But when the weekend's revelry ends and the $2+ million spent on arts and culture activations dissipates, (money well spent to be clear!) what next?

The investment earmarked for this cultural showcase sparks anticipation for a cultural renaissance. Yet, pragmatism prompts me to ponder the enduring effects on our creatives. Amid reports of substantial economic benefits - an estimated $320 million generated for the local economy according to the IBJ, the critical question is how do these gains translate into sustained support for those who enrich our city daily.

While the short-term impact of event-driven investments in our creative sectors is clear, I’m not entirely sure how we’re quantifying their long-term value. Reflecting on the post-Super Bowl era, the initial burst of creative energy eventually waned without continued, strategic investment. The lesson? Without regular, significant events to inject capital and attention, or another mechanism of meaningful support, the vibrancy fades.

Moreover, there’s a perception issue at play. The creative community often rallies behind the city, motivated by exposure and modest financial incentives. Yet, there’s a sense that our contributions are viewed merely as aesthetic enhancements for these high-profile events. This perception, hinted at in sports commentary, and openly evident in speaking with those who are coming to watch the game or just to party, suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the creative economy’s role and value in enriching sporting and civic events.

I wasn't living in Indy then, but the mythology around the visionary move Indianapolis made by building a new football stadium before securing a football team, lives with me. It was a bold bet on the future that ultimately paid off by transforming the city into a sports hub. And it is a powerful testament to the power of forward-thinking investments and their ability to catalyze profound changes in a community's fabric. The questions is, can we do it again? Around the creative economy? Please?!

The growing attention to the "creative economy" in economic dialogues is a positive development, yet it marks only the beginning of what's needed. The conversation must evolve, recognizing the creative economy as a crucial component of economic growth and quality of life and one that warrants dedicated and significant investment. Such a perspective is vital to ensure that when significant funding opportunities do arise, like the $65 million from the Lilly Endowment for arts and culture through the IEDC's READI program, the allocation can effectively address the sector's broad needs. Alas, I fear that without a strategic approach, the investment which could have a truly transformative effect, will fall short of its potential impact.

By the way, if you were wondering, what PATTERN might do with a hypothetical $2 million windfall, we're already on the way with an innovative idea – launching an accelerator program specifically designed for creative entrepreneurs in the realms of music, film, media, and visual arts. With $2 million, we could secure a five-year operational framework, serving two cohorts of eight creative entrepreneurs annually. This investment would nurture the development of 80 of Indy's most promising creative ventures by the end of the program. Our vision is to elevate, foster and KEEP our best talent. (Hit me up if you want to learn more about this program!)

My grousing aside, I can’t wait to immerse myself in all the excitement of the All-Star events, and I’m filled with pride to be part of a community that comes together to create epic experiences for those visiting our city. Which is why, I'm going to keep nagging y'all, who are dedicated to enhancing Indianapolis, to engage in deeper, more strategic thinking as we advance through this year and beyond. Let’s commit to nurturing our creative community with a vision that extends far into the future, much like the foresight shown in the construction of a stadium before the arrival of a football team—a move that echoes our potential to dream big and achieve even bigger.