In the News

On behalf of Art Spaces, Inc., we would like to thank our community for the terrific support for Turn to the River. As we work to keep the project moving forward, it is important our many partners in this phase be recognized. For design development, Art Spaces has worked with the Wabash River Regional Development Authority to secure a $75,000 planning grant through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. This IEDC investment matched the federal dollars secured through the National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant in 2016. It is exciting to link the arts and economic development to build a more vibrant city, and we are certainly extremely grateful to Governor Eric Holcomb, members of the Indiana General Assembly, Congressman Larry Bucshon, and IEDC President Elaine Bedel for their support for western Indiana. It is outstanding that the IEDC has just this week awarded $1.5 million for investment in projects to continue to leverage our strategic location in western Indiana. We would like to thank Indiana State University, in particular Greg Goode, for advancing the Turn to the River vision with state decision-makers. Indiana State’s continued commitment to our community is evident. President Deborah Curtis and the university have been outstanding partners in building a collection of public outdoor sculpture and revitalization along the riverfront.

Through a National Endowment for the Arts “Art Works” grant to Indiana State, spearheaded by the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies and the Department of Art and Design, internationally known artist Matthew Mazzotta was recently in residency in Terre Haute for a project to be designed for the Ryves neighborhood. This project presents an opportunity for an outstanding partnership among many different entities. The role of the university in attracting federal and state funding to our region is important, and we thank the Indiana State leadership for their ongoing commitment to community engagement and to playing a role in integrating public art into the daily lives of the Indiana State community and the city. We would also like to thank 100 Women Who Care Vigo County for the early support they provided for this phase of Turn to the River. We continue to be grateful that this project enjoys the support and encouragement of the mayor, the commissioners and others within the city and county administration. We are excited to be moving closer to implementation of the project. We value each and every idea that will offer a community-designed public place that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone.

Ellie Caldwell, chair, Board of Directors
Mary Kramer, Executive Director
Art Spaces, Inc.

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