While Greater Cincinnati arts organizations have muddled along in the 1990s without much coordinated promotion or marketing, our neighbors in Indianapolis are spending $10 million on just that.

        Mayor Bart Peterson announced this week a Commission on Cultural Development that will stimulate more participation in the arts by residents and visitors, support the growth of cultural projects and write a plan to fund more arts and tourist initiatives.

        The Lilly Endowment will contribute $5 million, with matching funds from the city's Capital Improvement Board.

        Mr. Peterson compared the move to the decision by Indianapolis leaders in the 1970s to concentrate on amateur sports, a strategy that has paid off handsomely.

        “Our rich tapestry of arts and cultural amenities has been a secret for too long,” he said.

        Most efforts to start a similar program in Greater Cincinnati have ground to a halt. For example, the effort to fund a Regional Cultural Alliance last year was short-circuited when the Hamilton County Commission rejected $600,000 in public funds.

        Hamilton County Commissioner Tom Neyer had proposed the county funding to help market all of the Tristate's arts institutions.

        Laura Long, executive director of the CEO group Cincinnati Business Committee, said this region suffers in comparison with cities like Philadelphia and Charlotte, N.C., that have regional groups to market arts organizations.

        “The key is, can we enhance and leverage our assets?” Ms. Long said. “There is added value to that initiative, without a doubt.”
       

        Have a tip about a Tristate company that should be included in our Buzz? Call 768-8147 or e-mail business@enquirer.com.

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