The amphitheater at Umbarger Plaza, the new community gathering space in downtown Bargersville. Town leaders have planned a unique and varied group of activities at the plaza this year, including concerts, festivals and free movies. Daily Journal File Photo
Bargersville is investing in creativity with the launch of a new Bargersville Municipal Arts and Cultural Commission designed to support local artists and enrich the town’s cultural landscape.
Created by the Bargersville Town Council last year, the commission serves as a resource to the town on matters related to arts, culture and placemaking. The commission held its first meeting in February and meets monthly on the second Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at Bargersville Town Hall. All meetings are open to the public.
Commission members include chair Erin Smith, vice chair Hannah Mueller, Keith Cecil, town council member Susie Qualls, Dave Windisch and town manager Dax Norton.
With a mission to foster a vibrant arts and cultural environment that supports local talent while contributing to economic development and community identity. Over time, BMACC hopes to position Bargersville as a recognized center for the creative economy in Indiana.
“The arts play a critical role in creating a strong sense of place and bringing people together,” Norton said. “This commission gives Bargersville a dedicated forum to support local artists, encourage creative collaboration and integrate the arts into the town’s broader economic development strategy.”
So far, the commission has already approved for the town to apply for the $65 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative. This initiative was announced in February by Gov. Mike Braun as a statewide call for transformative arts and culture projects. Awards are anticipated to be announced in July.
“We want to add to the quality of life within Bargersville,” Qualls said.
A key focus of the commission currently is to build stronger connections between the town and local artists by developing a network of creatives. One of their first initiatives is Cultural Soundscapes, which will spotlight emerging local musicians and expand opportunities for residents to experience live music in Bargersville.
The Cultural Soundscapes series will provide consistent entertainment for residents, promote cultural engagement and offer exposure for new talent while remaining financially self-sustaining through sponsorships and external funding. Seven to 10 concerts will be scheduled from May to September at the Umbarger Plaza located at 118 N. Baldwin St. in Bargersville.
The series is for emerging local bands and artists and is designed to operate with no direct cost to the parks department or the town, according to the town. The estimated budget for cultural soundscapes will be around $18,250 with primary funding sources from corporate and local business sponsorships, along with community partnerships.
Grant applications submitted to arts councils, tourism boards and cultural foundations to enhance the programming will receive supplemental funding, according to the town.
There will be multiple levels of sponsorship opportunities to maximize community business involvement, along with marketing in partnership with 92.3 WTTS radio station in Indiana.
With burgeoning opportunities on the horizon, Norton hopes Bargersville will soon be known for its creativity-friendly economy.
“Two things we want to be known for are — first, as a place where entrepreneurs can succeed and, second, a place where creative economy entrepreneurs can thrive,” he said.
Residents interested in learning more about the Bargersville Municipal Arts and Cultural Commission are encouraged to attend a meeting — or watch one on the town’s YouTube channel — and follow the town’s social media and website.
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