By Roger McBain, Evansville Courier & Press
The Jasper Community Arts Commission, which presents live entertainment, fine art exhibitions and classes in the Jasper Arts Center, doesn't depend as much on corporate funding as most other arts organizations in the region.
That's because it is a department of the city of Jasper, Ind., receiving up to half of this year's $630,000 annual budget from city funds, says Kit Miracle, the commission's director.
The rest of the budget, which is always balanced, comes from ticket sales, grants, rental fees and an annual fund drive.
Miracle has seen some decline in ticket sales, beginning late last year, she says, and she doesn't know what to expect in next year's budget, given the uncertainty of funding for the arts and cities in Indiana's next state budget.
Miracle expects some belt-tightening may be coming, "but I'm very optimistic, actually," she said. "We provide a service to our community. We serve people of all ages, from preschoolers to retirees with classes, art and entertainment. Some of it is free and the highest ticket price is $35, which is a bargain."