Overview

Thirty-two years ago, a private group of citizens with a love for the arts and an eye to the future, came together with the mission to build a cultural center in the City of Jasper. Through private donations, greatly inspired and led by the economic support of one particular individual, Stanley G. Krempp, the Jasper Arts Center was built. Over time, this group, called Friends of the Arts, gradually turned over the operations, management, and finally the buildingto the City of Jasper. Thus, Jasper became the owner of, and the only city in the Sate of Indiana to have an officail Arts Department. The Jasper Community Arts Commission, as part of its commitment to continuing to provide premium quality arts programming in the form of performint arts, visual arts, arts in education, and acting as a regional partner and arts resource, is seeking to expand its facilities for the first time in 32 years. The projected expansion is expected to cost approximately $8M, allowing for architectural fees and inflation. It will require a coordinated effort and support from government, corporate, foundation and private entities. We ask for your help.

Why expand?

The only reason the Jasper Arts Center is looking at expansion is the increased demand for services. As you can see by the variety and quality of programs we offer, the general public has been requesting and supporting both old and new activities.

Attractor FactorCultural offerings such as the Jasper Community Arts act as a recruiting tool for local business and medical entities.

Visitor and Tourist AttractionOver 35% of our ticket subscribers are from outside Jasper. Dubois County Tourism statistics indicate that each day visitor to the county spends approximately $65, and each overnight visitor spends $200. Overall, Dubois County sees 1 million visitors per year with an economic ripple effect on the local economy of an estimated $45.7 million.

Community GrowthThe population of Jasper has grown nearly 40% since 1975, and the county at large by 25%.

Demand for ProgrammingThe 2006-07 Performing Arts Season was sold out by subscription for the first time in 31 years! This is at a time when other arts spaces are struggling.

Program GrowthClasses and workshops have increased 92% since 2000.

Rental GrowthFacility rentals have increased by 84% in the same time period.

Community SupportOver 150 volunteers help make all of our events happen.

How will we pay for it?

As a Department of the City of Jasper and a government entity, the Jasper City Council sets the budget for the Jasper Community Arts. Current overall City support amounts to 30-50% of total operating costs. The remainder is self-generated through ticket revenues, rentals, commissions, sales, donations, and grants. With the current Indiana property tax issues, the City is unable to commit to designating funds for the building expansion project this year. Other avenues are being explored.

Fund Raising Committee

The Jasper Community Arts has formed a fund raising committee. The committee is comprised of some staff, board members, and citizens from the community. Its primary purpose is to lay out and direct both capital and programming campaigns, including naming opportunities. Sources will be identified in the following areas.
Government
Grants / Foundations
Sponsorships
Individual donors

How Can You Help?

There are many things that you as an individual can do to help with this community project.
TalkTell your friends, neighbors, and local representatives about the Jasper Community Arts, what we do, and where we are heading.
VolunteerYour time and expertise are valuable and needed in many areas. Call the Jasper Arts Center for more information.
GiveYour donation in money, services, in-kind, or sponsorship is always welcome, no matter how large or small.