The preservation of Indiana's cultural heritage has taken a significant step forward with the digitization of Arts Indiana Magazine, a publication that documented the state's arts scene from 1979 to 2001. Cornelius "Lee" Alig, an architect, developer, and long-time arts advocate who served as a board member and contributor to the magazine, has championed the initiative to ensure this valuable historical record remains accessible for future generations.
"Any time you have a seamless 20-year continuum of information, particularly in the visual, literary, and performing arts, it creates an indispensable resource," Alig stated. The project, guided by The Indianapolis Public Library, transforms physical archives into a permanent digital collection available to educators, students, researchers, and art enthusiasts statewide and beyond.
The Arts Indiana Magazine collection represents a comprehensive chronicle of Indiana's cultural landscape, featuring over two decades of magazine issues covering literary, performing, and visual arts across the state. The archive includes special features like the Postcard Art Series (1981–1996) and Poetry on the Buses (1984–1992), programs that highlighted and celebrated local artists and writers. Additionally, The Hopewell Review (1992–1997), a literary anthology featuring poetry, short stories, essays, and photojournalism, is preserved within the collection.
Funding from organizations including the Lilly Endowment Inc., Indiana Arts Commission, and Martin Foundation supported both the original publication and the ongoing digitization initiative. The project's importance extends beyond institutional preservation, serving as a model for how communities can maintain their cultural identity in the digital age.
Alig emphasized that supporting local arts requires collective participation rather than just institutional programs. "You do not need to be a professional or a large organization to make an impact," he explained. "Attend a local gallery, read Indiana authors, support performing arts groups in your community, or submit your own work to local exhibitions. Every action helps maintain a vibrant cultural ecosystem."
The digitization project has brought together hundreds of individuals and organizations that contributed materials, from postcards to literary works, ensuring the collection's comprehensiveness. Alig himself contributed original postcards to the archive, making visual art available for public access online through resources like https://www.digitalindy.org/digital/collection/aim.
For those seeking to engage with Indiana's arts community, Alig recommends exploring digital archives, supporting local arts organizations through memberships or volunteer work, and attending performances, gallery exhibitions, or literary readings. "Preserving culture is a collective effort," Alig concluded. "Every person who reads, views, or participates in Indiana's arts contributes to the legacy of the state. By engaging with these resources, we ensure that future generations have access to the creativity and inspiration that defines Indiana."
