The Greater Greenwood Arts Council (GGAC) was formed in May 2009 as a result of the shared vision of the Mayor of Greenwood and other individuals interested in the arts. The Indiana Arts Commission had noted in a 2009 study that the arts generated nearly a half a billion dollars of economic activity annually to the Greater Indianapolis area. Thus the GGAC was established to promote and guide arts activities in the Greater Greenwood area.
Incorporated in March 2010, as an organization with a Board of Directors operating under formalized by-laws. The Board meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. Board members are elected for a 3-year term with the terms expiring on a staggered basis. The Board elects a president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary.
A goal of the GGAC is to act as a community connector. Some past successful events include providing a grant workshop for local artists, and organizing two high school art showcases. Additionally, the GGAC has been present at numerous community events such the Freedom Festival, WAMM Fest, and Rotary Rocks!
The GGAC goal of acting as a collaborator with other community agencies has proved to be beneficial. With the help of University of Indianapolis, we were able to provide two free musically educational events featuring the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra’s artists in residence, the classically trained string trio Time for Three.
One of the most visible accomplishments of the GGAC, in partnership with the Greenwood Parks and Recreation, has been the inauguration of Art on the Trailway. These public sculptures have become a beloved and recognizable characteristic of the Greenwood landscape along the Smith Valley corridor known as Polk Hill Trail. A coinciding event is the bi-annual Arts Alive! This celebratory day is given to highlight local artists in the Greenwood area, providing free workshops and demonstrations from our local talent.
Another GGAC project involves collaboration with Mallow Run Winery. Along with the expertise of these vintners, GGAC offers a contest to local painters to design a label for the winery’s Artist Series wine. A juried panel makes the selection and an uncorking event announces the winning artist and the wine.
In order to continue to keep its relevancy, the GGAC has conducted two surveys: one for local artists and one for the community. After studying both the survey results and its strategic plan, the council was able to prioritize projects and make plans for future events.
Although the GGAC can boast of these accomplishments in its short history, none of these successes could have occurred without the support of local businesses and organizations. It is the council’s intent to continue seeking support to maintain its role as a catalyst for the arts in the greater Greenwood area.