Arts Indiana Magazine Digitization Project Preserves State's Cultural Heritage for Future Generations

The digitization of Arts Indiana Magazine, a publication documenting Indiana's arts scene from 1979 to 2001, represents a significant advancement in preserving the state's cultural legacy for current and future generations. Cornelius "Lee" Alig, a noted architect, developer, and long-time arts advocate who served as board member, project advisor, and contributing writer for the magazine, has championed this initiative to ensure Indiana's rich arts heritage remains accessible to all.

Alig emphasized the importance of this continuous 20-year record of Indiana's arts landscape, stating that such documentation creates an indispensable resource for understanding the state's cultural development. The project, guided by The Indianapolis Public Library, transforms what was merely an idea two years ago into a permanent digital archive. This ensures that educators, students, researchers, and art enthusiasts across Indiana and beyond can access this valuable historical record.

The comprehensive collection includes over two decades of magazine issues covering literary, performing, and visual arts throughout the state. Special features preserved through digitization include the Postcard Art Series (1981–1996) and Poetry on the Buses (1984–1992), programs that highlighted and celebrated local artists and writers. The collection also contains The Hopewell Review (1992–1997), a literary anthology featuring poetry, short stories, essays, and photojournalism that captured Indiana's creative spirit during those years.

Funding from organizations including the Lilly Endowment Inc., Indiana Arts Commission, and Martin Foundation supported both the original publication and the ongoing digitization initiative. This financial backing demonstrates institutional recognition of the project's importance to Indiana's cultural preservation efforts. 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 https://www.digitalindy.org/digital/collection/aim.

Alig emphasized that supporting local arts extends beyond institutional programs, noting that individuals can make meaningful contributions through simple actions. He encouraged community members to attend local galleries, read Indiana authors, support performing arts groups, or submit their own work to local exhibitions. According to Alig, every action helps maintain a vibrant cultural ecosystem that benefits both current residents and future generations.

The digitization project's significance extends beyond mere preservation—it represents a commitment to making Indiana's cultural history accessible and relevant. By transforming physical archives into searchable digital formats, the initiative removes geographical and temporal barriers that previously limited access to these resources. Researchers can now analyze trends in Indiana's arts development, educators can incorporate primary sources into curricula, and community members can explore their cultural heritage with unprecedented ease.

Alig framed cultural preservation as a collective effort, stating that every person who reads, views, or participates in Indiana's arts contributes to the state's legacy. This perspective positions the digitization project not as an endpoint but as a foundation for ongoing engagement with Indiana's creative community. The availability of these digital resources ensures that future generations will have access to the creativity and inspiration that has defined Indiana's cultural identity for decades.

The Arts Indiana Magazine digitization project serves as a model for how communities can preserve their cultural heritage in the digital age. By combining institutional support with community engagement, Indiana has created a sustainable approach to cultural preservation that balances historical accuracy with contemporary accessibility. This initiative demonstrates how technology can bridge past and present, ensuring that valuable cultural resources remain vital components of community identity rather than fading into obscurity.