Digitization Project Preserves Indiana's Arts Legacy Through Historic Magazine Archives

The preservation of Indiana's cultural history is being championed through the digitization of Arts Indiana Magazine, a publication that documented the state's arts scene from 1979 to 2001. Cornelius "Lee" Alig, a noted architect, developer, and long-time arts advocate who served as a board member, project advisor, and contributing writer for the magazine, emphasized the project's significance in creating an indispensable resource for understanding Indiana's artistic legacy. "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 said.

The collection includes over twenty years of magazine issues covering literary, performing, and visual arts statewide, along with special features like the Postcard Art Series (1981–1996) and Poetry on the Buses (1984–1992), programs that highlighted local artists and writers. The project also preserves The Hopewell Review (1992–1997), a literary anthology featuring poetry, short stories, essays, and photojournalism. The digitization ensures that Indiana's arts history is preserved and made accessible to educators, students, researchers, and art enthusiasts across the state and beyond.

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 has brought together hundreds of individuals and organizations that contributed materials, from postcards to literary works, to ensure the collection's comprehensiveness. Alig himself contributed a selection of original postcards, highlighting visual art and making it available for public access online through resources like https://www.digitalindy.org/digital/collection/aim.

Alig emphasized that supporting local arts extends beyond institutional programs. "You do not need to be a professional or a large organization to make an impact," he stated. He encourages people to attend local galleries, read Indiana authors, support performing arts groups, or submit work to local exhibitions, noting that every action helps maintain a vibrant cultural ecosystem. For those looking to engage, Alig suggests exploring digital archives, supporting local arts organizations through memberships or donations, 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." The digitization project, guided by The Indianapolis Public Library, transforms what was once just an idea into a permanent, accessible record of the state's artistic achievements.