Artist brunch, discussion wraps up ArtsWeek 2010

The Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District will have its first ArtsEats, a networking brunch for Bloomington artists, at 11:30 a.m Sunday in the City Hall Atrium.

“The focus of the ArtsEats brunch will be to facilitate a conversation among the local artists about what we all can contribute to the good of the whole when it comes to positioning and maintaining IU and Bloomington as an arts and entertainment center,” said Susan Sandberg, Bloomington City Council member and ArtsEats speaker.

The event, in partnership with the City of Bloomington’s Community Arts Commission, is expected to draw about 150 Bloomington artists and will be catered by numerous restaurants, including FARMBloomington Restaurant, Uptown Café, Finch’s and Scholars Inn Bakehouse.

“We don’t often bring artists together across disciplines to talk with each other,” said Miah Michaelson, assistant economic development director for the arts in Bloomington. “We’re hoping this sparks great collaborative opportunities and fulfilling discussions about how best to move forward as an arts community.”

ArtsEats will feature representatives from local artist-focused businesses as well as information areas where artists can learn about other organizations and events they might want to participate in.

“The event will give the student artist the opportunity to network with other established artists in the community,” Michaelson said. “And to learn about resources that are out there that might be beneficial to them.”

Sandberg said while reflecting on Mayor Mark Kruzan’s State of the City Address on Wednesday that the city of Bloomington regards the arts as an important part of the economic development and quality of life.

“They are not to be treated as extras,” she said. “The arts and the various arts-related jobs in this community add to the vibrancy of the downtown’s commerce and the overall attractiveness of Bloomington as a great place to live, work, study and do business.”

Advanced registration is required and attendees are encouraged to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item for donation to Hoosier Hills Food Bank. 
 
“ArtsEats will be our thank-you to the many artists who contribute to the quality of life at Indiana University and Bloomington,” Sandberg said. “I’m pleased to lend my support to a strong and growing arts community that makes this city an active and creative place to be.”