We are writing to give our wholehearted endorsement to [columnist] Greg Morris’ appeal for generous support for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (“Confessions of a symphony newbie,” June 21).

The ISO’s current financial difficulties reflect issues and business models affecting symphonic organizations throughout the United States—and so we hope our region will step up and show that here, in central Indiana, we know the value of our arts organizations and are committed to their future.

At the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, we show our support—as Morris notes—by offering the orchestra a wonderful new stage, and the chance to reach new audiences, at The Palladium, the only true concert hall that the ISO and its fans will find in this part of the country. In fact, the ISO will be one of the many arts organizations helping us tune the hall this fall as we prepare for the January grand opening.

Our only disagreement with Morris is that we see all our region’s cultural institutions—large or small, established or new, located in downtown Indianapolis, on 38th Street, at Conner Prairie or in the suburbs, as complementary to each other. The ISO’s success is integral to the success of the arts everywhere in our region, creating a ripple effect of growth and appreciation for all of the community’s arts organizations. And the same is true for the success of the Center for the Performing Arts.

Although Morris’s tone does not appear to support regionalism, we at the Center for the Performing Arts wish the ISO all the best in its drive to grow its endowment. We hope to be able to welcome [Morris] to The Palladium when it opens this coming January. We feel confident that he will quickly learn what so many others have discovered before him: Thriving arts institutions reinforce one another, giving strength not just to themselves but to their entire community.

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Rollin M. Dick
Chairman, Center for the Performing Arts
Steven B. Libman
Executive director, Center for the Performing Arts