The Fishers Arts Council, which merged this year with the Fishers Cultural Alliance, is looking to become the suburb’s foremost arts advocate.

The council “seeks to enrich the quality and economic vitality of the Fishers community by expanding and supporting local arts and culture,” according to a press release.

How will the council accomplish that? Led by recently appointed volunteer President Donna Franklin, the council will recruit members, connect artists and arts groups to businesses and residents, and—perhaps most important—secure funding.

The council kicked off its new life as an organization on Nov. 4 with a membership drive at Gallery 116.

“We’ve spent the last year looking into how we can better serve the Fishers community and doing some organizational soul searching. Now we’re thrilled to show the public what we have to offer,” Franklin said in a prepared statement.

Membership revenue will support programs such as Art in the Park and scholarships for young artists. For more information, visit: www.fishersartscouncil.org.