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

Cornelius "Lee" Alig, a prominent architect, developer, and arts advocate, is championing the preservation of Indiana's cultural history through the digitization of Arts Indiana Magazine, which published from 1979 to 2001. Alig, who served as board member, project advisor, and contributing writer for the magazine, emphasized the importance of maintaining this continuous record of the state's artistic achievements. "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 digitization project, guided by The Indianapolis Public Library, ensures that Indiana's arts history remains accessible to educators, students, researchers, and art enthusiasts across the state and beyond. The collection includes over two decades 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 Hopewell Review (1992–1997), a literary anthology featuring poetry, short stories, essays, and photojournalism, is also part of the digital archive.

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 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 said. "Attend a local gallery, read Indiana authors, support performing arts groups in your community, or submit your own work to local exhibitions. Every action helps maintain a vibrant cultural ecosystem." For those looking to engage with Indiana's arts community, Alig encourages exploring digital archives of Arts Indiana Magazine available through the Indianapolis Public Library, supporting local arts organizations through memberships or donations, and attending performances, gallery exhibitions, or literary readings.

"Preserving culture is a collective effort," Alig said. "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 initiative represents a significant step in cultural preservation, transforming physical archives into accessible digital formats that can withstand time and reach broader audiences, ensuring Indiana's artistic heritage remains a living resource rather than a forgotten collection.