As a lover of the arts, and especially as an ad major, I feel strongly that art organizations play a vital role in making a community thrive. Indyculturematters.org is a site that draws attention to how cultural organizations contribute to the economy and quality of life of Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Consortium of Arts is made up of 38 of Indiana's largest arts and cultural organizations. Those organizations spend nearly $50 million with businesses in Indiana each year. Overall, the arts generate $468 million in economic activity each year in the city of Indianapolis. This is inspiring and very relevant right now seeing as local efforts such as these may be the way to re-strengthen our economy. Check out these pictures of locals rallying for arts in downtown Indianapolis.