Buskirk-Chumley needs city help

Few would disagree that culture is important in any society. But these days, a time when business ventures are turning every worthwhile exploration into a plain-faced corporate scheme, a little bit of culture can go a long way.\nFewer and fewer young adults are leaving their Webcams and Playstations for the theater. Bloomington is a town that prides itself on the arts and is considered an oasis of culture in a state where little exists. So it is time the city government stepped in to help the faltering Buskirk-Chumley Theatre and the all-important Bloomington Area Arts Council.\nThe idea is that the city would set aside resources to help support the theater and the Arts Council. Opponents of the idea will say it is too complicated for the city to accomplish or that it isn't the taxpayers' responsibility to help the arts.\nFirst, a little extra work never hurt anyone. Second, it is in the best interests of the taxpayers to help the Buskirk-Chumley stay alive.\nSitting comfortably on Kirkwood Avenue., it lies equidistant from Kilroy's on Kirkwood and Kilroy's Sports Bar on Walnut Street. In a town where the downtown nightlife is predominantly college students out at the bars, it is a welcome change to see the diverse collection of people of all ages, milling outside the theater, waiting for an orchestral performance.\nThe Buskirk-Chumley attracts some of the best and brightest performers nationally and locally. Last weekend, Corey Cerovsek, the world-renowned violinist and former Bloomington resident, held a benefit concert, performing Vivaldi's Four Seasons.\nThe Bus-Chum, as it is affectionately called, is also home to the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra and the new Southern Indiana Youth Symphony. The SYS has the potential to be a fostering organization for bright, young Indiana musicians ' an opportunity to demonstrate how important the arts are to the younger generation and to showcase Indiana's talent. The theater has concerts, plays, lectures, films and just about anything else. The annual Night at the Opera Gala was held Sunday ' a benefit for the Middle Way House.\nThe Buskirk-Chumley and the Arts Council, if nothing else, play an important part in creating a community. Both are full of history and both fit nicely into the city's plan for revitalization of the downtown area.\nThis theater was renovated for the benefit of the arts community and the community as a whole. The Bloominton Area Arts Council provides affordable and accessible performances for the entire community; it benefits everyone.\nSomething so important to the growth and success of the city should certainly be in the mayor's focus.\nStaff vote: 11 - 4 - 1