Equity in the Arts: How Public-Private Partnerships are Expanding Inclusion Through the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s Voices of the Spirit
The arts serve as a mirror to history, a bridge to understanding, and a catalyst for change. In Indiana, public, private, and philanthropic partnerships are essential in creating more inclusive artistic spaces that amplify underrepresented voices while driving economic and cultural impact. One powerful example is the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s Voices of the Spirit concert—a performance that unites sectors and community members to enrich historical context, uplift inclusion, and celebrate Central Indiana’s access to arts.
At the core of Voices of the Spirit is the performance of Credo by Margaret Bonds, a groundbreaking Black composer whose work is rooted in resilience, faith, and the fight for justice. Bonds set the words of W.E.B. Du Bois’ 1904 Credo to music in 1963, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, using her composition as an artistic and activist statement. The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is elevating this historic work to new audiences—but they are not doing it alone.
Enhancing the Experience
Voices of the Spirit is strengthened by its collaboration with Joshua Thompson, a leading pianist and music sociologist known for his work in reshaping the narrative around Black classical composers. Through a pre-concert conversation, Thompson will help audiences understand the historical and sociological significance of Bonds’ Credo and Du Bois’ writings, reinforcing these historical narratives’ economic and cultural values today.
This example illustrates how cross-sector partnerships—between performing arts organizations, scholars, and community advocates—create more profound engagement opportunities and community experiences. The fusion of Thompson’s research with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s performance educates the public and demonstrates how diverse perspectives can expand the traditional canon of classical music. Furthermore, they offer a deeper viewing experience as the pre-concert talk enables the audience to better understand the lyrics, emotions, and context within the performance.
Inclusion and Access: Creating Spaces Where Everyone Belongs
One of the most tangible ways the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is working to make choral music more accessible to Hoosiers is through a new, pay-what-you-can ticket pricing model. Economic barriers often prevent diverse communities from experiencing live classical performances, and through strategic philanthropic partnerships, ISC ensures that Voices of the Spirit is accessible to all.
This model aligns with research from Americans for the Arts, which highlights that over 70% of Americans believe the arts are essential to community well-being, but cost remains one of the top barriers to participation. By reducing financial obstacles, ISC and its partners are ensuring that historically underrepresented communities feel welcome in traditionally inaccessible spaces.
Beyond cultural significance, these partnerships generate measurable economic benefits for Indiana. According to the Indiana Arts Commission, the arts sector contributes $8.4 billion to the state’s economy, supporting nearly 159,000 jobs. When equity and inclusion are prioritized in artistic programming, the impact extends beyond the stage—it strengthens creative industries, attracts tourism, and builds a more engaged and diverse workforce.
Research from the National Endowment for the Arts shows that every $1 invested in the arts generates $9 in economic activity. Investments in inclusive arts programming like Voices of the Spirit ripple through communities, supporting local businesses, arts education programs, and cultural institutions that rely on public-private partnerships to sustain their work.
Why Public, Private, and Philanthropic Partnerships Matter
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir’s Voices of the Spirit demonstrates the power of collaboration. Without the combined efforts of arts organizations, scholars, funders, and community advocates, opportunities like this would be out of reach for many Hoosiers.
This initiative underscores an important call to action: corporate leaders, philanthropists, and policymakers must continue to invest in equitable access to the arts. Whether through funding community performances, sponsoring educational initiatives, or advocating for cultural equity in public policy, stakeholders across sectors can shape a more inclusive future.
Join the Movement
Equity in the arts is not just about representation—it’s about ensuring all communities have access to cultural experiences that educate, inspire, and unite. Voices of the Spirit is more than a concert; it’s an experience that exemplifies how strategic partnerships can reshape narratives, break down barriers, and drive lasting economic and social change in Indiana.
By investing in diverse artistic voices today, we build stronger, more vibrant communities for the future. To secure tickets to Voices of the Spirit, please visit the ISC website.
Dr. Jennifer Cooper is the Executive Director of the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, dedicated to making choral music an accessible and transformative experience for all. Through innovative programming and community outreach, she champions the belief that music should be shared by everyone, regardless of background or financial means.
