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About BAAC

The Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) is a not-for profit organization founded to promote the arts by providing opportunities for artistic education, expression and enjoyment in Batesville and the surrounding area. The organization was founded in December of 1988 as Rural Alliance for the Arts (RAA) and today has a volunteer 20 member Board of Directors, and a part-time Administrator. In addition, there are many volunteer and business organizations in the community that give generously of their time and talent to help make the BAAC succeed. The success of the BAAC is dependent on our many volunteers and members.

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The founder of the BAAC, Jolene Rockwood explains our history. 

Our Purpose

The BAAC was started by Jolene Rockwood as a way to support arts in education in the schools. Today, the BAAC is still dedicated to providing a variety of arts education for all students in each of the six local schools in Batesville and Oldenburg, IN.

 

The BAAC presents many public events each year including world-renowned exhibitions and performers as well as local productions.  Over 20 pieces of public art in our local communities have been sponsored and/or funded by the BAAC.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

The Batesville Area Arts Council is committed to providing art for all.  We believe in fostering a community that is inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible, welcoming participation regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or religion.

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To provide informed, authentic leadership for cultural equity, BAAC strives to:

  • See diversity, inclusion, equity and accessibility as critical to ensure the well-being of the arts communities we serve.

  • Acknowledge and change any inequities within our policies, systems, programs, and services.

  • Advocate for and think about how systemic inequities impact our organization’s work

  • Lead with respect and tolerance.

 

Batesville Area Arts Council values:

  • Accessibility: Making the arts available for all

  • Diversity: Embracing and enabling a diverse culture

  • Inclusion: Actively inviting the contribution and participation of all people

  • Equity: Ensuring fair treatment, equality of opportunity, and fairness in access to information and resources for all.

Financial Support

The BAAC receives funding through sponsorships, grants, memberships, tickets sales and its annual Art Auction.  The art auction, BAAC’s major public fundraiser, is held each year. 

 

The BAAC is grateful for funding support from these current sponsors:

 

  • Jolene Rockwood / Rockwood Foundation

  • Indiana Arts Commission

  • Columbus Area Arts Council

  • John A. Hillenbrand Foundation

  • Ripley County Community Foundation

  • Rising Sun Regional Foundation

  • Batesville Industries

  • Local Businesses and Patrons

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