Allied Solutions Center leaders urge council to hold arts funding as budget talks proceed

Jeff McDermott, president and CEO of the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts, told the Carmel Common Council on Aug. 18 that the campus contributes both culturally and economically to the city and asked the council and administration to maintain current funding levels as they craft the upcoming budget.

McDermott said the center’s operating budget is about $10 million, that the organization employs nearly 100 people, and that the campus — including the Great American Songbook Foundation and six resident companies — is responsible for roughly $23 million of the $42–$43 million annual economic impact attributed to nonprofit arts organizations in Carmel. He said the center receives a city management fee, has grown contributed revenue and offsetting support from naming partners, and frequently provides rent-free rehearsal and performance space to resident companies.

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