Can the arts help prevent crime?
Can the arts help fight crime? Absolutely, according to the chief of police in Providence, R.I. Col. Dean M. Esserman told more than 1,000 members of the Indianapolis arts community gathered Thursday for the 22nd annual Start With Art luncheon that arts-related programs he put in place have helped reduce crime in Providence. Esserman, who has made Providence’s police headquarters available for various art exhibits, said an increasing number of young Americans are being arrested. He believes that families, teachers and others can make a difference in whether young people fail or succeed by approaching them “with love,” and by encouraging them to pursue educational and artistic challenges. Start With Art, which is organized by the Arts Council of Indianapolis, is held each year to launch the city’s upcoming arts season. During Thursday’s luncheon, the Arts Council of Indianapolis announced that the 10th annual Creative Renewal Fellowship grants would increase from $7,500 to $10,000 per r
