With such an impressive lineup compressed into 10 days, perhaps the most common question is: Where to start?

“Try something new,” suggests ArtsWeek coordinator Michael Wilkerson. “The best thing is to go to one thing you wouldn’t normally go to. If you go to a movie usually, go to a live theater performance. If you regularly go to events on campus, go to something in town.”

The scheduled events reflect performances routinely offered on campus, mixed with events slated specifically for ArtsWeek. Wilkerson believes that the combination of guest artists sharing the spotlight with regularly scheduled events generates excitement.

Perhaps the special event generating the most buzz is a poetry/jazz performance featuring Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former IU faculty member Yusef Komunyakaa. He will share the Buskirk-Chumley Theater stage with artistic collaborator Susie Ibarra on Saturday, Feb. 12. The event is free.

As in past years, ArtsWeek explores an arts-related theme. This year many of the events take a look at the creative process, exploring in greater detail how art is made. The centerpiece for this exploration is the Friday, Feb. 11, “Exploring the Creative Process” panel discussion.

At IU Opera Theater, the creative process theme plays out with an “informance” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom. He will talk about his adaptation of A View from the Bridge prior to the opera’s Feb. 4-5 performances.

Other behind-the-scenes opportunities include talks by writers, playwrights and curators, all sharing their personal viewpoints on how they make art.

Ultimately, ArtsWeek is about calling attention to programs and artists. “This place is truly rich in the arts and that was the impetus behind ArtsWeek. It’s about publicizing and focusing our attention,” said Wilkerson.

Looking ahead to future arts-related planning, Wilkerson envisions promoting the Bloomington campus, and the city, as a place for alumni to enjoy year-round cultural offerings. “We invite alumni back for ballgames, why not for ArtsWeek? We haven’t figured it all out, but that’s the type of thing we’re looking at,” he said, adding that he sees no proof in stereotypes that artists are disorganized. “I have found the arts community here in Bloomington to be very organized.”

He hopes more campus and community relationships will be forged and has helped organize a Feb. 18 panel discussion on cultural tourism.

For a complete listing of ArtsWeek events, including ticket information, visit the ArtsWeek 2005 Web site:

http://www.artsweek.indiana.edu/

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