INDIANAPOLIS -- A city with promise and problems, Indianapolis faces a multitude of issues months into Mayor Greg Ballard's administration.

Many in the arts and culture community are concerned that the new mayor will first turn to the arts to make cuts as he charts the waters of the city's economic woes, 6News' Trisha Shepherd reported.

Indianapolis markets itself as a vibrant, youthful and colorful destination, as painted in a recent, hip promotional video.

Painter Douglas David could have taken his talents anywhere in the world, but for him, Indy is a great place to live.

"I think it's been perfect. The quality of life here is great," David said.

David's work beautifies city storefronts, fills books, even adorns the state's license plates. He hopes Ballard understands what the arts bring to a community.

"I'm anxious to meet him, actually. It's an evolution. We're all in this together, and we're just going to move forward and make Indianapolis a great city," David said.

On the musical side of the arts, fifth-grader Alexis Green is one of 1,500 children whose lives have been transformed by the Indianapolis Children's Choir.

"I love to sing. It's my life, and it's wonderful that everyone in the room loves to sing, too," Green said.

Green and Douglas have city money to thank, at least partially, for their artistic outlets.

About $1.54 million comes from city coffers each year through the parks department to the art council. In turn, the arts council distributes the money among about 75 artistic and cultural groups.

With budget cuts promised and "everything on the table" according to Ballard, what might that mean for arts funding?

Ballard admitted he felt unease in the arts community when he talked tough about fighting crime, lowering taxes and trimming fat from the budget.

Arts groups had grown accustomed to and applauded former Mayor Bart Peterson's vocal and visible support for the arts. Now they want to know if they stand a chance in the Ballard administration.

"Arts are a part of the community that some people don't necessarily understand," Ballard said. "It's so important because the new workers that are coming forth, they're calling them the creative class, they won't come into the city unless there's a vibrant arts community."

Bob Schultz, of the convention and visitor's association, said arts and culture attract both people and dollars.

"The 21 million people who make Indianapolis their destination each year are coming because they want a place to eat ... a good night out to go to a theatre performance, a museum, and that's what makes Indy a rich and vibrant city," Schultz said.

In the last five years alone, revenue from the arts in Indianapolis went up 60 percent, according to an economic development study done for the arts council. That same study found that the arts create about a half-billion dollars worth of economic activity for Indianapolis each year.

What remains in question is if the city will keep up recent expansion in cultural growth and what will happen to the $1.54 million in annual arts funding.

"I don't know. I don't want to put a number on it," Ballard said. "It could shrink. I'm being honest about it. It could shrink. It could not shrink."

Ballard said that if he deems cuts necessary, it will be a tough call, and he hopes to make up for it by lending his face and voice to the effort.

"I just want them to know I support them. I want to do absolutely the best we can for the arts community," Ballard said.

Until budget numbers are revealed, the arts community waits as the city's other pressing priorities mount, which could squeeze the expansion of the city's great canvas.