INDIANAPOLIS -- The arts community in Indianapolis made some noise Monday on Monument Circle.

Hundreds of people braved cold, drizzly weather in a rally designed to bring attention to the importance of the arts in the city, 6News' Renee Jameson reported.

The "Indy Culture Matters" began at noon with hundreds of people clogging the circle.

Dozens of organizations that worked together to plan the rally feel that cultural institutions in central Indiana have been sidelined partners in the city's success for too long.

"The cultural institutions in Indianapolis have a lot of support and energy behind them," said Max Anderson, director and CEO of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. "We need to look collectively for new ways to support them in the future at a time of fiscal crisis."

As talks continue about a possible bailout for the operator of Lucas Oil Stadium and Conseco Fieldhouse, arts funding in Indianapolis was cut more than $500,000 this year.

"Everybody is feeling the pinch from the economic crisis, and … income of all kinds is being hit, from ticket sales to donations to government subsidy -- everything is under a tight squeeze," said Simon Crookall, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

Crookall said the rally isn't really about money, but is about recognition he said arts groups deserve.

"The arts contribute so much to the economy, to the education, to the cultural life of this city, and we're not convinced that everybody is always totally aware of that," he said. "We wanted to raise the profile of the arts to give everybody an idea of the kind of thing we do."

A study done for the Arts Council of Indianapolis showed that the arts generated nearly $500 million in the city last year, drawing tourists and providing programs for schools.

One parent said she would look elsewhere if arts in the schools were cut.

"I realized that's part of what's going to help (my daughter) learn how to think and learn how to live," said Tonya Cupp of Indianapolis. "And if those things weren't here, I wouldn't stay."

As their music and art inspire quietly, organizers hope the rally will send a louder message. The group is considering future rallies and an arts day in the city.