2021 Mayor's Arts Award Nominee: Robert E Dirden
Why are the arts important in Muncie? What do the arts do for the community?
The arts in Muncie are important to so many because it is a community, a second family an outlet that many of us NEED to survive.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Robert has lived in Muncie since he was six years old. And started volunteering at Muncie Civic theatre when he was 16 yeard old.
I call myself an ARTIST / DESIGNER. That takes many different forms.Costumes Design, Makeup Design, Directing, Producing, Photography, Painting etc. I am always creating something or working on multiple projects at one time.
What is your creative practice and how did you get started?
I am an idea and concept artist. I have my ideas, my thoughts and sketches and research and then I always talk them through with other artists. Brainstorming kickstarts my creative process.
What do you wish others knew about your practice? What is a fun fact about what you do?
Costume and makeup design is a combination of many art forms and changes with each show you do. It takes a lot of research, and time, and knowledge. Sometimes you are sewing expensive fabric, sometimes you are sewing paper, sometimes painting, or welding, or constructing animal hoofs, making shoes, or making an alien suit. It is always changing and always evolving and takes a lot of skills outside just fabric and fashion history knowledge.
Where can people see your work or learn more about you?
People can see my work at Ball State Department of Theatre and Dance, Muncie Civic Theatre, and on my social media.
How did you become interested in the arts?
Always liked the arts from a very young age, but started practicing my artistry in 1986 at Muncie Central High School Art classes and Drama Department.
What is your favorite arts memory? An amazing event? An experience? A place?
33 years – way to many to name just one…I have costume designed 150 + shows. I get asked thew question all the time almost impossible to answer. One of my many favorites as far as theatre goes is my costume designs for Muncie Civic Theatres productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Directing The Laramie Projects.
Who is your favorite creative inspiration or Arts hero (can be anyone/anything)? Why?
Keith Haring – Always loved his work from a young age.
