INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Butler University is using shows at Clowes Memorial Hall and its other venues to build what it says will be long-term help for the performing arts in the city it calls home.

Since June of last year, Butler has been quietly building an Arts Performance Fund. The university says it’s tied to ticket sales for shows at Clowes Hall. For every ticket sold, $1 is directed into a fund that will offer grants to local arts organizations. In less than a year, the school says the fund has already grown to $150,00...