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Public arts projects, programming and performances are planned through the winter months in Indianapolis. The new programming is made possible with federal relief funding.
The #IndyKeepsCreating Series aims to reconnect residents with many arts experiences that have been missing during the pandemic.
Using $500,000 in American Rescue Plan money, the mostly free, diverse programming will range from outdoor concert series and sidewalk galleries to fashion events and neighborhood recording projects.
In a written statement, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said a return to art is important this season.
“As we head into the winter months, we’re helping provide neighbors with a multitude of ways to engage with the arts and culture community,” Hogsett said.
The city is able to provide the series by collaborating with three local arts groups, BigCar Collaborative, GANGGANG and the Arts Council of Indianapolis. These organizations have facilitated funds to more than 250 local artists, more than half are artists of color.
Numerous public spaces in neighborhoods across the city are included in the series, although many events are centered around downtown.
Activities, some of which are already underway, aim to be accessible to everyone.
All events and programs supported by #IndyKeepsCreating Series funding are open to the public, free, or affordable, and take place in Marion County. Visit www.indykeepscreating.org for updates.
Ongoing and Upcoming Events:
Featured Now: Sidewalk Galleries
Twenty-three storefront murals from local artists, displayed at Circle Centre Mall.
Ongoing now: Classical Music Indy’s CMI City Sounds
Free, site-specific music video performances at iconic Indy locations.
10 East Arts Music Concert Series
Thursday nights Oct. 14-Nov. 18, Doors 6:30 p.m., music 7-8:30 p.m., at Intermissions Plaza, a new outdoor performance venue, 3145 E. 10th St.
- 10 East Arts, in partnership with Richard Sleepy Floyd, presents six weeks of free live music. During inclement weather, concerts will be moved indoors at the 10 East Arts HUB, 3137 E. 10th St.
November 20: A Breeze Day
Free, 2-3 p.m., 1400 Meridian St.
- Art workshop that will lead to a 2022 exhibition focused on humanitarian awareness
November 26: Downtown Indy, Inc., Circle of Lights, presented by IBEW 481
Monument Circle
Post-Game Buskers on Georgia Street
- Hosted by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail following Colts games on Nov. 28, Jan. 2, and Jan. 16 or 17.
Date TBA in December: Le Alta Moda
Free, El Volkan Mexican Restaurant, 2705 W. Washington St.
- La Sardina Gallery presents A night of Le Alta Moda 3! Art fashion designer Katy Newton, a featured artist at Midwest Fashion Week and Rucker Makerspace, will create unique pieces of wearable art using repurposed and recycled materials. Katy includes models that are typically left out of the high-fashion world: Mothers, LGBTQ artists, drag performers, people of all ages, and cultural backgrounds.
December 3: ArtMix Winter Open House
Free, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., ArtMix, 1505 N. Delaware St.
- Enjoy a hands-on art project, listen to music, and check out the new works in the ArtMix gallery, which will be stocked with affordable holiday gifts and take-home treats. Masks required; free masks will be provided at the door. Event entry is staggered throughout the day to allow for social distancing. Registration and more info here.
December 8: Jingle & Mingle
Free, Noon-6 p.m., Indianapolis City Market, 222 E. Market St.
- This year's only large-scale "City Market presents" holiday engagement event, a great opportunity to continue to support and inspire merchants who have remained resilient throughout the pandemic and foster deeper relationships between existing and new merchants.
December 11: Holiday Arts Market on Monument Circle
Free, Noon-6 p.m.
- Featuring DJ Gabby Love, Anneliese and Ali
December 11 and onward: Storefront murals on Shining a Light
Monument Circle
December 18: Flurries on the Canal: A Performance Series by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail
Free, Downtown Central Canal, Admiral Spruance Basin
December 19: Girls Rock! Indianapolis Holiday Showcase
- Free, The AMP at 16 Tech
December 27: Frozen Frequencies
Free, time TBD, Garfield Park
- Frozen Frequencies is an event to launch two semi-permanent augmented reality soundtracks for walking around Garfield Park created by Rob Funkhouser and Landon Caldwell. Using the freely-available platform echoes.xyz, which allows for the creation of cost and ad-free GPS-driven soundscapes, Caldwell and Funkhouser will each create a work that highlights their favorite walking paths through Garfield Park, and use sound to bring attention to points of beauty and interest that each artist has grown fond of therein. An opportunity to experience the entire park as the landscape of a dynamic and changing musical universe. Enjoy warm refreshments, a chance to ask questions and learn a little more about the specifics of the works. Printed maps will also be available.
December 28: Snuggy Bear Presents... (Community Art Music and Education Day)
Free, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Dr.
- Taking place during the week of Kwanzaa, this event will highlight some of the most renowned Black visual and performing artists in the City of Indianapolis. During the first half of the day, artists will be engaging with and providing educational activities for visitors. This will also provide the public the opportunity to purchase these artists’ work directly and commission-free. In the second half, the event will transition into a performing arts space where an all-star lineup of some of Indianapolis’ most recognizable performers will entertain the audience.
End of December: Norwood Notes: Portrait Project
Free, online platform TBD
- Artist Kaila Austin will work in the Norwood neighborhood to record the oral histories with five elders in the community and complete their portraits to be passed down as family heirlooms. The oral histories will be available in a community archive.
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