Throughout Black History Month, a variety of events celebrating Black creatives will be hosted highlighting artists, musicians and designers within the Indianapolis community. While the influence of Black history and achievements is recognized year-round, the month of February provides unique opportunities to do so. To acknowledge the impact Black individuals have had on Indy’s culture and history, we’ve curated a list of 14 events you can attend to celebrate!
ART
Meet the Artists XXXIV Exhibit | Indianapolis Public Library
Jan. 26, 2022 – Apr. 2, 2022 | 40 East Saint Clair Street
The Indianapolis Public Library’s 2022 Meet the Artists exhibit — which highlights works from Black creatives — will feature the artists “The Eighteen,” a collective of 18 like-minded and civically engaged Black visual artists in and around Indy. These artists painted Indianapolis’ #BlackLivesMatter street mural on Indiana Avenue in 2020. The exhibit is free and will be available to the public throughout the month of February.
Art in the Spotlight | Newfields
Feb. 2, 11 AM-5 PM | IMA Damon C. & Kay D. Davis Lab, 2nd Floor
A spotlight on Thornton Dial’s installation piece “Don’t Matter How Raggly the Flag, It Still Got to Tie Us Together” will be hosted on Feb. 2 at Newfields. Dial, who was born on a former plantation in Alabama, created this piece in 2003, but it continues to address modern-day issues.
Admission to the IMA is $18 for adults, $10 for youth ages 6-17 and free for both members and children ages 5 and under.
First Thursday Black History Month Programming | The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Feb. 4, 4-8 PM | 3000 North Meridian Street
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is kicking off Black History Month with a celebration of Black achievements in art, music, sports, history and science. Attendees are encouraged to participate in a variety of events including contributing to the museum’s #BLACKLIVESMATTER mural and a community art showcase featuring works from local Black artists. Grab your tickets here for only $6 a person!
Black History Gallery | Indiana State Museum
Feb. 11, 11 AM-12 PM | 650 West Washington Street
Take a tour of the Black History Gallery at the Indiana State Museum to learn more about featured artifacts in connection to local Black history, such as Madam C.J. Walker’s hair products. Tickets are available on the ISM website for $8 — just be sure to register by 5 PM the night before the tour!
Embracing Black Culture | Fishers Arts Council
Feb. 11, 6-8pm | One Municipal Drive, Fishers
Featuring artwork by Fall Creek Junior High students, as well as a special presentation with guest speakers including Travis Brown, Founder/CEO of Mojo Up, William Minion, artist, Rebecca Robinson, artist, & 31Svn Street Dance Academy. A special video featuring local artists and the student creatives whose work is featured in the exhibit…and more!
Black History Month Art Show | PHIRI
Feb. 26, 7-9 PM | 120 East Market Street, Suite 500
PHIRI Art will be hosting a Black History Month Art Show to promote cultural awareness and togetherness. Grab your tickets here for just $3!
FASHION
Meet the Artists Fashion Show | Indianapolis Public Library
Feb. 12, 9 PM | 40 East Saint Clair Street
To celebrate its 34th anniversary, a gala reception for Meet The Artists — one of the biggest events of the year for Black artists — will be hosted on Saturday, Feb. 12. The reception will feature a fashionable finale, with Thierry Baptiste hosting a fashion show at 9 PM.
Peace Love Unity capsule drop | Shue Clothing
Feb. 18 & 20 | Cargo Streetwear Boutique, 1338 Shelby St
Check out Shue’s latest capsule collection and collaboration with 420365.
All Black Party | PHIRI
Feb. 26, 7-9 PM | 120 East Market Street, Suite 500
To celebrate Black History Month, PHIRI is hosting an upscale All Black Party featuring R&B, Afrobeats, Reggae and Latin music. In addition to music, the event will include art, games, a boutique, drinks and light snacks. To join in on the fun, purchase your ticket here for $10.
MUSIC
An Evening of William Grant Still | Jacobs School of Music
Feb. 4, 5, 11 & 12 7:30pm; IU Bloomington Musical Art Center
Shattering color barriers in classical music with a string of firsts, William Grant Still became known as the “Dean of African American Composers.”First, a deathbed promise fuels an emotional explosion at a small-town gas station on the seemingly tranquil Highway 1 in this intimate opera about human thresholds. Then, ballet meets home life in times of quarantine, capturing the surreal state of a global pandemic. Created to music from Still’s Afro-American Symphony, this finalized version of Jacobs’ 2020 Fall Ballet includes the third section of Sasha Janes’ work, as dancers are once again allowed freedom of movement. Watch livestream here.
Christopher Pitts: Art & Soul Performance | The Jazz Kitchen
Feb. 6, 7 PM & 9:30 PM | 5377 North College Avenue
Pianist Christopher Pitts and his ensemble will host an extended version of his art and soul performance inspired by pianists and composers developed out of Indiana Avenue. Pitts has been named as one of 2021’s top 30 Black creatives to watch by Gritty Vibes Magazine in addition to being one of Indy Arts Council’s 2021 featured artists. Main dining tickets are available for $15 and front-row seats can be purchased for $25 — purchase yours here.
Music at Butler: A Jubilee! Black History Month Arts Celebration | Butler University
Feb. 18, 7:30 PM | 610 West 43rd Street
A free student production celebrating Black traditions in art will be hosted at Butler University featuring stories, music and dance. The night will celebrate different aspects of Blackness and include jazz, spirituals, opera, rock, R&B, poetry and more — no ticket required! If you can’t make it in person, join the livestream here.
African-American Pivotal Influence and Black History Minutes | 99.1 WQRT
Feb. 26 + Feb. 27, 8-9 PM
APLR artists Dr. Jarrod Dortch and Bashiri Asad will be spinning vinyl from 7-8 PM on Feb. 26 while discussing songs from Black artists. The following day, Oreo Jones and Dr. Jarrod Dortch will spin records and have a conversation on the music and lyrics included within their selection.
Throughout the month of February, WQRT will be hosting Black History Minutes narrated by Oreo Jones, who will discuss African-American artists, political figures and other individuals whose legacies continue to influence the mission for equality in America.
Rhythm and Poetry Thursdays | PHIRI
Feb. 26, 7-9 PM | 120 East Market Street, Suite 500
To celebrate Black History Month, PHIRI Art will be hosting an open-mic night including poetry, art, live performances, raffles and a sip-and-painting activity. All attendees will receive discounts on photoshoots, venue rentals, upcoming PHIRI events and all PHIRI services. Doors open at 7 PM and performances will begin at 8 PM. Grab your tickets on the event page for $10!
