Indy Arts Council

Indy Arts Council & WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee announce series of arts & culture activations as part of All-Star celebrations

People of Culture

Activations include immersive experiences, pop-ups, art, music and dance as part of city-wide celebration

 

Indy Arts Council and the WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee announced today a series of arts and culture activations during AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025, July 18-19, 2025 in Indianapolis. These immersive experiences taking place downtown in “Indy’s Home Court” will be free and open to the public and are part of a city-wide celebration highlighting women and girls in sports and the arts. The “Red Hot Summer” theme ties together diverse events, creating a unified, family-friendly experience for visitors and residents alike. 

“Indy Arts Council is thrilled to once again have the opportunity to infuse arts and culture into a major sporting event." — Judith B. Thomas

Arts & Culture Partners

“We’re using the excitement and energy surrounding WNBA All-Star to showcase Indy’s creativity in blending basketball with arts and culture,” said Mel Raines, WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee founding chair and Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO. “From the fan-favorite sidewalk galleries to musical performances and history tours, we’re excited to invite local residents and visitors alike to join us in celebrating girls and women in sports and the arts.”

“Indy Arts Council is thrilled to once again have the opportunity to infuse arts and culture into a major sporting event hosted in downtown Indianapolis,” said Judith B. Thomas, President & CEO at Indy Arts Council. “This effort supports our mission to champion arts and culture by connecting the community to the arts, while creating paid opportunities for artists.”

Creative and production partners for the All-Star arts and culture activations include Big Car Collaborative, Chreece, Downtown Indy, Inc., Indy Dance Council, Indiana Black Expo, KODA, Musical Family Tree, Rokh Design Studio, and Through2Eyes. Funding for this program is generously provided by WNBA All-Star 2025 Host Committee with support from the The Herbert Simon Family Foundation, Samerian Foundation, and the Capital Improvement Board of Managers of Marion County.

ARTS & CULTURE ACTIVATION HIGHLIGHTS

Mass Ave neighborhood (credit: Indiana Landmarks)

All activations will take place July 18-19, 2025 in downtown Indianapolis and are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. More information about dates, times, and locations for each activation will be released in the coming weeks. For more information visit indyarts.org/all-star-2025

Murals, Sidewalk Galleries, and Street Art

Nate Baranowski painting the Tamika Catchings Mural (credit: Indy Arts Council)

Tamika Catchings mural on Mass Ave

Nate Baranowski of South Bend, Ind., is creating a new portrait mural in the Mass Ave neighborhood featuring Indiana Fever superstar and local icon Tamika Catchings. The mural is on track to be completed in late June and will remain a downtown Indianapolis landmark for the next 15 years. Baranowski is one of 98 artists who submitted applications in response to an international call. Indianapolis-based artist Brooke McGee is assisting Baranowski with production of the mural.

Indianapolis Artsgarden murals

Two temporary murals by Indianapolis artists Phyllicia Carr and Amiah Mims will adorn the east and west facades of the Indianapolis Artsgarden. The murals will reflect the “Red Hot Summer” theme with nods to Indiana and women in basketball. Starting July 11, drive by or stroll down Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis to experience these large-scale masterpieces.

 

Victory Series art by Ashley Nora

Sidewalk Galleries: Victory Series

The fan-favorite Sidewalk Galleries program is back to enhance downtown storefronts with murals and poetry by Indy-area artists. The special Victory Series features some of Indy’s top female talent, including Tasha Beckwith, Tiffany Black, Christina Hollering, Shaunt’e Lewis, Ashley Nora, and Koda Witsken (curator). 

The Victory Series murals can be found at the Motto Hotel construction fence at the Emmis Building, Star Bank, and AES windows on Monument Circle. Additional Sidewalk Galleries artwork can be found on Washington Street, Meridian Street, McCrea St. at Jackson Place, and Pennsylvania St. at Indiana Members Credit Union.

3D chalk art mural

Nate Baranowski will create a 3D chalk art mural (location TBA). Visitors are encouraged to snap a photo and become part of the illusion.

“W” sculptures

Four unique “W” sculptures fabricated by Expo Arts will pop up on Georgia Street, Monument Circle, and Morris Bicentennial Unity Plaza to give fans the perfect photo backdrop. Sculpture themes include an original floral design by Paula Shoultz, a live painting experience by Kwazar Martin, an interactive autograph station, and neon lights for when the sun goes down.

Live music and dance

Kathy Yuhl at SPARK on the Circle (credit: Mike Lee Productions)

Indy Dance Council

Indy Dance Council will create a series of community experiences including a dance jam, silent disco, freestyle lessons, street dance battle, salsa dance party, and more.

Schedule: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. July 18-19 (multiple sets)

Locations: 

  • All-Star Stage at Indiana Convention Center (S Capitol Ave and W Georgia St)
  • Intersection of Monument Circle & Meridian St (south block)

Musical Family Tree

Musical Family Tree will curate a series of pop-up performances around “Indy’s Home Court” featuring local women and women-identifying musicians. Deckademics will present local DJs in between live sessions.

Schedule: July 18 & 19 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (multiple sets)

Locations: 

  • All-Star Stage at Indiana Convention Center (S Capitol Ave and W Georgia St)
  • Starbucks Patio (N Meridian St and E Pearl St)

Pop-up Art Market at SPARK on the Circle

SPARK on the Circle (credit: Mike Lee Productions)

SPARK the on Circle is upping their game for All-Star. This pop-up park on the northwest quadrant of Monument Circle will feature family-friendly artmaking activities, face painting, live music, DJ’s, and more. This includes a special All-Star market focusing on women artists and vendors, and a postcard making activity featuring designs by Tasha Beckwith. Enjoy comfortable places to sit in the shade, lawn games, and a walk-up cafe. All activities are free and open to the  public, and food and beverage are available for purchase. SPARK on the Circle is an ongoing partnership between Big Car Collaborative, Downtown Indy, Inc., and the City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development in cooperation with the Indiana War Memorials Commission.

Schedule: July 18 | 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; July 19 | 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (more details TBA)

Location: Monument Circle 

Chreece Presents: The Glow Up Lounge

Creators of the Chreece Hip-Hop Festival present an immersive “glow up” experience on Monument Circle. Naptown native creators and vendors will transform this corner of the circle to the ultimate fan-zone featuring a sneaker customization station, airbrush tattoos, face gems, nail art, custom apparel, refreshing juices, a curated local music sound station, and more. All activities are free and open to the public; food and beverage are available for purchase.

Schedule: July 18 | 12 – 6 p.m.;  July 19 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Location: Monument Circle

Public art and history tours

Rokh Design Studio Public Art Tours

Rokh Design Studio will host a series of public art tours curated specifically for All-Star. Explore the city on foot and learn about some of the artworks you see every day. 

Schedule: July 18 & 19 | 10 – 11:30 a.m.; noon – 1:30 p.m. Tour themes vary.

Location: Meet at SPARK on the Circle (RSVP info coming soon; space is limited to 12 people per tour)

 

Sampson Levingston leading a tour in downtown Indianapolis (credit: Through2Eyes)

Through2Eyes “Walk and Talk” History Tours

Sampson Levingston of Through2Eyes will lead his popular “walk and talk” history tours uncovering the untold stories of our city through the lens of basketball, art, and women.

Schedule: July 18 & 19 | 8 a.m.; 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m.

Location: Meet at SPARK on the Circle (RSVP info coming soon; space is limited to 25 people per tour)

Indiana Black Expo: Summer Celebration #AllStarEdition

Audience members at the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration (credit: Indiana Black Expo)

Cultural Arts Pavilion 

This year’s theme, “Court Vision: The Art of Resilience and Excellence,” will feature a special exhibition celebrating the power of women and girls. It will highlight the stories of athletes, artists, and changemakers who have pushed boundaries, broken barriers, and redefined excellence. The event will emphasize the intersection of athletics, artistry, and empowerment through dynamic visual and performance-based storytelling. Featured exhibiting artists include Faith Blackwell, India Cruse-Griffin, Cierra Johnson, and Tanía Michelle Wineglass, along with featured emerging artist Amira Alquraishy, plus a group show with over 30 additional artists.

A variety of cultural institutions will present exhibitions, including “Kierra Ready: From the Inside Out”, sponsored by Indy Arts Council with support from Lilly Endowment, Inc. through the Art & Soul program.

 

Art Speaks Café

A live activation space featuring spoken word, poetry, music, authors, speakers, presenters, podcasters, and more. Through engaging performances and presentations, Art Speaks Café offers meaningful connections and celebrates the diverse voices and talents within the local creative scene. Enjoy daily free community painting sessions, DJ sets with Sounds by Cam, and the “Sole Stars – Customize Your Kicks” sneaker bar.

Schedule: July 18-20 | 12 – 7 p.m. 

Location: Indiana Convention Center

More IBE Summer Celebration events can be found at https://summercelebration.net.

About Indy Arts Council
Indy Arts Council is central Indiana’s leading arts advocacy and services agency. Their mission is to champion arts and culture. Indy Arts Council believes every resident should experience arts and culture in a way that nourishes and inspires them. This vision of a creative life for all is central to the work they do to support artists, arts organizations, and the community.

About AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025
The AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 will be hosted for the first time ever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on July 18-19. Visit wnbaallstar2025.com for more information.

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Media Contacts:

Jessica Redden, Elevate | jessica@elevate-supportservices.com

Erin Wittern
VP Earned Media & Corporate Communications
Pacers Sports & Entertainment
O: 317.917.2866 C: 765.618.5339 E: ewittern@pacers.com

Melissa Rowe
Director of Marketing & Communications
Indy Arts Council
O: 317.631.3301 ext 230 C: 502.216.9171 E: mrowe@indyarts.org