Art & Soul is a celebration of Black art and music in Indianapolis. Each year, four Featured Artists are recognized for their exemplary contributions to our creative community.

Featured Artists receive an infusion of support in the form of a stipend, media placement, showcase performances and/or exhibitions, coaching, paid opportunities to create with local artists and organizations throughout 2025, and more.

Art & Soul has been celebrated since 1996, supporting over 60 Featured Artists. Read more about Art & Soul here.

Thank you to Lilly Endowment Inc. for its annual support of Art & Soul.

Pictured: 2024 Art & Soul featured artist Dexter Clardy performs at the Art & Soul kick-off at The Cabaret. Photo by Jennifer Wilson

A strong candidate for a Featured Artist is a performer, a creative, a maker or an artist with exceptional talent and commitment.

• They could be at any stage of their career, but they should be actively practicing their creative work.
• They might focus on dance, theater, media arts (film, video, digital arts, photography), music, literature, visual arts, folk arts, multi-disciplinary art forms, or more.
• They live and/or predominantly work in Marion, Morgan, Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Hancock, Johnson, or Shelby County. They identify as Black or African American.

Pictured: 2024 Art & Soul featured artist Boxx the Artist is interviewed by local media at Art & Soul kick-off at Gallery 924. Photo by Jennifer Wilson

Here’s what you can expect as an Art & Soul 2025 Featured Artist:

• $4,000 stipend
• Professional liability insurance for 2025, if applicable
• Orientation gathering hosted by Indy Arts Council in Fall 2024
• Professional headshots and/or video profile
• Opportunities to be in local digital, print or TV media
• Participate in a special Featured Artist alumni gathering in early 2025
• Perform in a showcase and/or exhibit your work at Gallery 924 in Spring 2025
• Participate in additional paid performing, exhibiting, or programming opportunities with local arts organizations through Fall 2025

Beyond those benefits, we hope that you’ll build relationships with Indy Arts Council staff and other local arts leaders who are eager to support you. Through it all, you’ll reflect on your creative career and maybe even re-invigorate your own goals.

Pictured: 2024 Art & Soul featured artist Austin “Sirlimitless” Day performs at the Art & Soul kick-off at The Cabaret. Photo by Jennifer Wilson