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IDEA Learning Series

In partnership with the Indy Arts & Culture Equity Taskforce, the Indy Arts Council is hosting its second year of IDEA* programming from August 2023 through May 2024. Indy arts organization CEOs, staff, board members, and teaching artists are welcome to attend for free.

All programs are held from noon to 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. The Expert Speaker Series is hosted online.

The Peer Learning Sessions are held in person at Indy Arts Council and we invite you to arrive at 11:30 for lunch and networking. 

*IDEA = inclusion, diversity, equity, access

This speaker series will pair a local arts leader with an IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, access) consultant to discuss an aspect of their equity journey. The topics are based on themes that emerged from the 2023 Annual Grants Program panel review.

SCHEDULE
Second Tuesdays 

August 8, 2023: Programming with the immigrant community Noon - 1 p.m. (virtual)
Daniel Del Real, Global Village Welcome Center; Christina Arrom, Immigrant Welcome Center
Meeting slides here; recording here

October 10, 2023: Antisemitism for arts leaders | *IN PERSON* 10-11:30 a.m. A light brunch will be served. Register here
Join us at the JCC Indianapolis (6701 Hoover Rd) for a panel discussion featuring: Lev Rothenberg, JCC Indianapolis; Suzanne Rothenberg, Anti-Defamation League Midwest; Jacob Markey, Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council; Ira Mallory, film director; Dr. Jeffrey Rothenberg, glass artist; Rabbi Sandy Sasso, Spirituality, Religion and Arts Initiative at Herron School of Art and Design

December 12, 2023: Conducting an accessibility audit of your organization | Noon - 1 p.m. (virtual)  Register here
Jessica Minor, Ability Indiana; Norman Burns, Conner Prairie

April 9, 2024: Embedding IDEA into your strategic planning Register here
Neelay Bhatt, Next Practice Partners; Phyllis Boyd, Indy Parks

At peer learning sessions, arts organization leaders will talk about the challenges they're facing in their IDEA journey. They’ll seek the input of their peers in helping them address those challenges. Come ready to share, discuss, and learn.

SCHEDULE
Second Tuesdays
11:30 a.m. (lunch and networking); Noon - 1 p.m. (discussion) at Indy Arts Council, 924 N. Pennsylvania St.

September 12, 2023: Telling the story of your equity journey Register here
Britt Sutton, Art Mix; Devon Ginn & Ben Hanna, Indiana Repertory Theatre; Jessica Overstreet & Dana Stone, El Sistema Indianapolis

November 14, 2023: LGBTQIA+ and gender inclusivity in the workplace & programming Register here
Michael Ault & Abi Lindstedt, Heartland Film; Phillip Smith, The Philippines Cultural Community Center; Dana Vanderburgh, Kids Dance Outreach

January 9, 2024: Board recruitment & retention Register here
Denisha Ferguson, Indiana Fashion Foundation; Craig Mince, The Athenaeum; Shannon Forsell, The Cabaret

March 12, 2024: Executive leadership for women Register here
Kären Haley, Indianapolis Cultural Trail; Jordan Schwartz, Fonseca Theatre; Dr. Collette Pierce Burnette, Newfields

May 14, 2024: Equity Theatre Register here
Constance Macy, Phoenix Theatre; Ryan Artzberger, Indy Shakes; LaKesha Lorene, Naptown African American Theatre Collective

The IDEA Learning Series is made possible with support from the City of Indianapolis and Glick Philanthropies. If you have questions about the program, please contact Channie Jones, Director of Equity Partnerships, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Thank you to our funders

City of Indy logo
Lilly
Indiana Arts Commission
CICF
Clowes Charitable Foundation