ART & SOUL 2025

THE 29TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF BLACK ART AND MUSIC

Since 1996, Art & Soul has helped advance the careers of Black artists in Indianapolis. Each year, four Featured Artists are recognized for their exemplary contributions to our creative community. The year-long program features public events that celebrate visual art, music, dance, and literature. Art & Soul is hosted by Indy Arts Council and supported annually by Lilly Endowment Inc.

New this year, the Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase debuted at the Madam Walker Legacy Center on April 11, 2025. Read on to learn more about this partnership and this year’s programming.

About Art & Soul
Meet the 2025 Featured Artists
Events
Art & Soul Sundays
2025 Program Partners

Art & Soul: A Celebration of Black Art and Music

About Art & Soul

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 including paid, performances and exhibitions opportunities, career coaching, media placements, and more.

Since it’s inception in 1996, Art & Soul has supported over 60 Featured Artists.

Pictured: 2025 Art & Soul featured artist Akili Ni Mali performs at The Madam Walker Legacy Center. Photo by Gerald Encarnacion.

Art & Soul Featured Artists

For nearly 30 years, Art & Soul has helped launch the careers of emerging Black artists in central Indiana. Four Featured Artists are selected annually for their exemplary contributions to the creative community. In addition, the Featured Artists receive year-long career development support.

Pictured: 2025 Art & Soul featured artist Brandon Lott performs at The Madam Walker Legacy Center. Photo by Gerald Encarnacion.

Art & Soul 2025 Featured Artists

“I don’t like to complain too much in my music. I like to just tell it how it is.”

Akili Ni Mali

Recording Artist & Actor

Akili Ni Mali is an independent recording artist, born in California and raised in Indianapolis. With a sound blend of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop, some of her musical influences are Jazmine Sullivan, Rachelle Farrelle, Sadé, and India Arie. She released her EP Breathe in 2020, along with singles “Good Life” (2020), “Right” (2021), “Sold” (2022), “Lana Del Rey” (2023) and “9-5” (2024), and her latest EP Changes (2024). Akili is also a professional actor with representation out of Chicago.

“When people listen to my music, I hope they feel the authenticity I put into it.”

Brandon Lott

Recording Artist

Brandon is a versatile and seasoned recording artist specializing in vocal performance, songwriting, and multi-instrumental production. He began his career in 2014 as a music intern at the Harrison Center while attending Herron High School. In 2022, Brandon signed with 199X Sound, an independently-run artist management company based in LA. His work blends R&B and neo soul with global influences, aiming to inspire listeners to explore their inner selves and question the mysteries of existence.

“I never have artist block. All of my art comes from within.”

Kierra Ready

Visual Artist & Illustrator

Kierra is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply rooted in community and culture. She creates art that sparks conversations, encourages unity, and invites people to experience the beauty of diversity. With a strong passion for storytelling through visual media, Kierra strives to uplift and inspire through every project, connecting people through creativity and shared experiences. Past exhibitions include Phoenix Theatre: Taking Up Space, Indy Black Expo: Art Speaks, Storefront Indy: Fine Chic, and Re:Public: Beautiful Things Grow Here.

“My goals for my future involve me continuing to push the boundaries of the materials I’m using.”

Monique Burts

Wearable Artist

Monique Burts is a wearable artist who uses storytelling and performance art to bring her sculptures to life through various unconventional materials. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Herron School of Art + Design. Monique draws much of her inspiration from the possibilities that appear when perspective is altered. Her artistry is also shaped by her culture and lived experiences as a Black woman. She has exhibited at various Indianapolis galleries and venues including the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center, The Vogue Theatre, and the Indy 500 Snakepit Ball.

Art & Soul

Events

The Art & Soul 2025 program is a year-round celebration and fellowship centered on the four Featured Artists. Join us for a variety of public events that celebrate visual art, music, dance, and literature.

soul • real • ism – An Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase

On April 11, the Art & Soul 2025 Featured Artists—Monique Burts, Brandon Lott, Akili Ni Mali, and Kierra Ready—presented soul • real • ism – An Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase. This multimedia experience featured an unconventional wearable art fashion show, a visual art display, and live music performances. Curated and hosted by the iconic Madam Walker Legacy Center, the event was presented by the Indy Arts Council with generous support from Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Pictured: Mo Gio model Tash performs at The Madam Walker Legacy Center. Photo by Gerald Encarnacion.

Art & Soul Sundays 2025

From March through October, the Indianapolis Artsgarden hosts Art & Soul Sundays – a time for everyone to come together for soulful music and artistic expression to get their week started. All events are free and family-friendly.

Pictured: Damon Karl performs at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. Photo by Jennifer Wilson.

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Kierra Ready: From the Inside Out – An Art & Soul Exhibition

Exhibition: April 4 – May 22
First Friday Reception: 6-9 p.m. April 5
Gallery 924

Joy is not something that can be manufactured; it is grown, nurtured, and radiated. From the Inside Out is an exploration of joy as a deeply personal and spiritual force that begins within and flows outward into the world. Through this collection, Kierra Ready invites viewers to experience joy as a divine gift—one that transcends life’s challenges and flourishes in community, faith, and self-discovery.

Pictured: 2025 Art & Soul featured artist Kierra Ready at Gallery 924. Photo by Jes Nijjer.

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Art & Soul Sundays 2025

March 23 | 3-4 p.m.

Art & Soul Sundays 2025 kickoff at the Indianapolis Artsgarden with Akili Ni Mali and Kierra Ready.

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April 6 | 3-4 p.m.

Creative director, regional actor and teaching artist Josiah Ray McCruiston performs at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.

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June 1 | 3-4 p.m.

Art & Soul 2025 Featured Artist Brandon Lott performs at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.

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August 3 | 3-4 p.m.

The Gospel of Morris performs at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.

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September 21 | 3-4 p.m.

Art & Soul 2025 Featured Artist Monique Burts will showcase an unconventional fashion show at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.

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October 5 | 3-4 p.m.

Indy gospel vocalist Jeremy Larnel Thompson performs at the Indianapolis Artsgarden.

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Community Events

Art & Soul

June 6 | Picnic in the Park with Mo Gio — A wearable art performance at Tube Factory artspace

On June 6 from 6 – 10 p.m. celebrate the summer as Monique Burts and Mo Gio present an interactive, whimsical, picnic-themed wearable art fashion show at Tube Factory artspace, where guests are invited to bring their own picnic gear and interact with the work.

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June 6 | Sky Deck Concert with Brandon Lott at the Harrison Center

On June 6 from 6 – 9 p.m. experience the soulful vibes of Brandon Lott’s music on the Sky Deck of the Harrison Center.

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June 13 | Fridays at the Fort Summer Concert Series with Akili Ni Mali at Arts for Lawrence

Summer evenings just got a whole lot better! Join Arts for Lawrence on June 13 from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. for the Fridays at the Fort Kickoff Concert, featuring the incredible sounds of independent recording artist Akili Ni Mali.

Fridays at the Fort is a FREE outdoor concert series where the community comes together to celebrate local talent, enjoy delicious food truck fare, and dance the night away. With fun activities for all ages, this event is the perfect way to kick off your summer weekends with joy, music, and connection.

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June 18-19 | Community Mural with Kierra Ready at Touba Gardens

Over two immersive days, participants will co-create a mural at Touba Gardens with support and direction from artist Kierra Ready. Expect movement, creativity, and collaboration in a joyful and affirming outdoor space. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited.

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June 20 | Legacy Fest 2025 Block Party at Madam Walker Legacy Center

On June 20 from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. enjoy performances by Brandon Lott, Akili Ni Mali, Monique Burts, and featured artwork by Kierra Ready on the main stage at the Legacy Fest 2025 Block Party.

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June 21 | Community Mural with Kierra Ready at Arts for Lawrence Juneteenth Jubilee

On June 21 from 4 – 8 p.m. acclaimed local artist Kierra Ready will lead an interactive community mural project at the upcoming Arts for Lawrence Juneteenth Jubilee, inviting attendees to contribute their unique creativity to a collaborative artwork celebrating unity and community.

This free festival, dedicated to family, history, and connection, offers a unique opportunity for participants to see themselves as artists and contributors to something bigger than themselves. Through her leadership, Kierra Ready will guide festival goers in creating a powerful visual representation of togetherness and hope.

In addition to the mural, the Juneteenth Jubilee will feature live cultural dance and music, delicious food, free health screenings, community resources, local vendors, and engaging activities for all ages.

June 21 | 8th Annual Indy Juneteenth Celebration with Akili Ni Mali

On June 21 at 2 p.m. come to Military Park to experience the vibrant creativity of Black artistry at the 8th Annual Indy Juneteenth Celebration, featuring an array of visual and performing arts that honor culture and history. Renowned Indy Art & Soul artist Akili Ni Mali will be part of many live performances and dynamic showcases of live painting, spoken word, and live music, highlighting the power of artistic expression.

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July 18 | The Alley Sessions at the Cabaret featuring Art & Soul artists

The Alley Sessions (The Cabaret’s free outdoor concert series) has been a huge success and has become one of our favorite parts of summer. So, we decided to ramp things up and go even bigger this year — get ready for more performers, more art, and even more good vibes as we continue providing our community with free access to the arts!

Designed with the community in mind, The Alley (created in collaboration with The Arts Council of Indianapolis and Buckingham Companies and funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc.) is an outdoor gathering space where the community can experience live music and art in a casual setting with café tables and chairs, shade umbrellas, and public art installations.

Gates open and live WICR Broadcast starts at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7 to 8:30 p.m.

July 18-20 | Indy Dance Festival with Austin "Sirlimitless" Day at Butler University

Come move and be moved at the 2025 Indy Dance Festival held at Butler University. The weekend kicks off with a free Community Improv Jam hosted & DJ-ed by Austin “Sirlimitless” Day, followed by 2 days of masterclasses including Heels taught by Lalah Hazelwood and a Guinea dance class from Ronne Stone. Each day is capped by an evening performance of incredible local dance professionals, highlighting the amazing range of styles and creative skills found right here in Indy.

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July 25 | The Alley Sessions at the Cabaret featuring Art & Soul artists

The Alley Sessions (The Cabaret’s free outdoor concert series) has been a huge success and has become one of our favorite parts of summer. So, we decided to ramp things up and go even bigger this year — get ready for more performers, more art, and even more good vibes as we continue providing our community with free access to the arts!

Designed with the community in mind, The Alley (created in collaboration with The Arts Council of Indianapolis and Buckingham Companies and funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc.) is an outdoor gathering space where the community can experience live music and art in a casual setting with café tables and chairs, shade umbrellas, and public art installations.

Gates open and live WICR Broadcast starts at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7 to 8:30 p.m.

August 1 | The Alley Sessions at the Cabaret with Akili Ni Mali and Brandon Lott

The Alley Sessions (The Cabaret’s free outdoor concert series) has been a huge success and has become one of our favorite parts of summer. So, we decided to ramp things up and go even bigger this year — get ready for more performers, more art, and even more good vibes as we continue providing our community with free access to the arts!

Designed with the community in mind, The Alley (created in collaboration with The Arts Council of Indianapolis and Buckingham Companies and funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc.) is an outdoor gathering space where the community can experience live music and art in a casual setting with café tables and chairs, shade umbrellas, and public art installations.

Gates open and live WICR Broadcast starts at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7 to 8:30 p.m.

August 19 | Poetry Through the Lens with Brick Street Poetry

Join poetry lovers and the poetry curious in viewing a series of shorts produced by cinema photogher Kassim Norris featuring a diverse group of poets who have worked with Brick Street Poetry. After the showing of the shorts, the audience will have the opportunity to engage in conversation with Kassim and the poets.

Art & Soul 2025 Program Partner

Madam Walker Legacy Center

A new collaboration between Indy Arts Council and Madam Walker Legacy Center will offer a larger stage and introduce a broader audience to the 2025 Art & Soul program and its four Featured Artists. New this year, the Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase will debut at the Madam Walker Legacy Center on April 11, 2025.

The Madam Walker Legacy Center represents a significant piece of the nation’s history. It is located in the Madam C.J. Walker Building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. It remains a beacon of pride, hope and the beauty that lies in diversity, ensuring that the significance of Madam C.J. Walker, Indiana Avenue and African-American cultural arts are not forgotten.

Photos by G Marie Photography

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Art & Soul 2025 Marketing Partner

Mojo Up

Mojo Up Marketing + Media is an MBE certified, black-owned and minority-operated, full service, brand marketing agency that is made up of a diverse and talented team of marketing professionals and creatives. Our focus is to tell the story, shape the brand, and guide the marketing future of our clients as they make their greatest impact by using their greatest asset – their own authenticity.