The vibrant energy of music, spoken word, and dance are all reflected in Black theatre. ARTI performances are lively and reflect the contours of Black lives, from the continent to the US. Unwavering in its commitment to addressing challenges facing Black theatre, ARTI initiatives emphasize increased visibility and access to Black theatre in Indianapolis. They also offer a culturally affirming platform for talent and career development opportunities in the arts.

ARTI is a collaboration between the IU School of Liberal Arts, IU Indianapolis Office of Community Engagement, and IU School of Education to document and reflect the history, cultural life, and politics of peoples of the African Diaspora. Its signature initiatives include OnyxFest; "The Price of Progress: The Indiana Avenue/IU Indianapolis Story"; CENTERSTAGE: A Black Theater Workshop; Black Stage; and The ARTI Community-Student Ensemble.

As a public arts initiative, ARTI has a deep commitment to and focus on artistic and community engagement. Its main areas of focus include: 

• Public performances: arts engagement to expand the reach of the arts and contribute to community social wealth
• Research: study of the social, cultural, economic, and academic impact of a more representative arts sector
• Outreach and marketing: connecting campus and community
• Talent, career exploration, and postsecondary engagement: apprenticeship programs and partnerships with K-12 schools

Your gift helps us:

• Increase opportunities for Indiana Black playwrights
• Leverage the arts as a means of fostering community, empowering youth, and discussing crucial topics
• Expand opportunities for community collaboration

Support the Black arts and creative community through ARTI today!

Please note, the name and purpose of the fund displayed on this page constitute the authorized description of the fund by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc. Your gift supports the fund as described herein.

In July 2024, IUPUI will become Indiana University Indianapolis and will no longer be affiliated with Purdue University. The Indiana University Foundation, Inc. will update all fund titles and fund descriptions for IUPUI funds to reflect this change, and funds intended for Purdue’s School of Engineering and Technology will be transferred to Purdue under the agreement between IU and Purdue. Until July 2024, gifts to this fund will continue to be administered by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc., on behalf of IUPUI.