Indy Convergence centers its community-focused programming on current residents and collaborates with current resident leadership.
Our outward-facing community programs developed after the organization engaged in a “Year of Listening” when the executive staff attended over 100 community and partner meetings to understand better our community’s varied historical and current aspirations, challenges, and perspectives. Indy Convergence now functions as a landing pad and creative shared space for residents and Indianapolis artists of all genres to explore and find support for new ideas, community-centered dreams, and artistic projects. Our pledge to “come alongside our neighbors and art partners through people-centered programming” shines in how we work with our community partners. This part of our work takes shape in many ways. Programs and projects include the following
A Rising Tide (2019-present)
This program hosts mobile, non-invasive arts events along the shores of the White River. This event series clears riverside spaces of invasive species, highlights Indianapolis’ diverse artistic community, and features the west side of the White River as a Near West side asset and place of significance to our community. Read more about A Rising Tide, here.
Near West Rara (2018-present)
A community-wide celebration gifted to us by our partners in Haiti. This moving party starts in one Near West side neighborhood and then moves with a musical float to the next neighborhood. As the party grows, neighbors walk, bike, skate, and scoot alongside the float enjoying special places in each Near West side community. The Rara ends with a concert and celebration of the entire community’s past year’s successes and hopes for the coming season.
Portico at Super Tortas (2018)
Indy Convergence partnered with Near West side restaurant Super Tortas, visiting artists from Jacmel, Haiti, and the Near West Livability Task Force to turn a vacant lot into a patio and performance space. Now used daily by Super Tortas patrons and Near West neighbors, the portico hosts concerts, celebrations, and community events.
Near West Storytelling Project (2018)
In 2018, we hosted a series in storytelling classes in collaboration with the Haughville Library and Storytelling Arts of Indiana. Participants crafted their own stories and shared them in an intimate evening of community in our building.
Near West Art Walks (2017 & 2018)
Hyper-local neighborhood-centered art evenings celebrating Near West side nonprofits and artists.
