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July 17-19, 2026

Cultural Arts Pavilion

The Cultural Arts Pavilion is a dynamic celebration of creativity, culture, and community, spotlighting the brilliance of visual and performing artists from across the region. This immersive space comes alive each year with powerful themes that honor our history, elevate our stories, and showcase artistic expression through bold exhibitions, live performances, and interactive experiences.

Guests are invited to explore art that speaks truth, connect with local creatives, and engage with partner institutions that help preserve and advance Indiana’s rich artistic legacy.

Full event details, featured exhibitions, and partner announcements for the 2026 Pavilion are coming soon. Stay connected.

The Indiana Black Expo’s Cultural Arts Pavilion invites visual and performing artists to be part of the Cultural Arts Pavilion 2025. Our theme, “Court Vision: The Art of Resilience and Excellence,” will feature a special Art Exhibition celebrating the power of women and girls. This exhibition will highlight the stories of athletes, artists, and change makers who have pushed boundaries, broken barriers, and redefined excellence. The event will emphasize the intersection of athletics, artistry, and empowerment through dynamic visual and performance-based storytelling. Join us in celebrating resilience, excellence, and the transformative power of art!

Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Rooms 140-142

Partners: Harrison Center, Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Newfields, Indiana Historical Society, Indiana African-American Genealogy Group
Sponsors: Indy Arts Council, Penrod Society, Arthur Jordan Foundation, Allen Whitehill Clowes Foundation, Noyes Foundation, Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative

man finger painting at cultural arts pavilion event

SIGNUP BY March 31, 2026

2026 Indiana Black Expo Cultural Arts Pavilion Artist Open Call

Call for Artists & Performers: A Century of Making: Celebrating a 100 Years of Recognizing our History

The Cultural Arts Pavilion, alongside The Arts Speaks Cafe, is where local and national artists and authors can exhibit their work, sharing the depth of African American creativity with attendees through live music, spoken word performances, and interactive sessions. This pavilion is part of a broader effort to celebrate Black culture, excellence, and community development, featuring engaging events such interactive exhibits on dance, music, acting, and more, aimed at both youth and families.

When: July 17-19, 2026
Where: Indiana Convention Center
Cost: Free

Art Exhibition: Visual Artists
We seek visual artists, including painters, photographers, mixed-media creators, and more, to showcase work that reflects themes of resilience, excellence, and the cultural impact of women in sports and the arts.

Art Speaks Café
Artists, performers, and creatives can also sign up for Art Speaks Café, a live activation space featuring spoken word, poetry, music, authors, speakers, presenters, podcasters, and more. This is an opportunity for local and regional acts to share their voices and talents with a national audience during the Summer Celebration #AllStarEdition.

Eligibility:
– Be able to commit to the 3-day installation, including pickup & drop off
– Works that center our theme “A Century of Making: Celebrating a 100 Years of Recognizing our History”
– Wired & hang-ready pieces (must be wired)
– 18 years or older, permission from a parent or guardian (youth Installations & performers are accepted)
– Any works or performances must be appropriate for a family-friend audience

Register Now

Submission Deadline: Signup By March 31, 2026  Exhibition Dates: July 17-19, 2026
Location: Cultural Arts Pavilion, Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46225

– For any questions, email arthenticarts@gmail.com