INDIANAPOLIS — The Africana Repertory Theatre of IUPUI (A.R.T.I.) has received a $25,000 grant from the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) and another $2,500 donation from the Indiana University Office of Diversity, Equity & Multicultural Affairs for OnyxFest 2022, which opens November 3 for two weekends of performances.
OnyxFest is the first and only theater event in Indiana exclusively designed to showcase stories of Black playwrights. Now in it’s 12th year, A.R.T.I. hosts the two-weekend festival in partnership with IndyFringe of Indianapolis. This will be the first presentation of the event without pandemic restrictions in three years. Attendance increased each of those years.
Producer Vernon A. Williams, IUPUI Communication and Community Engagement Strategist, said, “A.R.T.I. is extremely grateful for these contributions that both enable production of six outstanding plays on Black life and culture and facilitate engagement of broader student audiences in these important stories.”
“A significant portion of this grant will be set aside for student and youth groups to, in many cases, be introduced to the world of live theater, as well as exposed to myriad career opportunities both on stage and behind the scenes.”
Williams pointed out that along with enjoyment of the arts and pure entertainment for the entire family, OnyxFest provides inspiration, affirmation and celebration for those of Africana diaspora as slices of their experience are expressed on stage in authentic voices of Black playwrights.
Tickets for OnyxFest 2022 are on sale now at indyfringe.org/OnyxFest/.