INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Arts Council has announced the 2024 ARTI Award winners and performers ahead of its annual Start with Art sold out event on Thursday, August 22 from 3-5 p.m. at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Since 1987, Start with Art has kicked off the fall arts season in Indianapolis and celebrated the artists and arts organizations that make Indianapolis unique. Nearly 1,000 arts, business, and community leaders will gather to support the Indy Arts Council’s vision of “A Creative Life for All.”
The ARTI Awards honor people and organizations who are advancing equity and innovation in Indianapolis arts & culture. The awards are presented each year at Start with Art by Indy Arts Council with generous support from the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF). Mary Mindiola, co-founder of Indy Latina Artists (ILA) and recent All Lanes Lead to Indy featured artist, was chosen to create this year’s ARTI awards. She has developed a series of original works of cut paper depicting iconic scenes around Indianapolis. The 2024 winners include:
• Corporate Leadership: AES Indiana
• Cultural Entrepreneur: Naptown African American Theatre Collective
• Neighborhood Impact: Big Car Collaborative
• Community Partnerships: Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra & the “Black Keys” Program
• Artist/Activist: Chris Smith of 1000 Words Gallery
• Christel DeHaan Lifetime Achievement Award: Anthony Radford