LAWRENCE — Fort Ben Cultural Campus will have its Grand Opening Friday, June 18 from 4:30-9:00 p.m. The opening was postponed due to construction delays and COVID-19 restrictions, but organizers are excited that they will be able to show off all the hard work that has been poured into the innovative complex. The campus was made possible through Lilly Endowment grants, and encompasses a full block of Otis Ave. at 56th St. that includes the Theater at the Fort, a Visual Arts Center, an artist walk, a history walk, an amphitheater, as well as the first permanent installation of the Musical Swings by Tous Les Jours. The Grand Opening will be a weekend-long celebration, embracing the arts in all their forms.
On Friday, June 18 from 4:30 – 9 p.m., Fridays at the Fort, featuring Indy Jazz Orchestra, returns. Lawrence Mayor Steve Collier will present a proclamation and ribbon cutting at 6:00 p.m. The Musical Swings will be open. There will be performances by Crossroads Dance, Timepiece Theater Company, and Poets Laureate, kids’ activities, food trucks, and a beer/wine tent.
On Saturday, June 19 from 4 – 9 p.m., Arts for Lawrence presents their 1st Annual Juneteenth Jubilee. This festival will celebrate Black culture and artistry with IBADA Dance, Freetown Village Singers, singer Teresa Reynolds, poet Adrianne Embry, performance artist, singer, and poet AshLee Baskin. The Musical Swings will be open, plus kids’ activities, food trucks, and a beer/wine tent.
On Sunday, June 20 from 4 – 7:30 p.m., enjoy Classical Sundays at the Fort. This classical music concert will feature musicians from Indy’s very own Symphony Orchestra, violinist Melissa Deal, violinist Lisa Scott, violist Zak Collins, and cellist Perry Scott. The Musical Swings will be open, and blankets or lawn chairs are encouraged to enjoy a beautiful evening on the plaza.
After the grand opening, Arts for Lawrence will offer a wide range of theater performances, including Paige Scott’s That’s A Terrible Story . . . Why Would You Tell Me That? beginning June 25, classes and workshops on stagecraft, a variety of arts and crafts, poetry readings, summer camp, and more. Visit Artsforlawrence.com for more information about upcoming performances and classes.
