Looking Forward Black Indianapolis Artists Imagine the Future

The Herron School of Art + Design recently hosted an awe-inspiring event, "Past is Present: Black Artists Respond to the Complicated Histories of Slavery," which has been in the works for close to six years. This event, part of the 2022 Spirit and Place Festival, was a profound exploration of resilience amidst extreme oppression, illuminated through the voices and artistry of contemporary Black artists, including notable local talents. This initiative, supported by generous grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc., the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI, and other foundations, not only showcased the impactful work of these artists but also highlighted the vital role Herron plays in fostering an inclusive and engaging cultural dialogue within the community. Through this event, Herron affirmed its commitment to not only celebrating art but also to using it as a lens through which we can examine and understand our shared history and current realities. Past is Present: Black Artists Respond to the Complicated Histories of Slavery is curated by Jonathan Michael Square, Ph.D., assistant professor of Black visual culture at Parsons School of Design. The exhibition is made possible by a generous grant from the Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation and The Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF affiliate.