IUPUI’s Joseph Lennis Tucker Edmonds and Lasana D. Kazembe are assessing the important contributions of Black arts and cultural institutions in central Indiana and beyond and are working to identify ways to support their ability to survive and thrive during the pandemic.
Black arts and cultural organizations have long been pillars of their local communities, offering a variety of artistic opportunities to families as well as important community support. So when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and social distancing orders were announced, these organizations – and the families who rely on them – were hit especially hard.
Tucker Edmonds and Kazembe will shine light on the importance of Black arts and cultural organizations when they launch a digital platform later this year. It will be an online space where organizations can gather information but also share their own stories. They plan to offer free membership profiles and anticipate a site filled with success stories that promote the work of Black arts and cultural organizations.