Indianapolis art fair BUTTER gets bigger
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A crowd gathers at BUTTER 2023. Photo: Gerald Encarnacion/BUTTER
The BUTTER Fine Art Fair returns to Indianapolis this week with its biggest lineup ever.
Why it matters: Since its inaugural event in 2021, BUTTER has made waves nationwide as an example of how to advance equity in the arts while establishing itself as a modern Indy staple to look forward to each Labor Day weekend.
- Organized by creative advocacy agency GANGGANG to highlight Black art from Indiana and beyond, BUTTER aims to loan or sell 100% of the fair's artwork and offer 100% of sales profit to artists.
Driving the news: The final event list for BUTTER 2024 includes the work of 60 exhibiting artists, live music, dance performances, poetry, DJ sets, custom merch and food trucks. Here's what's new this year:
- The "Conversation Cove" is a collection of hourly talks by artists and curators, including multidisciplinary artist Autumn Breon, former MLB player Micah Johnson and author/activist Kimberly Drew.
- The Kids' Zone is an outdoor activation designed in partnership with The Children's Museum of Indianapolis to encourage creativity and play.
- Grapevine is a First Friday event with a curated selection of Black-owned retailers and food trucks.
Zoom in: This year's exhibiting artists have been featured on the cover of TIME, at Disney's D-23 Expo and in solo exhibitions at Indianapolis venues like Madam Walker Legacy Center and the Harrison Center.
- 27 returning BUTTER artists are among the participants.
By the numbers: Since its inception, BUTTER has put a spotlight on more than 112 local and national artists.
- The event has sold a combined total of $749,000 worth of artwork and attracted more than 32,000 attendees across its first three editions.
What they're saying: "This year we're thinking about legacy, and we're really focused on what it looks like to create a new world for the next generation," BUTTER director Deonna Craig told Axios. "How do we keep this going, and how do we continue to pour into people who want to step into something like this?"
If you go: BUTTER runs from Aug. 29-Sept. 1 at the Stutz.
- Tickets for the art fair, which opens at 11am Friday-Sunday, start at $40.
- A preview night at 6pm Thursday gives attendees the chance to purchase art before the fair opens to the public. Preview tickets are $150.
- A BUTTER dance party called MELT will be held at The Vogue at 9pm Saturday. Tickets are $40.