Celebrating National Arts and Humanities Month in Indianapolis
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Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest returns this week for year two. Photo: Courtesy of Indiana Humanities
National Arts and Humanities Month has started, and local groups like Indy Arts Council and Indiana Humanities are curating event calendars with dozens of opportunities to honor artists, educators and local leaders.
Why it matters: Organizers say local support of creatives is crucial right now as federal funding for such programming faces significant threats.
What they're saying: Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of Indiana Humanities, and Indy Arts Council CEO Judith B. Thomas say showing up for one of these events shows local makers that the work they do matters.
- "We hope we're inspiring all of you to get involved," Amstutz said. "Find out where your local arts and humanities organizations are. Give them a call. Check them out. Maybe give them a donation."
- "And promote them to your friends and to your network because this is what is so important to us all," Thomas added. "This is what inspires us as humans to know that we are all connected in some way and that we can learn from each other."
Zoom in: Here are a few picks to add to your calendar.
📽️ Find a new favorite film when the 34th annual Heartland International Film Festival kicks off today.
- For the next 10 days, catch more than 100 independent films with screenings at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Indy Art Center, Kan-Kan Cinema, Living Room Theaters, Newfields and online.
✍️ Get lit at the second annual Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest event.
- The festival concept from Indiana Humanities returns to the Harrison Center on Friday and Saturday for two days of workshops, discussions and activities for all ages.
🤘 Rock out at the final Levitt VIBE Indianapolis Music Series show of 2025 on Sunday afternoon.
- The second year effort between Big Car Collaborative and Arte Mexicano en Indiana is a free outdoor music experience created to liven up an underused area near the Tube Factory campus.
🇺🇸 Get ready for America's 250th birthday next summer during the America 250 Pre-Party at Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site on Oct. 27.
- The free National Civics Day event will explore the lessons of the American Revolution with interactive stations, a documentary premiere and light refreshments.
🍺 Join Indiana Sciences and March for Science Indianapolis at their monthly "Books, Booze and Brains" book club for the scientifically curious on Oct. 28.
- This month, the group is discussing "Why We Die: The New Science of Longevity" by Venki Ramakrishnan.