The
Annual Etheridge Knight Festival of the Arts (Spring and Fall Sessions) The
annual Etheridge Knight Festival of the Arts (spring and fall sessions)
promotes the arts and the appreciation of the arts for youth, youth
at risk, adults, seniors, individuals that are incarcerated, and residents
that are traditionally underserved in the arts programming of the city.
The festival pays tribute to the arts community and the legacy of the
late Indianapolis poet Etheridge Knight.
Held at various locations throughout the city, the festival brings together the community to experience the arts through artistic expression and educational forums. Activities and events serve as a platform for experienced and inexperienced artists. Youth are major benefactors of the arts appreciation component with a special showcase to exhibit their talents and participate in the annual Youth Poetry Contest, Po-Rap-Try Concert, and other young artists workshops.
The Annual Youth Poetry Contest is for elementary, middle, and high school students only. Guidelines are posted in January; Deadline is March 10th of each year.
PO-RAP-TRY CONCERT
The Po-Rap-Try Concert is a venue for young artists 21 years and under to showcase their talents in poetry, dance, drama, music (vocal & instrumental) and performing arts. Participants must register to participate. Limited Space; Guidelines are posted in January.
Check out our Photo Gallery
'Young
Artists in Bloom' workshops and special events arts programs
are held after-school and in summer camps. This program targets neighborhood
and community organizations that serve low income children and families
that are traditionally underserved in the arts programming in the city.
Our experiential workshops for youths are educational, informative,
historical, and participatory. Programs are designed to build confidence
in participants' abilites to use words/language to bring about positive
and affirming results. Focus is placed on teamwork and cultural education
awareness.
Café Li'Ture is a family oriented open mike, open stage with an open forum for discussion and dialogue. This venue is for fiction and nonfiction writers, poets, playwrights, and performing artists as well as featured guest artists. Desired venues for Café Li'Ture are libraries and coffeehouses.
Stage
performances are held throughout the year in multi-diverse venues and
churches throughout the city. Performances include:
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"And Now My Soul Can Sing!" Etheridge Knight Jr.'s life story
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"Essence of a Poet," a dramatic interpretation of Etheridge Knight Jr.'s works through dialogue, dance, music and song
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"The Rock Cries," the story of a fallen Angel's departure and return to Heaven. Favorite Bible Stories, including the man who didn't die, told through dance and songs. Music ranging from Negro Spirituals to Hip Hop Gospel.
