Indy Arts Council and Madam Walker Legacy Center announce tickets are on sale now for the Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase, titled soul • real • ism, which will debut at the Madam Walker Legacy Center on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 7-9:30 p.m.
New this year, the showcase event is part of the larger 2025 Art & Soul program. Curated and hosted by the Madam Walker Legacy Center, the event will feature an unconventional wearable art fashion show, a visual art display, and live music performances. The new collaboration between Indy Arts Council and the Madam Walker Legacy Center offers a larger stage and will introduce a broader audience to the 2025 program and the four Featured Artists. Art & Soul is supported annually by Lilly Endowment Inc.
TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets for the Art & Soul Featured Artist Showcase are on sale now with a special “by one get one” promotion. For a limited time, purchase a $10 ticket and get one free. Parking is available in the lots directly next to the Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave., Indianapolis.
2025 ART & SOUL FEATURED ARTISTS
For nearly 30 years, Art & Soul has celebrated Black art and music in central Indiana. Four Featured Artists are selected annually for their exemplary contributions to the creative community. In addition, the Featured Artists receive career development support.Indy Arts Council received a record 87 applications for 2025 Featured Artists. Applications were reviewed and selected by a panel of community arts leaders, Indy Arts Council, and Madam Walker Legacy Center, who sought candidates with exceptional talent and commitment to their creative career. The 2025 Featured Artists are:
Akili Ni Mali - Recording Artist & Actor
Akili Ni Mali is an independent recording artist, born in California and raised in Indianapolis. With a sound blend of R&B, soul, jazz, and pop, some of her musical influences are Jazmine Sullivan, Rachelle Farrelle, Sadé, and India Arie. She released her EP Breathe in 2020, along with singles “Good Life” (2020), “Right” (2021), “Sold” (2022), “Lana Del Rey” (2023) and “9-5” (2024), and her latest EP Changes (2024). Akili is also a professional actor with representation out of Chicago.
Brandon Lott - Recording Artist
Brandon is a versatile and seasoned recording artist specializing in vocal performance, songwriting, and multi-instrumental production. He began his career in 2014 as a music intern at the Harrison Center while attending Herron High School. In 2022, Brandon signed with 199X Sound, an independently-run artist management company based in LA. His work blends R&B and neo soul with global influences, aiming to inspire listeners to explore their inner selves and question the mysteries of existence.
Kierra Ready - Visual Artist & Illustrator
Kierra is a multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply rooted in community and culture. She creates art that sparks conversations, encourages unity, and invites people to experience the beauty of diversity. With a strong passion for storytelling through visual media, Kierra strives to uplift and inspire through every project, connecting people through creativity and shared experiences. Past exhibitions include Phoenix Theatre: Taking Up Space, Indy Black Expo: Art Speaks, Storefront Indy: Fine Chic, and Re:Public: Beautiful Things Grow Here.
Monique Burts - Wearable Artist
Monique Burts is a wearable artist who uses storytelling and performance art to bring her sculptures to life through various unconventional materials. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Herron School of Art + Design. Monique draws much of her inspiration from the possibilities that appear when perspective is altered. Her artistry is also shaped by her culture and lived experiences as a Black woman. She has exhibited at various Indianapolis galleries and venues including the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre, The Vogue Theatre, and the Indy 500 Snakepit Ball.
ART & SOUL 2025 EVENTS AND PROGRAMMING
Art & Soul 2025 has shifted to a year-round celebration centered on the Featured Artists, with a variety of events leading up to the Featured Artist Showcase. These include public events that celebrate visual art, music, dance, and literature.
March 23, 3-4 p.m. | Art & Soul Sundays series kickoff at the Indianapolis Artsgarden (series runs through October)
April 4, 6-9 p.m. | Kierra Ready: From the Inside Out – An Art & Soul Exhibition First Friday opening at Gallery 924 (exhibition runs through May 22)
April 11, show 7-9:30 p.m., doors 6 p.m. | soul • real • ism – A Featured Artist Showcase at Madam Walker Legacy Center
Full 2025 Art & Soul program and event details: indyarts.org/programs/art-soul
CONNECT WITH ART & SOUL Please follow @ArtsCouncilIndy, @WalkerTheatre and #ArtSoulIndy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to join the celebration. For more information, visit indyarts.org/programs/art-soul.
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