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Arts and Culture
A Caring
Place for Africans and their Families
INTRODUCTION
Today it is becoming clearer than ever
before that no nation and no culture is an island. We are all
interrelated either by history, by functions, by experiences, by
aspirations or by spirituality.
 The arts reflect the way we see the world around us and
ourselves. The arts have always been a vehicle for self-expression
and self-knowledge. Today, in Indiana as it is in our global
society, arts are vital means by which we challenge ourselves to
develop greater understanding of others, giving voice to diverse
ideas, uniting people across divides of class and culture, and
helping us to build stronger communities.
One of the elements that create
vibrant and growing communities is the cultural diversity of its
members. More importantly is how the diversity is valued, shared
and promoted in the community. For Africans, being active
participants in United States involves a degree of sharing of
their culture with other members of their different
 communities,
as well as amongst themselves. Valuing, sharing and promoting
African culture contributes to understanding and a connection with
other members of the community. The opportunity to partake in
African arts and cultural events reconnects people of African
descent to their African heritage and such events also provide
people from different backgrounds a platform to experience Africa
in America. Imagine a middle aged Caucasian woman being touched by accounts
of civil war in Africa and being able to actually meet people from
some of those countries and to share a meal with them. Imagine an
African professional new to the area and longing to meet other
Africans.
The goals of our arts and cultural projects
are:
(i) To empower the community in artistic
participation as a conduit to community understanding and
community development
(ii) To promote arts as education tool and
as an appreciable means of communication and dialogue between
individuals, generations and civilizations and as a means of
presenting and enhancing the heritage.
(iii) To create and nurture unique and
authentic socio-cultural links and strengthen the community
through arts and cultural activities and expands international
understanding, encourages cultural enrichment and provides
opportunities for the exchange of artistic talents.
(iv) To create a platform for artists in
Indianapolis to exhibit, perform and share their art forms
with the purpose of encouraging long-term relations and
partnerships. Our arts and cultural programs include:
Tastes of Africa
African Festival
Youth Arts Program
School-based arts and cultural collaboration
Neighborhood Arts Program
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