Barriers to care are not always obvious. Language, nutrition, education, geography and awareness all play daily roles in a family’s ability to access health care. Thanks in part to community partners, volunteers and donors, these barriers are being overcome. Learn more or join the movement at EskenaziHealth.edu.
Spirit & Place is a community initiative housed on the campus of Indiana University Indianapolis. As a collaborative endeavor, our work is made possible through the generous gifts of talent, time, space, and money from hundreds of partners, all of whom are listed on our website.
SPECIAL THANKS
ARTHUR JORDAN FOUNDATION
PUBLIC CONVERSATION THANKS
Founded in 1996, Spirit & Place is a community-focused project housed on the campus of IU Indianapolis. Through creative events, community conversations, and capacity building opportunities, we put the liberal arts into action by using three powerful civic tools: the arts, humanities, and religion.
Every November, hundreds of community partners – artists, musicians, congregants, scholars, and more – collaborate to create and host events for the Spirit & Place Festival. Events range in format from exhibitions to dance recitals, concerts, panel discussions, interfaith gatherings, film screenings, and family-friendly adventures. If you can imagine it, it is likely part of the festival!
Celebrating the theme of GRATITUDE, we invite you to share space with each other, wrestle with new ideas, and potentially discover your own gratitude practice. From November 1—10, we hope you will examine the nuances of gratitude, engage in meaningful dialogue and hands-on experiences, and do the important work of just being with one another.
Everyone deserves safe spaces where they are unconditionally loved and supported. As a society, we also need brave spaces. Spaces where we are challenged, pushed to our growing edge, and willingly sit with discomfort. Pluralistic spaces where the goal isn’t always to find agreement, but to practice deep listening and appreciating the humanity of those around us. We ask festival goers to embrace a spirit of adventurous civility and join in a common agreement to:
• Be respectful.
• Never use racial or other derogatory slurs.
• Be present and attentive to those around you.
• Listen to understand, then speak to be understood.
• Be an active participant in the work that is needed.
If an idea or speaker triggers you, pause and take a breath before speaking. Do speak and participate in the moment though! Make sure to fill out an evaluation form and contact the event organizers directly.
The festival welcomes people of all backgrounds and abilities. Spirit & Place is working with IUI’s Program in American Sign Language (ASL) and English Interpreting to place student volunteers at select festival events. Visit spiritandplace.org to learn which events offer (professional and/or student interpreted) ASL. Events are independently organized. Contact the event organizers directly and as soon as possible to discuss your specific accommodation needs.
• Visit spiritandplace.org for additional event information including accessibility.
• Registration is strongly encouraged for all events.
• Events are free, unless otherwise noted.
• Most events are in Indianapolis unless otherwise noted.
• All events are subject to change.
• Guests feeling unwell are asked to stay home and those getting over an illness – COVID or otherwise – are asked to consider wearing a mask for the safety of others.
Walk-in guests are welcome to most events, but registration is strongly encouraged so that organizers can best plan for your experience. If your plans change, please let the event organizers know as soon as possible. After the event, make sure to tell everyone what you think! Surveys will be distributed at all events, or you may complete a survey online using this QR code.
FRI./NOV. 1
Spirit & Place is delighted to open and close the festival with these events:
• Storytelling & Interactive In Gratitude: An Opening Celebration 11AM – 1PM
Garfield Park Arts Center
Celebrate the opening of the Spirit & Place Festival featuring music, a storytelling performance by Sally Perkins, food, music, and artmaking! Registration encouraged.
FRI./NOV. 1
In Gratitude: An Opening Celebration
Garfield Park Arts Center Storytelling & Interactive 11AM – 1PM
SAT./NOV. 2
Adventures in Gratitude Irvington Presbyterian Church
Family-Friendly & Interactive 3 – 5PM
Growing Gratitude: Celebrate, Connect, and Care for Creation Friedens United Church of Christ Family Friendly & Interactive
1 – 2:30PM
Balsa Wood a play by Lou Harry Super Tortas Performance & Discussion 3PM & 7PM
10
• Moderated Conversation 29th Annual Spirit & Place
Public Conversation featuring Dacher Keltner and Ebony Chappel, moderated by R. Eric Thomas 4 – 6PM
Visionloft at The Stutz
What might a psychology scholar, local creative, and best-selling author and storyteller have to say about GRATITUDE? Join us to find out!
SUN./NOV. 3
Awe: A Spirit & Place Festival Book Discussion MTI School of Knowledge Book Discussion 12 – 1:15PM
The Cultural Construction of Gratitude Congregation Beth-El Zedeck Interactive Performance 1:30 – 3PM
A Blessing, Not a Burden with Alex Kor and Graham Honaker JCC Indianapolis Panel Discussion 4 – 5:30PM
Heiliger Dankgesang: Notes of Gratitude. Music by Biber, Clark, Haydn and Beethoven Episcopal Church of All Saints Concert Performance 5 – 7PM
Balsa Wood a play by Lou Harry Super Tortas Performance & Discussion 3PM
MON./NOV. 4
Serene – NOW!! St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Interactive & Hands-On 12 – 3:30PM
A Cinematic Quest for Gratitude Through Grief Heartland Film Film Screening & Discussion 6 – 9PM
TUES./NOV. 5
ELECTION DAY! Verify your voter registration status and voting location at VOTE411.org.
The Legacies We Hold: A Celebration of Our Ancestral Communities Madam Walker Legacy Center Exhibit & Interactive Community Gathering 6:30 – 8:30PM
Notes of Thanks: A Paperless Music Celebration Green Street Pub (Brownsburg) Community Singing 7 – 8:30PM
WED./NOV. 6
Driven by Gratitude
Hendricks Live! (Plainfield)
Exhibit & Meet the Artists 5 – 8PM
Exploring Wellness through Card Making
Phoenix Theatre
Cultural Centre
Interactive & Hands-On 5:30 – 7PM
The Testimony Service: Gratitude Tea
Broadway United Methodist Church
Interactive Community Gathering 6 – 8PM
Gratitude in the Greatest Novel: Anna Karenina Zionsville Christian Church (Zionsville)
Lecture 6 – 8PM
THURS./NOV. 7
Attitude of Gratitude: Finding Gratitude in Times of Loss
Indiana Interchurch Center Panel Discussion & Performance 6 – 7:30PM
Sacred Steps: Interfaith Understanding Through Dance
Franklin College (Franklin) Dance Performance 6:30 – 8:30PM
FRI./NOV. 8
Coloring & Conversations
Indiana Interchurch Center
Interactive & Hands-On 6 – 8PM
Souls of the Seasoned Saints: An Exploration & Exhibit on Aging Bodies Witherspoon Presbyterian Church
Exhibit & Panel Discussion 6 – 9PM (Panel at 7PM)
DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR TWO NEW EVENT SERIES STARTING THIS OCTOBER: SPIRIT & PLACE PRESENTS AND THE BIG TENT.
See page 10.
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Driven by Gratitude at Hendricks Live!
Monday—Friday, 9AM – 5PM Weekends during events
GRATIUDE + SHAMIRA WILSON
SAT./NOV. 9
Ordinary Joy
Ivy Tech Community College— Lawrence Fairbanks Campus
Family Friendly & Interactive 12 – 3PM
Walks & Arts
Peace Learning Center at Eagle Creek Park
Interactive & Hands-On 12 – 3PM
Having Our Story Told: Preserving LGBTQ+ History
Eugene and Marilyn Glick
Indiana History Center
Presentation & Group Conversation 2 – 4PM
SUN./NOV. 10
29th Annual Public Conversation Visionloft at The Stutz Moderated Conversation 4 – 6PM (Panel at 4:30PM)
4-10
Souls of the Seasoned Saints at Witherspoon Presbyterian Church Nov. 4—10
Monday—Friday, 9AM – 5PM Saturday, 10AM – 3PM
This year’s Public Conversation will also feature the unveiling of a new work by Shamira Wilson (shamirawilson.com). Commissioned by Spirit & Place and funded through an Arts Project Support Grant from Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, we are beyond excited to see what this amazing artist will create!
Spirit & Place Presents is an annual city arts series that invites nationally recognized artists, musicians, dancers, and other creatives to share their work and spiritual inspirations. Big Tent Talks presents notable and inspirational speakers focused on faith and spirituality. Free, but registration required at spiritandplace.org.
Big Tent Talks
Nadia Bolz-Weber on Gratitude
Oct. 11 | 7PM
Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center
450 W. Ohio St.
Nadia Bolz-Weber is an ordained Lutheran pastor, founder of House for All Sinners & Saints in Denver, host of The Confessional podcast, and author of three New York Times bestselling memoirs. She writes and speaks about personal failings, recovery, grace, faith, and really whatever the hell else she wants to. Hear Nadia tackle this year’s GRATITUDE theme from her unique and forthright perspective.
Spirit & Place Presents
My Black Country: An Evening of Story and Song with Alice Randall & Leyla McCalla
October 18 | 7PM
Madam Walker Legacy Center 617 Indiana Ave.
Alice Randall is a New York Times best-selling novelist, award-winning songwriter, educator, and food activist. Her new memoir, My Black Country, celebrates the power of Black influences on country music. Joining Randall with a performance is multilingual singer/songwriter Leyla McCalla, founding member of Our Native Daughters and alum of the Grammy-winning The Carolina Chocolate Drops.
In Gratitude:
An Opening Celebration
FRIDAY, NOV. 1
11AM – 1PM
Garfield Park Arts Center
Main Gallery
2432 Conservatory Dr.
Celebrate the opening of the Spirit & Place Festival by letting us show you our gratitude with live music by Alexo Cazares and Eric Salazar, a storytelling performance by Sally Perkins, and artmaking activities led by the Ivy Tech Fine Arts Department! Art supplies and food are available while supplies last. Registration is strongly encouraged to help us plan. A partnership between Spirit & Place, Garfield Park Arts Center, and Ivy Tech Fine Arts Department. 317-274-2462 or festival@iu.edu.
WHY A DAYTIME OPENING EVENT?
Many of our longtime festival supporters have told us that going out in the evening is a challenge. We hope a daytime event filled with music, food, stories, and artmaking will allow as many people as possible to enjoy the Spirit & Place Festival.
• Family Friendly & Interactive
Growing Gratitude: Celebrate, Connect, and Care for Creation
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
1 – 2:30PM
Friedens United Church of Christ
8300 S. Meridian St.
Join in a joyful celebration to show our deep appreciation and connection with each other and Mother Earth. Listen and share stories and songs. Dance, breathe, move, create, and even cook in an expression of gratitude for the earth, skies, seas, and all living creatures. A partnership between Friedens United Church of Christ with Conscious Caring Community and Metamorphosis Friends, Perry Meridian Middle School Choir, Persimmon Herb School, Earth Charter Indiana, West Perry Library, Audubon Society, Community Food Box Project, and Leo’s Plants and Love. 317-709-5857 or pastorsarah.friedensucc@outlook.com.
• Family-Friendly & Interactive
Adventures in Gratitude
SATURDAY, NOV. 2
3 – 5PM
Irvington Presbyterian Church 55 Johnson Ave.
Discovering new ways to express “thanks” can be an exciting adventure! This self-directed open-house event for all ages invites us to experience gratitude for small things and the big things using our bodies, minds, voices, and spirits. A partnership between Indianapolis Women’s Chorus, Irvington Arts Collective, and Irvington Presbyterian Church. 317-682-4946 or info@indianapoliswomenschorus.org.
• Performance
Balsa Wood a play by Lou Harry
SATURDAY, NOV. 2, 3PM & 7PM
SUNDAY, NOV. 3, 3PM
Super Tortas
2641 W. Michigan St.
Tickets: $15/$20 at the door
On the road away from rather than toward anything, Robin finds refuge in the home of Carrie, an iconoclast with an open heart and an open door, who provides a place—without judgment—for human strays.
An audience-inclusive discussion about unspoken gratitude will follow the performance. A play by Lou Harry produced in partnership with Indy Convergence. 317-990-1698 or caitlin@indyconvergence.org.
• Book Discussion
Awe: A Spirit & Place Festival
Book Discussion
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
12 – 1:15PM
MTI School of Knowledge
4950 W. 34th St.
Ahead of this year’s Public Conversation, take a deep dive into Dacher Keltner’s book Awe and explore with others how we might tap into the power of everyday awe. Conversation led by Dr. David Craig and artist Rachel Hellmann. A partnership between IU Indianapolis Department of Religious Studies, Senior Academy of IU Indianapolis, and Indianapolis Muslim Community Association. 317-274-2426 or festival@iu.edu.
• Interactive Performance
The Cultural Construction of Gratitude
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
1:30 – 3PM
Congregation Beth-El Zedeck
Simon Celebration Hall
600 W. 70th St.
Thank you. No,Thank you!
While the act of gratitude is universal, its expression is based on cultural norms. Our event invites you to learn about and explore how different cultures express gratitude through interactive vignettes and meaningful conversation. A partnership between Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, IU Indianapolis Department of World Languages and Cultures, and Alley Theatre Company. 317-531-6299 or gkelley@bez613.org.
• Panel Discussion A Blessing, Not a Burden with Alex Kor and Graham Honaker
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
4 – 5:30PM
JCC Indianapolis
Laikin Auditorium
6701 Hoover Rd.
By all accounts, Dr. Alex Kor’s life has been a miracle. The son of two Holocaust survivors, including the Mengel twin Eva Kor, Alex will discuss his book A Blessing, Not a Burden. Co-author Graham Honaker and Troy Fears of CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center join the discussion. A partnership between JCC Indianapolis, CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center, Hooverwood Living, and The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis. 317-715-9240 or carnett@jccindy.org.
• Concert Performance Heiliger Dankgesang: Notes of Gratitude. Music by Biber, Clark, Haydn and Beethoven
SUNDAY, NOV. 3
5 – 7PM
Episcopal Church of All Saints - Sanctuary 1559 Central Ave.
Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO) musicians Alfred and Colette Abel will be joined by their children Benjamin and Clara for an afternoon of masterworks expressing gratitude through music. Join us in giving thanks for this sacred space, transcendent music, and life’s gifts. A partnership between musician Colette Abel, Episcopal Church of All Saints, and Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. 317-635-2538 or admin@allsaintsindy.org.
• Interactive & Hands-On Serene – NOW!!
MONDAY, NOV. 4
12 – 3:30PM
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 100 W. 86th St.
Step away from fuzzy brains and knotted shoulders and join us to experience an afternoon of centering a sense of gratitude and calm. Engage all your senses and look inward to look outward. A partnership between WFYI Public Media and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. 317-614-0451 or gstrong@wfyi.org.
• Film Screening & Discussion A Cinematic Quest for Gratitude Through Grief
MONDAY, NOV. 4
6 – 9PM
Heartland Film
Frank and Katrina Basile Event Center 8950 Otis Ave.
Enjoy a screening of “The Secret Art of Human Flight” – a film offering both an absurd and poignant reflection on mourning – and then unpack the ways grief and gratitude co-mingle in a community conversation facilitated by Indianapolis Queer Grief Community. All are welcome! A partnership between Heartland Film and Indianapolis Queer Grief Community. 317-464-9405 or info@heartlandfilm.org.
• Exhibit & Interactive Community Gathering The Legacies We Hold: A Celebration of Our Ancestral Communities
TUESDAY, NOV. 5
6:30 – 8:30PM
Madam Walker Legacy Center – Ballroom 617 Indiana Ave.
Sharing one’s legacy is one of the biggest forms of gratitude we can display. Explore this act by voicing your appreciation for a loved one, adding to the gratitude garden, or experiencing “Unveiling a Forgotten Legacy” an homage to the Black communities that brought Indiana Avenue to life. A partnership between activist Zola Lamothe and the Madam Walker Legacy Center. 317-274-2462 or info@madamwalkerlegacycenter.com.
• Community Singing Notes of Thanks: A Paperless Music Celebration
TUESDAY, NOV. 5
7 – 8:30PM Green Street Pub 911 N. Green St., Brownsburg
It’s Election Day. So, let’s sing! Let’s take a break from the news, cultivate community, and unite your voice in song to foster a sense of gratitude for –and belonging with – one another. A partnership between Good Samaritan Episcopal Church and Green Street Pub. 815-922-0620 or kendall@churchthatserves.org.
• Exhibit & Meet the Artists Driven by Gratitude
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
5 – 8PM
Hendricks Live! – Theater Lobby
200 W. Main St., Plainfield
*Exhibit Run: Nov. 1 - Dec. 31
Enjoy a fiber art exhibit by INfiber inspired by reflections on gratitude from the staff and clients of Sheltering Wings. Be inspired to manifest more gratitude in your life. A partnership between INfiber, Sheltering Wings, and Hendricks Live! 317-690-3851 or amycoconnell@gmail.com.
• Hands-On & Interactive Exploring Wellness through Card Making
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
5:30 – 7PM
Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre
Multipurpose Room
705 N. Illinois St.
*ASL Interpreted
Create a thank-you card with the assistance of the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center team. We’ll explore how our design choices echo the reflections we undergo in determining how best to express gratitude toward one another. Open to all ages! A partnership between Eskenazi Health and Phoenix Theatre Cultural Centre. 317-880-4785 or todd. harper@eskenazihealth.edu.
• Interactive Community Gathering The Testimony Service: Gratitude Tea
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
6 – 8PM
Broadway United Methodist Church 609 E. 29th St.
Featuring a DIY tea-bar, a sound bath meditation, and curated testimonies from local voices, this event centers on the importance of practicing gratitude and love towards ourselves and the collective.
A partnership between The Testimony Service and Center for Religion, Arts, and Culture at Broadway United Methodist Church. 317-413-1239 or TheTestimonyServiceOnline@gmail.com.
• Lecture Gratitude in the Greatest Novel: Anna Karenina
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6
6 – 8PM
Zionsville Christian Church Sanctuary 120 N. 9th St., Zionsville
Much is at stake in whether we go through our days feeling resentful or with a sense of gratitude. Fortunately, the “world’s greatest novel” offers deep insights into these matters, deepening our understanding of the many blessings of gratitude and its transformative power in our lives. A partnership between scholar Dr. Richard Gunderman and Zionsville Christian Church. 317-274-2462 or festival@iu.edu.
• Panel Discussion & Performance Attitude of Gratitude: Finding Gratitude in Times of Loss
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
6 – 7:30PM
Indiana Interchurch Center Krannert Room 1100 W. 42nd St.
How do you maintain a sense of gratitude during times of loss? Panelists from diverse faith and belief backgrounds, as well as the Threshold Choir, will share their experiences and invite participants to also share. A partnership between Center for Interfaith Cooperation, Indiana Interchurch Center, Threshold Singers of Indianapolis, and Interfaith Alliance for Mental Wellness. 317-268-5300 or deb@indycic.org.
• Dance Performance Sacred Steps: Interfaith Understanding Through Dance
THURSDAY, NOV. 7
6:30 – 8:30PM
Franklin College – Old Main, Custer Theater 101 Branigin Blvd., Franklin
Join us for an engaging evening of dance, fellowship, and exploration around how different faiths express gratitude through movement. We hope you learn more about others and yourself through this performance-based event and reception. A partnership between Franklin College and Style Dance Academy. 317-738-8140 or hadamingram@franklincollege.edu.
• Hands-on & Interactive Coloring & Conversations
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
6 – 8PM
Indiana Interchurch Center Room 226 1100 W. 42nd St.
Cultivate a richer sense of gratitude—whether experiencing happiness or grief—through the mindfulness and creative expression generated through the simple act of coloring. A partnership between Center of Wellness for Urban Women (CWUW), CWUW Sisters Together Walking Club, and CWUW Power of Retreat Program. 317-597-0149 or larona@cwuwonline.org.
• Exhibit & Panel Discussion
FRIDAY, NOV. 8
6 – 9PM (PANEL AT 7PM)
Witherspoon Presbyterian Church
3535 W. Kessler Blvd. N. Dr.
*Exhibit Run: Nov. 4 - 10
Aging bodies have a wealth of knowledge to share with the world –their experiences, courage, triumphs, failures, and redirection. This exhibit highlights seasoned bodies to reclaim and uplift the narratives and journeys of our elders. A partnership between Fatness Fiction and Witherspoon Presbyterian Church. 317-278-4060 or info@fatnessfiction.com.
• Family-Friendly & Hands-On Ordinary Joy
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
12 – 3PM
Ivy Tech Community College
Lawrence Fairbanks Campus Rms. 166 & 168 9301 E. 59th St.
This family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities allowing participants to reflect on and explore the joy that can be found in ordinary routines of daily life. A partnership between Ivy Tech Community College Central Indiana, Teachers’ Treasures, and Indy Parks and Recreation. 317-916-7853 or bpike4@ivytech.edu.
• Interactive & Hands-On Walks & Arts
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
12 – 3PM
Peace Learning Center
Eagle Creek Park 6040 DeLong Rd.
Participate in a guided and reflective walk through scenic Eagle Creek Park followed by creative opportunities to honor and express gratitude including a sound bath, visual art, poetry, and movement. A partnership between Peace Learning Center, Brick Street Poetry, Allisonville Christian Church, Brooke’s Place, The Yoga Lady, and ARThentic Arts. 317-327-7144 or ajackson@peacelearningcenter.org.
• Presentation & Group Conversation Having Our Story Told: Preserving LGBTQ+ History
SATURDAY, NOV. 9
2 – 4PM
Eugene and Marilyn Glick
Indiana History Center
450 W. Ohio St.
Remembrance is a gratitude that honors our past and propels us forward with love and knowledge. Join organizations from across Indianapolis for a community discussion and behind-the-scenes tour of the Indiana Historical Society LGBTQ collection. A partnership between Indiana Historical Society, Indiana Historical Bureau, IYG (formerly Indiana Youth Group), Indy Pride, Indiana Pride of Color, and artist/citizen historian Sylvia Thomas. 317-234-0033 or cterry@indianahistory.org.
29TH ANNUAL
featuring Dacher Keltner and Ebony Chappel moderated by R. Eric Thomas
SUNDAY, NOV. 10 | 4 – 6PM
Visionloft at The Stutz
1060 N. Capitol Ave.
*ASL Interpreted
* Artwork Audio Described
What might a psychology scholar, local creative, and best-selling author and storyteller have to say about GRATITUDE? Join us and find out!
This year’s Public Conversation features Dacher Keltner who is the founder of the Greater Good Science Center and author of Awe: The Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Also featured is award-winning journalist, business owner, and local community leader, Ebony Chappel. Moderated by R. Eric Thomas – best-selling author of Here for It, or, How to Save your Soul in America and Congratulations, The Best is Over! – we are sure this year’s conversation will be filled with some amazing (and affirming) twists and turns! Reception from 4-4:30PM with the conversation beginning promptly at 4:30PM. Limited seating. Registration required. 317-274-2462 or festival@iu.edu.
A partnership between Spirit & Place, GANGGANG, and the Indiana Medical History Museum with support from Indiana Humanities in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities.
BONUS!
Artist Shamira Wilson (shamirawilson.com) will debut a new painting inspired by the GRATITUDE theme during a pre-event reception. Wilson’s commission by Spirit & Place was made possible in part by Noblesville Creative and the Indiana Arts Commission, which receives support from the State of Indiana and the National Endowment for the Arts.
TRUE GRATITUDE INVOLVES A HUMBLE DEPENDENCE ON OTHERS; WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT OTHER PEOPLE – OR EVEN HIGHER POWERS, IF YOU’RE OF A SPIRITUAL MINDSET – HAVE GIVEN US MANY GIFTS, BIG AND SMALL, TO HELP US ACHIEVE THE GOODNESS IN OUR LIVES.
THE GRATITUDE PROJECT (2020)
As you attend events, we invite you to reflect on what you’re grateful for and to share your thoughts with others!
What about your NEIGHBORHOOD are you GRATEFUL for?
What are THREE SMALL THINGS that WENT RIGHT TODAY to be grateful for?
Which RELATIONSHIPS are you GRATEFUL for?
Who made you LAUGH OR SMILE today? What is something THOUGHTFUL someone did for you recently? What GOOD THINGS are possible tomorrow?
November 7-16, 2025
The phenomena we call “nature” includes all living things. Sometimes we call it Mother Nature, the environment, or wilderness. But Nature (with a capital “N”) is the whole system of existence, arrangement, forces, and events not controlled by humankind. Let’s call that the Universe or Creation. Fascinatingly, nature also refers to something – or someone’s – basic and inherent features. Their character, essence, or substance.
Whether exploring the literal aspects of nature such as earth, wind, fire, and water, or deeply philosophical or religious ideas about “human nature,” the theme of NATURE welcomes you to delve into the elements of life!
• EARLY JANUARY
Application Guidelines Released
• EARLY TO MID - MAY
Application Deadline
Contact festival@iu.edu to learn more.
~ Joni C.
“Mirror Indy has filled in the gaps for me as someone who subscribes to multiple newsletters. I skim through most newsletters and they go to the trash. I click through almost every single link in your newsletter.”
Maria Hamilton Abegunde
Rhonda Fox Waltz, Darren Chittick, and Liz Goodfellow
Thank you for 30 years of leadership and support of Spirit & Place.
David J. Bodenhamer
Thank you for your vision to create the first Spirit & Place Festival in 1996!
Gail Thomas Strong, Beth
Perdue Outland, Keira Amstutz, and Julie Goodman Lilly Endowment
Thank you to some of Indy’s fiercest champions of the arts and humanities.
Deep gratitude to our treasured friend, memory keeper, poet, and teacher.
Imhotep Adisa
You have shaped our work and lives in profound ways. Thank you!
Thank you for being such supportive ambassadors and friends of Spirit & Place.
Civic Reflection
Facilitators
To the dedicated individuals who have trained with us to become community facilitators on race, you are amazing!
Nothing would look as good or flow as smoothly without this team of professionals in our corner!
Bohlsen Group; MBSA Events, Inc.; and Jennifer Bradley Kosene & Kosene
Thanks for your generous support of this year’s festival!
We could not do the work of building and strengthening community without the support of community friends who support us by sharing their spaces.
• IU Indianapolis School of Liberal Arts
• St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
• English Foundation Building
• WFYI Public Media
• MLK Community Center
• Indiana Humanities
• IndyPL
Thank you for your time and thoughtfulness in curating this year’s festival!
• Ebony Chappel
• Tracy Heaton de Martinez
• Sara Hindi
• Lasana Kazembe
• Lev Rothenberg
• Nora Spitznogle
• Val Tate
• Joseph Tucker Edmonds
• Jyoti Verderame
• Andrea Watts
Thanks to everyone who helped us gather – in NATURE – our community event creators earlier this fall in a spirit of GRATITUDE.
• Crown Hill Heritage Foundation
• Keep Indianapolis Beautiful
• Indiana DNR
• Sip & Share
