About us
Our MISSION
1000 Words is a non-profit, Black-owned art space located in the heart of Indianapolis, deeply committed to uplifting emerging Black and Brown visual artists. Our mission is clear: offer a platform for our local artists, champion equity, and ensure art is accessible to all.
We actively showcase local Black and Brown artists, dismantling systemic barriers in the art world. Our dedication extends to creative placemaking, taking art beyond gallery confines into neighborhoods and public spaces, mirroring the vibrant diversity of Indianapolis.
Equity is at the forefront of what we do. Through focused outreach, school partnerships, and community collaborations, we democratize art, making it available to everyone, irrespective of background or economic status. Knowledge is power; with workshops, events, and experiences that simplify the complexities of the art world, we are nurturing a new generation of enthusiasts.
Beyond art, we address social and economic challenges. By collaborating with local organizations, we create opportunities for artists, foster economic development, and contribute to community well-being.
1000 Words is a vital arts hub in Indianapolis, dedicated to celebrating and empowering our emerging Black and Brown artists and enthusiasts. Our North Star remains true: promote artistic exploration, community enrichment, and the creation of a more inclusive, vibrant city for everyone.
Our history
At the start of 2020, 1000 Words Gallery was born in a one-room unit inside an old house on East 10th Street, inspired by outreach opportunities with 10 East Arts and Arts for Learning in the summer of 2019. Initially focused on commission-free art shows for emerging Black artists, we rapidly evolved into a home for emerging Black and Brown artists.
The challenges of the 2020 pandemic precluded us from hosting in-person events in such close quarters, leading us to pivot towards engaging community programs. In 2021, a Performing Arts Grant from CICF fueled our revival, enabling us to host six impactful art shows and relocate to a larger gallery on East 10th Street.
As an early member of the Near East Quality of Life Arts & Culture Committee, we contributed to long-term community development planning on the 10th Street Arts Revitalization.
Our commitment to artists includes compensating for teaching, providing art supplies, and strategic marketing. This support has empowered us to discover and nurture unsung voices, boosting the local arts community during a pivotal time.
Exhibitions featuring talented artists like Shade “$hady” Bell, Kierra Ready, Sarah Jene of Thee Black Card, Precious Jewel, Yeabsera Tabb, SLIM Avre, and Terrible Tony showcase our dedication to local talent. Our 2022 partnership with curator Greg "HayKidd" Rose resulted in nine unique exhibitions, including the acclaimed "Black Electric" photography exhibition at BUTTER 2: A Fine Art Fair.
Since our inception in early 2020, 1000 Words Gallery has been a dynamic platform for numerous thought-provoking exhibitions, each contributing to the rich tapestry of artistic expression. Here is a glimpse into our diverse exhibition history:
2023 Exhibitions and Programs:
AWE by Chris Smith and Brighid Smith
All of My Rhythm, None of My Blues and Sip and Soap by Precious Jewel
Nobody by Cameron Omega
Shoot Your Shot Series
1000 Words Artist Open House Series
2022 Exhibitions and Programs:
Movie and Brunch Series with Greg Rose
I Be Chillin by Terrible Tony
Black Electric and BUTTER 2 by Ikenna Stovall and Arria Woolcock
Faces by Ikenna Stovall
Indyspired: GANGGANG with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
The Mother God Series and Think & Paint by Calin Bruett
Taking Up Space and Artist Talk by Kierra Ready
Gentleman by Aliza Brown
An Evening In The Shade by Shade “$hady” Bell
The Hue Man Experience Exhibitions by SLIM Avre
Good Grief Now presents Pen the Pain with Rae Karim
2021 Exhibitions and Programs:
Ode to Us and Make'n That Collage by Thee Black Card x Sarah Jene
BitterSweet and Make'n That Print by William Jihrel Smith
The Veronica Experience and Exposure by V. Knox
Black Presence and Make'n That Paper by Yeabsera Tabb
This timeline showcases the diversity and creativity we consistently bring to our community, providing a platform for artists to express their unique voices and perspectives. Each exhibition and program has played a vital role in fostering cultural enrichment and inclusivity within the growing art scene of Indianapolis.
Looking ahead, our vision includes breaking further barriers by establishing an art collection celebrating local Black and Brown artists. This initiative aims to make the art gallery experience accessible to disadvantaged communities, fostering inclusivity and cultural enrichment.