The Indianapolis Museum of Art has announced its first-ever performing artist in residence, Know No Stranger, a local artist collective comprised of illustrators, writers, puppeteers, comedians and musicians.
The dynamic performing group will use the IMA as their stage and studio, creating innovative art projects to showcase at Museum programs and events throughout 2015 and 2016. The unique artist residency is part of the IMA’s ARTx series, made possible with a gift from The Efroymson Family Fund, a fund of Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF).
“A goal of the ARTx series is to create opportunities for local artists to create and present their work at the IMA,” said Scott Stulen, curator of audience experiences and performance at the IMA. “Through this new Performing Artist in Residence program, artists are able to utilize the resources of our institution with the freedom and support to challenge their artistic practice and grow as professionals. We are thrilled to have Know No Stranger as our first-ever performing artist in residence. Their creative energy and talent is infectious, and we are excited to see what they unleash on the IMA in the coming year.”
The collective kicked off their Museum residency on New Year’s Eve with two festive and interactive installations. They have also contributed to the Museum’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Day celebration with an installation that facilitated handwritten, heartfelt conversations between anonymous strangers called The Converstation.
Along with newly created works to share with IMA guests, the collective will also present another installment of the popular Optical Popsicle in The Toby . The interactive variety show combines puppets, videos, music and dance into a one-of-a-kind sensory experience that celebrates whimsy, creativity and imagination. This year’s Optical Popsicle will feature a three-show run—opening on Thursday, Oct.15, and a matinee and evening performance on Saturday, Oct. 17.
