Indiana Black Expo promises attendees an immersive arts and culture treat with “A Space for Us.”
Presented by F.A.M.E. Foundation Inc. in partnership with Indiana Black Expo, “A Space for Us” promises a “visionary fashion and arts production” for guests of the organization’s 2025 Summer Celebration. The showcase — which begins at 5:30 p.m. on July 19 in the 500 Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center — aims to “spotlight Indianapolis’ rising talent and amplify the power of creative expression as a force for good,” according to a press release.
“With youth violence and crime rates on the rise in our city, A Space for Us is more than an event. It is a movement,” Monty Matuka, founder and creative director of MELI and president of F.A.M.E. Foundation Inc., said in a statement. “We believe in offering young people a safe place to dream, create and thrive. Parents, educators and community leaders are strongly encouraged to bring youth who are interested in fashion, modeling, performing arts, design, media and more.”
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Leading up to “A Space for Us,” F.A.M.E. Foundation Inc. is hosting two other events, including Thread Talk, an immersive kickoff blending fashion, business and wellness, from 6-10 p.m. on July 16 at the Cinderwood Event Center.
Drip Social, presented by Box Out Brand, is a fourth-year party where athletes, creators and tastemakers are invited to “come dripped,” according to a press release. Drip Social starts at 7 p.m. on July 17 in the Vision Loft at the Stutz.
“A Space for Us” is designed to be more than just a fashion show, but an immersive celebration of the intersection of fashion, dance, visual arts, storytelling and community, according to a press release. The event is intentionally curated to provide a creative safe space for youth and families to engage in the arts and talent within the city and nationwide.
“We designed it to inspire the next generation of creators by placing them at the center of community celebration,” LaKeisha Brown, vice president and logistics coordinator for F.A.M.E. Foundation Inc., said in a statement. “Every light on that stage is a reflection of someone who dared to shine where they stand.”
Headlined by Matuka and Esther Wallace of Playa Society, “A Space for Us” is expected to bring together a diverse range of families, creatives, cultural influencers, students, educators, community changemakers, athletes, business professionals and corporate executives, according to a press release.
Kenyetta Dance Company joins the lineup of live entertainment, performing original choreography rooted in contemporary and African-diaspora movement. Soul Lounge Band, an Indy-based R&B/neo-soul group, and award-winning saxophonist Brandon Douthitt (Tom Foolery) will also take the stage.
Later in the night, spoken word artists will perform alongside visual art and photography exhibitions from established and emerging creators, according to a press release.
During the runway showcase, Wallace will launch a limited women-in-sports collection pairing graphic storytelling with functional silhouettes.
“Women own the court on and off hardwood,” Wallace said in a statement.
Matuka will debut MELI’s latest high-end athleisure collection entitled “Solace,” an SS26 collection merging “fluid tailoring with performance textiles,” according to a press release.
“With so much chaos in the world, ‘Solace’ speaks to the need for inner peace and grounding,” Matuka said in a statement. “This SS26 tech-lux collection is a reflection of that desire, offering garments intentionally crafted for comfort, movement, and the kind of presence that does not need to shout.”
“A Space for Us” begins at 5:30 p.m. on July 19 in the 500 Ballroom of the Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capital Ave. Tickets start at $28.49 for standing room and can be purchased at posh.vip/e/a-space-for-us.
For more information about Indiana Black Expo’s 2025 Summer Celebration and events, visit summercelebration.net.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
