A literary festival celebrating Indianapolis’ local readers and writers is making its debut this month.
Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest is shining a spotlight on the “power of writing” in the Midwest with a full day of free workshops, author talks, book signings and more for the community to enjoy. Indiana Humanities’ one-day festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Harrison Center and is hosted in partnership with local poets Mitchell L.H. Douglas and Chantel Massey.
“With this free festival, Indiana Humanities aims to create a space for all Hoosiers to experience great writing and maybe even draft some of their own,” Megan Telligman, director of programs at Indiana Humanities, said in a statement. “From building relationships with other writers, to hearing published authors talk about their work, to picking up a few new books, we hope Proof welcomes everyone to become a bigger part of Indiana’s literary community.”
The festival kicks off with a local author’s morning mixer at 9:30 a.m. and ends with an open mic hosted by VOCAB and That Peace Open Mic from 6-8 p.m. The Proof Open Mic — which is open to all poets, writers and readers — will be hosted by Corey Ewing, Januarie York and Mariah Ivey with DJ Rusty Redenbacher.
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Throughout the day, attendees will connect with publishers, independent bookstores, local publications and literary magazines, engage in bookies activities for all ages, enjoy music, food and drinks and games.
There will also be a book fair onsite sponsored by local booksellers such as Loudmouth Books, Tomorrow Bookstore and Dream Palace Books. Guests will also have opportunities to engage in conversations with authors and writers about the literary Midwest. Regional and local authors will host readings of their work and a handful of experienced — writers such as Rashida Greene, Tamara Winfrey-Harris, Lou Harry and Thomas Kneeland — will host writing workshops.
Headlining the event is returning Indy native, author and longtime New York Review of Books contributor Darryl Pinckney. The festival is also serving as a homecoming for Adrian Matejka, former Indiana Poet Laureate and current editor of Poetry Magazine.
Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St. The festival is free to attend, although registration is encouraged, and guests may do so at eventbrite.com. For more information, visit indianahumanities.org.
Contact Art & 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 graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.
