The Indianapolis arts scene is abuzz with the news that Anthony ‘Tony’ Radford, a pillar of the community, is receiving the Christel DeHaan Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indy Arts Council.
The prestigious honor acknowledges Radford’s unwavering dedication to cultivating artistic expression and commemorating the works of African American creators.
Radford’s journey began on the east side of Indianapolis, where his childhood was brimming with creative pursuits.
“I grew up in an era where we would build treehouses, go-karts and things like that,” Radford said. “I’d lay out the plan, and they knew what we were gonna do that day.”
At 19, Radford’s path took a turn towards the Indianapolis Public Library (IPL), where he joined the Books to People program. Here, he brought the joy of reading to residents across nursing homes, barbershops and community events.
Further, a particularly rough winter ignited a return to his artistic ways. Radford began crafting jewelry and art, reconnecting with a passion that had long simmered within him.
Radford’s artistic passion intersected with a desire for a platform that advocated the creativity of Black artists.
“I will never forget when I was at the library, and I saw the work of an artist named Joe Holiday,” Radford said. “His work blew me away because he painted everyday ordinary Black folks and African kings and queens.”
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Inspired, Radford approached the IPL’s African American History Committee, a body dedicated to intensifying Black heritage. His vision for an art show putting Black talent on display resonated deeply with the committee.
Entrusted with organizing the event, Radford created what would become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar: Meet the Artist.
From its humble beginnings, the event has blossomed into a vibrant annual gathering, attracting over 1,000 guests and showcasing the talents of artists, poets, dancers, authors and musicians of color.
Radford’s influence extends beyond Meet the Artist. He has dedicated himself to mentoring young creatives, providing them an outlet for expression within the exhibit. His collaborations with the Indianapolis Art Center’s outreach programs and Arts for Learning further solidify his dedication to fostering artistic development in younger generations.
IPL Circulation manager Cordia Watkins spoke highly of him.
“Tony Radford is more than deserving of this award,” Watkins said. “Many artists often refer to him as someone who has helped them launch their artistry.”
The Indy Arts Council will celebrate Radford and grant him the Christel DeHaan Lifetime Achievement Award on Aug. 22.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846 or via email at noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
