Indiana Humanities

Did you make it out to Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest over the weekend?

If you saw someone in a yellow shirt, chances are they were one of our volunteers working hard to make the day go smoothly. Before, during, and after the event, these kind folks helped us craft Proof zines, organize t-shirts, assemble signs, run sound, give Proof-goers directions, make sure everyone stayed hydrated, and so much more.

These kind folks (plus many, many more we didn't capture on camera) were generous with their time, energy, and positive spirits, and we couldn't be more grateful to them.

Starting tomorrow!

Too tired to cook after all the fun over the weekend? Let ClusterTruck do the work for you and donate to Indiana Humanities at the same time.

From Oct. 5 to 11, the Central Indiana food delivery service will donate a portion of their proceeds to support our organization so we can continue hosting events like Proof.

We're excited to see you at Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest tomorrow!

Just a few things to keep in mind before you head to the Old Northside of Indianapolis on Saturday:

- The festival is taking place at 3 locations this year: the Harrison Center, Herron High School, and Indiana Humanities.

- Check in at the registration table outside the Harrison Center when you arrive and grab a Proof BINGO card!

- There will be family-friendly activities, food trucks, and bookmobiles outside.

- Free parking is available on the streets of the surrounding neighborhood and at Herron High School.

- Writing workshops require pre-registration, but unfilled seats will be given to non-registered participants on a first-come, first-served basis.

Questions? Drop them in the comments!

Heading to Indianapolis for First Friday tonight?

Get a preview of Proof while you're out and about! We'll be hosting a reception with Indy-based multi-disciplinary artist Theon Lee at Indiana Humanities from 5 to 8pm, where he'll do a Brief reading.

Plus, across the street there will be a number of local booksellers set up in the Gym of the Harrison Center for all your browsing and buying needs.

And then we'll see you right back here tomorrow all day for Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest.

It's not too late to RSVP!
https://events.humanitix.com/proof2026

As we gear up for the weekend, we thought we'd remind you of a few programs you won't want to miss!

Crime and thriller bestselling author Michael Koryta will be in conversation in the in the Underground at the Harrison Center from noon to 1pm, and at the same time award-winning writer Quartez Harris will be giving a poetry workshop at Tailwind Cafe around the corner.

Plus, Silent Book Club Indy is teaming up with Connection Club from noon to 1:30pm for collective reading and crafting time. And if that wasn't enough, there will be a lineup of mobile bookstores parked outside Indiana Humanities to explore, in addition to the local booksellers tabling in the Harrison Center Gym.

We'll see you on Saturday!

RSVP: https://events.humanitix.com/proof2026

Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to attend a conversation with author Sheree Renée Thomas at Ujamaa Community Bookstore!

As part of the Ray Bradbury Center's Festival 451indy series, the Annual Ray Bradbury Memorial Writers Talk welcomed the New York Times-bestselling and award-winning author, poet, and editor for a public conversation about speculative storytelling, cultural memory, and the power of imagining worlds beyond the one we know.

The Ray Bradbury Memorial Writers Talk honors Bradbury’s legacy by bringing contemporary writers into conversation with the questions at the heart of his work: How does storytelling help us understand the world around us? Whose stories shape our sense of what is possible? And what role can imagination play in how we think about our communities and our shared future?

Presented by the Ray Bradbury Center in partnership with the Kheprw Institute and Ujamaa Community Bookstore, the event received an Indiana Humanities Mini-Grant.

Learn more about our Mini-Grants: https://indianahumanities.org/grant/mini-grants/

You have one more week to visit Voices and Votes in Upland!

In case you missed it, the Upland Historical Society will host the traveling Smithsonian exhibit at the Upland Community Building until Oct. 4.

Voices and Votes: Democracy in America brings discussions about America’s democracy to small towns during the U.S. semiquincentennial, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As part of the program, each site will also curate a section of the exhibit that explores its community's story of civic engagement.

Voices and Votes is part of Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution and state humanities councils nationwide. The Museum on Main Street program works with rural communities to host high-quality exhibits and create dynamic public programs across the United States.

Learn more: https://indianahumanities.org/event/smithsonians-voices-and-votes-democracy-in-america-exhibition-upland/

You're invited to Better Together: Rediscovering What Connects Us, an evening of conversation, reflection, music, poetry, and community centered on the power of human connection.

On Nov. 11, join Leaders Who Connect at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church — Robertson Chapel to hear from community leaders across faith, education, public service, and community building and explore how we can create a more connected community.

This event is part of the Spirit & Place Festival and presented in partnership with Leaders Who Connect, Glick Philanthropies, Indy Networking, Indy Type Shop, and Front Porch Records.