A celebration of the arts, humanities, and religion.

The Spirit & Place Festival is a multi-day festival of events independently created and hosted by the community and supported by the Spirit & Place organization, which is housed on the campus of IU-Indianapolis.

Festival Schedule:

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Ordinary Joy

This family-friendly event will feature a variety of activities allowing participants to reflect on and explore the joy that can be found in ordinary routines of daily life.

During this come-and-go style/self-directed gathering, families will be engaged with activities ranging from printmaking to collaging, visual poetry, and more! In addition to hands-on art activities, assorted stations exploring “ordinary joys” such as gardening and auto maintenance will be available.

Location: Ivy Tech Community College – Lawrence Fairbanks Campus, 9301 E. 59th St., Indianapolis, 46216

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Walks & Arts

Participate in a guided and reflective walk through scenic Eagle Creek Park followed by creative opportunities to honor and express gratitude including a sound bath, visual art, poetry, and movement.

Upon arrival participants will be led on a gratitude walk through scenic Eagle Creek Park. (Gratitude walks will depart at multiple times during the event’s 3-hour window.) Afterwards, attendees will be invited to express their gratitude with a range of options including writing stations, dance and movement instruction, sound/listening areas, and visual arts. A joyous but reflective event, we recognize some participants may find themselves grateful for the memories of a passed loved one. There will also be a listening circle for anyone dealing with grief. Truly, all are welcome!

Location: Peace Learning Center at Eagle Creek Park, 6040 DeLong Rd., Indianapolis, 46254

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Having Our Stories Told: Preserving LGBTQ+ History

Remembrance is a gratitude that honors our past and propels us forward with love and knowledge. Join LGBTQ+ organizations from across Indianapolis for a community discussion and behind-the-scenes tour of the Indiana Historical Society LGBTQ collection.

Attendees are invited to explore holding of the IHS archives and engage in small group conversations examining the theme of gratitude as well as queer recognition, forgetting, agency, and storytelling. Guests will reflect on how these acts of acknowledgement, or lack of, influence understanding of queer communities and identity. Tour and talk with others to find new connections while delving into the IHS’s LGBTQ collection and deepen your sense of gratitude for past generations and the stories they’ve shared.

Location: Eugene and Marily Glick Indiana History Center, 450 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis, 46202