Since 2021, BUTTER Fine Art Fair has exhibited the work of 239 artists. The experience has grown into a cultural movement, proposing a new standard for equity in the arts industry in which 100% of sales proceeds are given to the artists.
BUTTER’s mission is clear: to center the care and economic viability of artists from the African diaspora. Each year, it presents an annual theme that becomes the beacon and calling card for the Culture worldwide. From addressing evil to Unconquerable Love, every iteration honors excellence in artistry, design, and experience.
THE MOVEMENT EXPANDS
In 2026, BUTTER will happen in two cities: it’s mainstay in Indianapolis and for the first time in Los Angeles. BUTTER Fine Art Fair takes place once per year in Indy over Labor Day weekend and serves as the global gathering for arts and culture. 2026 will mark the launch of the first BUTTER LA.
CURATORIAL PROCESS
BUTTER’s exhibition is curated by a lead manager and an evolving team of curators who select artists from their own networks, the BUTTER alumni bank, the GANGGANG artist directory, and portfolio submissions received through the BUTTER website.
There has never been an open call; artists are selected by a curatorial committee that reflects a range of markets and perspectives rooted in Indiana. BUTTER Fine Art Fair and BUTTER LA each carry the same mission, values, and artist-first model.
BUTTER LA debuts February 26 – March 1, 2026. The curatorial process is led by Nakeyta Moore, and the effort is independently funded and organized by a BUTTER-trained production team. From a curatorial perspective, BUTTER LA will mirror Indy’s artist representation model where 50% of exhibition space will be reserved for California-based artists. In an effort to show Indy’s talent and broker relationships for our artists in new markets, 25% of exhibition space is reserved for Indiana-based artists. The remaining 25% will hail from around the globe. Applications are due November 17 to be considered for BUTTER LA. Selected artists will be notified by December 20.
BUTTER Fine Art Fair (6) returns September 3 – 6, 2026, continuing the tradition of Labor Day weekend excellence in Indianapolis. Applications for Indy are open through January 15.
BUTTER Fine Art Fair maintains all rights, trademark use, and directs the annual theme of the BUTTER brand. We’re excited to spread the mission and model of BUTTER to impact more artists and communities.
THE SAME EVERYWHERE
In Indy and beyond, there is one belief: that artists have already given more to our world than we can measure, and they deserve the full return of their value. BUTTER is honored to care for the work of emerging and established artists alike to continue spreading its model of beauty, equity, and culture across new communities.
Sponsorships and individual donors are welcome and available for both BUTTER LA and BUTTER Fine Art Fair (6) in Indianapolis. Thank you for believing in BUTTER as new infrastructure for the arts and thank you for supporting our team as we implement the vision.
With love,
Mali Bacon
Co-Founder, Creative Director and Curator