BUTTER 2022

What might a more equitable, intentional, and authentic art experience look like? At BUTTER, we are attempting to find out.

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BUTTER is a multi-day fine art fair that centers and elevates Black artists.

Black artists have benefited from a long-overdue abundance of invitations to exhibit, participate, and weigh-in. However, the cultural infrastructure for artists is lacking, and the roadmap to career advancement and financial sustainability has been unclear. BUTTER aims to change this.

BUTTER invites guests to see and experience contemporary art in new ways, all while advocating for the value and worth of Black artists. The fair was created by GANGGANG to test a new model for reparations in the arts, with a focus on care, authenticity, and economic justice.

In just two years, BUTTER has made a bright impact on Indianapolis and beyond. By returning 100% of artwork sales back to the artists, the fair is an experiment in elevating standards across the art industry and the economic viability of being an artist.

Artists are the heroes of society. It’s a dream to be able to narrate that through something as impactful and immersive as BUTTER.

- Malina Simone Bacon

We want to forge a new, more equitable art ecosystem for Indianapolis that will sustain both its artists and its people, serving as a model for cities far and wide.

- Sarah Urist Green
Preview Night

Preview Night

528 people were in attendance and BUTTER did $150,000 in artwork sales. 26 news outlets were present. Four major institutions acquired BUTTER artwork for their permanent collections: Central Indiana Community Foundation (3 pieces), Eskenazi Health (3 pieces), Richmond Art Museum (1 piece) and The Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields (1 piece).

Education/Walks

Education/Walks

1,900 students and young people in attendance, thanks to school tours and free admission for anyone under 18. Plus 13 history walking tours with Sampson Levingston of Through2Eyes (350 adults/175 kids)

MELT

MELT

After-hours warehouse dance party with sounds curated by DJ Grapevine and visuals by Bad Boys of A.V. Be sure to check out our BUTTER 2 Playlist.

BUTTER Shop

BUTTER Shop

$32,809 total BUTTER Shop merchandise sales. Didn’t get any swag at BUTTER? Welcome to our online shopa new portal for branded apparel and merch. Expect exclusive designs, event favorites, and seasonal drops.

Attendance at BUTTER 2022 was more than 8,000 people, up from last year’s approximately 3,400 attendees.
  • 5,497 general admission adult tickets
  • 1,900 student tour / under 18 tickets
  • 528 people in attendance at Preview Night
  • 100+ artists, performers, and staff
BUTTER 2022 Impact: After the Weekend
  • $350,000 event expense to creatives
  • $250,000 artwork sales during 4-day fair ($65,000 greater than BUTTER 2021)
  • $210,000 after-BUTTER sales
  • $810,000 IN DIRECT ECONOMIC IMPACT
42 featured artists showing work 
  • 3 presenting galleries
  • 12 of the presenting artists from outside of Indiana
  • 8 elevation/environmental artists  
  • 32 DJs (BUTTER Sound curated by Deckademics)
  • 7 musical groups (10+ artists)

 

  • AES Indiana
    Title Sponsor
  • JP Morgan Chase
    , Presenting Sponsor
  • The Indianapolis Foundation
    Top Sponsors
  • Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation
    Top Sponsors
  • OneAmerica
    Top Sponsors

Want to be involved in BUTTER 2023?

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Photo Credits: Jayla Garnett, Jay Goldz, Eric Lubrick, Chris Newell, Kenneth Parks, Michelle Pemberton, Cole Wilgus