BUTTER 2022

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

VISIT BUTTER WEBSITE VIEW 2022 POCKET GUIDE

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Photo: Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar

Photo: Eric Lubrick

01/ 04

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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

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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

Curators

Alan Bacon
Sarah Urist Green
Braydee Euliss
Mali Simone Bacon

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

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

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

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

Summary

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)

BUTTER 2 Press

‘Butter 2’ art fair draws thousands of attendees, generates over $250,000 in artwork sales
IndyStar
September 8, 2022
Art sales during BUTTER Art Fair at the Stutz top $250,000
Indianapolis Business Journal
September 6, 2022

Lead Sponsors

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?

Get in touch

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