Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis

The Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis Inc. operates as a nonprofit cultural organization focused on community development through the arts, particularly celebrating African and African American traditions. Founded in 1990 by Deborah Asante, a storyteller and performance artist, the organization began as the Asante Children's Theatre (ACT). Asante, who moved to Indianapolis from San Francisco, established the theatre to provide a creative and culturally affirming space for youth, including her own son. Her artistic vision was complemented by the organizational skills of Keesha Dixon, a parent who became the Executive Director and was instrumental in the institution's growth.

Originally created to offer arts involvement for school-age youth, the organization officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2003. A significant milestone occurred when its name changed from Asante Children's Theatre to the Asante Art Institute, reflecting its expanded mission beyond children's theater to broader community development and intergenerational programming. The Institute functions as an administrative umbrella for several core programs. These include the original Asante Children's Theatre, the Asante Community Connection, and the Asante Artrepreneurial Incubator, which started in spring 2021. Funding for the organization comes from grants, partnerships, and donations, including a notable $750,000 grant in 2019 to launch a program for girls called the Sankofa Paradigm.

The Institute's business is youth and community empowerment, utilizing performing arts like acting, singing, dancing, and storytelling as vehicles for self-discovery, personal growth, and the development of life skills. It serves youth from ages 6 to 18, as well as young adults and the wider community, through a variety of programs. For instance, 'Prep4Life' introduces performance arts to children aged 6-12, while 'The Academy' offers a more rigorous curriculum for teens aged 12-18. 'Zora's Daughters' is a literacy and creative writing program designed to build confidence in girls. The 'Artrepreneurial Incubator' equips young people (ages 15-18) and young adults with the skills for careers as artistic and administrative leaders. The organization makes an impact through partnerships with entities like the Indiana State Museum, Conner Prairie, and the Boys and Girls Club, delivering culturally specific programming and performances.

Keywords: Asante Art Institute, arts education, youth development, performing arts, African American culture, Indianapolis nonprofit, community arts, children's theater, storytelling, Deborah Asante, Keesha Dixon, youth empowerment, cultural organization, leadership development, arts administration, creative writing programs, Zora's Daughters, Sankofa Paradigm, Artrepreneurial Incubator, Conner Prairie partnership