A sound rich public art installation in Indianapolis is gaining recognition. The Indiana Avenue Sound Experience won a first place award from Indy Chamber’s Monumental Awards.
WFYI’s Kyle Long and the Cultural Trail partnered for the project that opened in 2024 along Indiana Avenue. It features music and interviews from legendary performers that were part of Indianapolis’ thriving jazz and R&B scene during the mid 20th century.
People walking along Indiana Avenue may hear from musicians like Lester Johnson, who was interviewed by Long.
“I played some of my first gigs on Indiana Avenue like the Blue Wheel, the Place to Play, Frederick Douglas, Paradise Inn,” Johnson says in the exhibit.
The public art installation was designed with community input. Jess Gillum is the director of strategic initiatives at the Indy Chamber. She said the awards help highlight the value of history and heritage.
"Installations like the Indiana Avenue Sound Experience are a great example of how investing in our cultural assets can create meaningful experiences for residents and strengthen the identity that makes the Indy Region vibrant,” Gillum said.
This is the 49th year of the Monumental Awards, which highlights art, design and architecture projects in Central Indiana.
Contact WFYI Managing Editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org
