GANGGANG Elevates Indianapolis Cultural Scene, Supporting Over 1,000 Black Artists

Since its establishment in late 2020, GANGGANG, an Indianapolis-based cultural development firm, has significantly influenced the city's creative economy by promoting and financially supporting Black artists. Co-founded by Alan Bacon and Malina "Mali" Simone Jeffers, the organization has generated over $13 million in revenue and invested nearly $8 million into the local creative sector.

GANGGANG's mission is to produce, promote, and preserve culture by hiring artists of color. With an initial seed investment of $250,000, the organization has developed a hybrid model combining non-profit and for-profit elements to support cultural entrepreneurs. Jeffers emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, "We are wanting to support those who, by tradition, aren't recognized by arts organizations."

One of GANGGANG's most notable initiatives is the annual BUTTER Fine Art Fair, launched in 2021. The inaugural event featured 24 artists and resulted in $65,000 in sales. By 2023, the fair expanded to include 49 artists, attracting over 11,000 attendees and generating nearly $300,000 in sales, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the artists. This growth has positioned Indianapolis as an emerging hub for multicultural arts.

In May 2024, GANGGANG introduced the "I Made Rock 'N' Roll" festival at the American Legion Mall, celebrating Black artists' contributions to the rock 'n' roll genre. The event featured performances by Janelle Monáe and Gary Clark Jr., drawing 3,500 attendees. Plans are underway to develop the festival into a year-round initiative, with a return scheduled for May 2026.

Another significant project is "BLACK: A Festival of Joy," initiated in 2022 to transform perceptions of the Black community by highlighting its cultural contributions. Supported by the Brick by Brick Fund, the free summer festival features music and food and is set to return in July 2025 at the Taggart Memorial Amphitheater in Riverside Park. Community members can contribute by purchasing symbolic bricks, funding the festival's continued growth.

GANGGANG has also collaborated with various organizations to further its mission. In February 2025, the firm served as the cultural and art curator for the Professional Volleyball Federation's first All-Star Match at the Fishers Event Center, enhancing the fan experience with interactive art installations and live music performances. Additionally, GANGGANG partnered with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra to curate two contemporary art exhibitions at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, showcasing the contributions of BIPOC artists to the city's cultural landscape.

The organization's efforts have had a substantial economic impact, generating over $13 million in revenue and investing nearly $8 million into the local creative economy between 2021 and 2024. GANGGANG has provided platforms for over 1,000 Black artists, facilitating significant art sales and exposure. This contribution has been instrumental in reshaping Indianapolis's cultural landscape and fostering a sense of belonging among diverse demographics.

Looking ahead, GANGGANG plans to continue expanding its influence through various initiatives, including significant public art installations in 2025 and the development of the "I Made Rock 'N' Roll" festival into a year-round initiative. The organization remains committed to promoting equity and celebrating Black culture within Indianapolis's creative economy.

As co-founder Mali Bacon stated, "We are here to remind places and people of who they are. Cities rely on culture, and so it requires and it deserves infrastructure."

Through its multifaceted approach to cultural development, GANGGANG continues to play a pivotal role in transforming Indianapolis into a vibrant and inclusive hub for the arts.