Courageous Conversations

Listen in and share your thoughts as a panel discusses the challenges contemporary Black artists face.

Meet the Panel

Dr. Kelli Morgan, The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) at Newfields
Dr. Morgan is the associate curator of American Art at the IMA, where she manages its significant collection of American art. Morgan’s research concentrates on historic African-American women artists, and her goal is to strengthen the museum’s holdings of historical works by artists of color.

Dr. Modupe Labode, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Dr. Labode most recently served as associate professor of history, public scholar of African American history and museums, public scholar of Africana studies, adjunct associate professor of Africana studies, and director of undergraduate studies for the department of history at IUPUI.

She is well-known for her research in the field of African American studies, and particularly for her response to the cancellation of artist Fred Wilson’s project to create a work of public art for the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. The proposed work, E Pluribus Unum, referenced the figure of an African American man on the Indiana Soldiers and Soldiers Monument.

Shannon M. Linker, Arts Council of Indianapolis
Shannon is the vice president of the Arts Council and serves as the director for its fine art gallery, Gallery 924. Shannon has strong relationships with local African American artists, and serves the professional artist community by creating programs and services intended to help build their careers. Shannon is an advocate for all artists within Indianapolis and the state.

Samuel Vazquez, Visual artist/Creative Renewal Arts Fellow (2017-2018)