INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis will be the first city to host Testify Live, a free event bringing together seven local artists to share new works and the personal stories of faith behind their creations.
The event is set for Friday, Oct. 2, at Eastern Star Church, 5805 Cooper Road. Artists will showcase music, poetry, dance, sculpture, photography, textile work and vestments as part of a five-year initiative aimed at revitalizing the tradition of sharing stories of faith within communities.
“Its primary aim is to revitalize the tradition of sharing what God is doing in your everyday life within your community,” said Rev. Dr. Nick Peterson, grant director of Testify! and assistant professor of homiletics and worship at Christian Theological Seminary.
The project is funded through Lilly Endowment Inc.’s National Storytelling Initiative. Over five years, Testify! plans to partner with 250 Black churches across the country, providing a digital toolkit, mobile recording booth and documentary series.
Indianapolis is the inaugural city for Testify Live, with the initiative scheduled to expand to Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Houston and Chicago in subsequent years.
Peterson said the arts can create powerful connections by capturing memories, emotions and meaningful moments.
“Art has this ability to capture a moment. It can capture a memory. It can capture an emotion,” he said.
The goal is for attendees to leave with a message of hope and faith.
“God can meet you where you are and meet you in your situation,” Peterson said.
Peterson is encouraging Indianapolis residents to come out and experience the event.
“This is really, really, really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “We want Indianapolis to show up … Bring your mama, your daddy, your cousin, boo boo, pookie, all of them.”
Testify Live is free and open to everyone.
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