Chattanooga, August 6, 2025
News Summary
The Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas will introduce the INDABA conference, taking place at The Howard School. This three-day event from August 15-17 will celebrate Black creativity and promote cultural preservation, with discussions aimed at empowering the Black creative community in Chattanooga. Participants, including artists, educators, and thought leaders, will engage in networking, performances, and discussions that underscore the importance of art as a vehicle for change.
Chattanooga
The Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas will host the INDABA conference from August 15th to 17th, 2025, at The Howard School in Chattanooga. The term INDABA is derived from Zulu, meaning “a gathering to discuss important matters,” and the conference is being launched as a pilot initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and creating impact within the Black creative community.
Spanning three days, the INDABA conference will focus on celebrating Black creativity and preserving cultural memory while seeking to empower attendees socially, economically, artistically, and communally. The program is designed to explore a structured, principle-based arts conference model that emphasizes cultural healing and cooperative growth. It aims to demonstrate that art is not merely an expression but a strategic tool for change.
Participants will include a diverse group of artists, educators, entrepreneurs, organizers, and thought leaders from the Greater Chattanooga Area. This event is set to facilitate networking and collaboration among members of the Black creative community, fostering an environment of support and sharing.
Conference Schedule
Friday, August 15th
- 6:00 PM: Opening Mixer & Networking at Walker Theatre
- 6:30 PM: Pre-Show Talk with actress Shanice Williams
- 7:00 PM: Film screening of “Six Triple Eight”
- Post-Film Gathering at Home Bar
Saturday, August 16th
- 10:00 AM: Meet & Greet with light refreshments
- 10:30 AM: Welcome & Statement of Purpose
- 10:45 AM: Performance by Marsha PoeticDiva
- 10:50 AM: Mission & Vision Statement
- 11:00 AM: Introduction of speaker Dr. Micheal Williams
- 12:00 PM: Lunch Break and Arts Leader’s Roundtable
- 1:00 PM: Information Gathering session
- 1:45 PM: Panel discussion on the State of Black Arts in Chattanooga
- 3:00 PM: Introduction of B.A.N.D. and The Hubbard Group
- 3:30 PM: Collective Call to Action guided by the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa
- 4:00 PM: Closing Pledge
Sunday, August 17th
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Closing Brunch in Celebration of Marcus Garvey’s 138th Birthday at Home Bar & Restaurant
Registration and More Information
Free registration for the INDABA conference is available online. Those interested can sign up at this link. More details can be found on the festival’s official website at this link.
Background Context
The INDABA conference represents a significant step towards cultural awareness and empowerment within the Black community in Chattanooga. By converting conversations into collaborative actions and ideas into impactful outcomes, the festival is positioning itself as a leader in the preservation and celebration of Black arts and culture.
FAQ Section
What is the INDABA conference?
The INDABA conference is a three-day event focused on celebrating Black creativity, preserving cultural memory, and fostering economic, artistic, and communal empowerment.
Who can participate in the conference?
The conference is open to artists, educators, entrepreneurs, organizers, and thought leaders from the Greater Chattanooga Area.
How can I register for the conference?
Free registration for the INDABA conference can be accessed through a form available online.
What is the significance of the term ‘INDABA’?
‘INDABA’ is a Zulu word that means ‘a gathering to discuss important matters,’ reflecting the conference’s goal of creating meaningful dialogue in the community.
Key Features of the INDABA Conference
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | August 15-17, 2025 |
| Location | The Howard School, Chattanooga |
| Focus | Celebrating Black creativity and fostering community empowerment |
| Participants | Artists, educators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders |
| Registration | Free online registration available |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Pulse: INDABA – A Black Arts Conference
- Chattanoogan: INDABA – A Black Arts Conference Set
- Black Arts & Ideas Festival: INDABA 2025
- Wikipedia: Black Arts Movement
- Google Search: Black art festivals
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