2025 Convergence Dates: Tuesday, August 12 to Saturday, August 23rd
Where Artists & Ideas Converge
The Convergence is a professional artists residency and creative accelerator designed to disrupt comfort zones and ignite transformation. Since 2008, this program has brought together over 150 artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines to take bold risks, form unexpected collaborations, and push creative boundaries.
Over two immersive weeks, you’ll set aside the pressure to produce a finished work and dive into exploration, experimentation, and growth. You’ll step into multiple roles—as creator, collaborator, teacher, and student—expanding your creative vision while exchanging expertise and gaining fresh perspectives from a vibrant, interdisciplinary cohort. The relationships formed during Convergence extend far beyond the program itself, with alumni often reconnecting for mutual support and to work together on exciting new projects.
At the heart of the Convergence is the belief that creative growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones and let curiosity lead the way. We embrace the messy parts of the creative process—because it’s in those moments of discomfort or “failure” that the most exciting breakthroughs happen. From early morning grounding sessions to late-night chats, the rigorous days break down creative walls, build trust within the group, and spark surprising insights.
Whether refining an existing project or starting something entirely new, you’ll find the space, tools, and mutual support to fuel your artistic journey. The Convergence cultivates a collaborative environment where artists uplift and challenge one another, fostering lasting connections and growth long after the program ends.
“It is rare that an artist is given unlimited freedom to fulfill their vision while being presented with a vast array of skill sets to challenge presumptions and with loving encouragement to discover new ideas.”
Leila Ghaznavi, Pantea Productions
Core Components of the Convergence
- Side Project: Select artists will develop in-process work with 8-hours of rehearsal time and a small materials budget. While many Side Projects are genre-specific, collaboration with artists from other fields is encouraged to stretch your ideas and bring new dimensions to your work.
- Umbrella Project: The whole cohort collaborates over 20 hours of rehearsal to create an inclusive work guided by a director with a clear vision for integrating the talents of each artist. Choreographers might design costumes while researchers play the drums and painters transform environmental data into stunning visuals.
- Workshop: Every artist will lead an entry-level workshop in their area of expertise, and attend workshops led by other members of the cohort. These immersive sessions are central to the residency, giving you the chance to exchange skills, experiment with new techniques, and bring fresh ideas into your project and practice.
- Open Lab Performance: On the final day, artists present their work-in-progress during an informal showcase, adding urgency and focus to the creative process. While the performances include basic technical elements, they are designed to prioritize process over polish. Afterward, the audience provides feedback to help artists refine and propel projects forward.
- Daily Check-Ins: Each day begins with a group movement class and check-in. These inclusive activities help artists ground themselves, reflect, and connect, ensuring everyone starts the day energized and aligned.
What You’ll Gain
You will receive:
* A minimum $500 stipend
* Materials for Side Projects
* Access to work space
* A network of professional creatives and program alumni
* Housing for visiting artists who reside outside of Marion County
There is no fee to attend, but a fully refundable $300 deposit is required. Artists in the Convergence form a creative ensemble, and your decision to attend is a commitment to both your own work and the work of others. The deposit secures your spot and helps us maintain a full cohort even if someone needs to withdraw.
Housing Details
Visiting artists from outside Marion County are provided with housing, which includes a private room and shared bathrooms and living spaces. If you’re without a car, don’t worry—we offer one daily pick-up to Indy Convergence and two scheduled drop-offs back at your housing. If you choose to stay with friends or family or arrange your own lodging, just keep in mind that you’ll need to make your own transportation arrangements to and from the venue, as additional transportation services aren’t available.
Have specific housing needs, like avoiding stairs, proximity to running trails, or accommodations for allergies? We’re happy to help!—just email us at connect@indyconvergence.org and we’ll do our best to support you.
What We Ask
The Convergence welcomes artists ready to jump into a transformative, collaborative experience where curiosity and discomfort lead the way to growth. We seek creators who are eager to challenge themselves, step into vulnerability, and contribute to a supportive community rooted in experimentation, equity, and personal development. If this sounds like you, here’s what we ask in return:
Availability: Commit to the the full two-week residency (including additional travel days for visiting artists).
Attendance: Participate in all workshops and Umbrella Project rehearsals.
Side Project Participation: Engage in at least two Side Projects as either a creator or a contributor.
Open Lab Presentation: Present your work-in-progress during the final day’s showcase. Please do not plan to leave on the evening of the final day!
Daily Activities: Start each day with grounding group check-ins and movement classes with the entire cohort.
Collaboration, Risk, and Mutual Respect: Come ready to engage with curiosity, embrace vulnerability, and step beyond your comfort zones.
Inclusivity and Equity: Actively contribute to creating an inclusive and equitable space for everyone. Embrace and honor the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that each person brings to the table.
Bring Your Energy: Be prepared for long, creative 10-hour days—don’t forget to take your vitamins!
Program Dates
Tuesday, August 12 to Saturday, August 23. **If you’re traveling from outside Marion County, please plan for additional travel days on Monday, August 11, and Sunday, August 24. The Convergence dates may shift from year to year based on seasonal factors and other program considerations.
Location
Indy Convergence’s Arts Flex Space
Indy Convergence
2611 W Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46222
How We Select Artists
Each year, our team at Indy Convergence selects 8-15 artists to join the Convergence cohort through a thoughtful curation process. We balance several key factors, including:
- Side Project Needs: Every year, the needs of the Side Projects vary—some may need more actors, opera singers, or dancers, while others might call for writers or visual artists.
- Artistic Disciplines: We aim for a mix of artistic backgrounds, from dance and theatre to visual art, film, writing, and puppetry, ensuring diverse ways of thinking and creating.
- Personal Backgrounds: We’re committed to creating a community that reflects a broad range of identities and experiences, including gender, age, ability, ethnicity, race, and economic background.
- Skills & Creativity: The distinctive talents and ideas that each applicant brings to the collaboration.
- Local & Visiting Artists: We bring together artists from near and far, fostering the exchange of ideas and perspectives across regions.
How to Apply
Ready to push your creative limits? Head to the application link below to get started. Have your resume, work sample, bio, and a photo of yourself ready for submission. Apply by March 31 to be considered. We look forward to seeing your materials and learning more about you!
Indy Convergence is dedicated to creating a holistic, inclusive environment and welcomes creators from all walks of life. We encourage applications from individuals of all races, ages, national origins, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and gender identities.
Do We Partner with Other Organizations?
Absolutely! We are lucky to have formed many meaningful Convergence partnerships over the years with organizations like The daVinci Pursuit, York University, Sa-K-La-K-Wel Community Center, Indy Barter School, and Grove Haus. These collaborations enrich the residency experience and spark ongoing creative exchange that keeps the program growing and evolving.
If you’re interested in collaborating with us, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out at connect@indyconvergence.org.
Do We Take the Convergence on the Road?
Yes! While our home base is in Indianapolis, the Convergence has crossed borders and held residencies in Toronto, ON, London, ON, and Haiti. These opportunities help us engage with diverse communities and foster cross-cultural dialogue, bringing global perspectives to the creative process. Whether home or far away, our partnerships continue to amplify the creative exploration that defines the Convergence.
We’re big fans of new places and new faces! If you’d like to host a Convergence in your community, we’d be thrilled to chat. Get in touch with us at connect@indyconvergence.org.
Questions?
We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions about the Convergence, don’t hesitate to reach out by phone, email, or social media.
Phone: 310-990-1698
Email: connect@indyconvergence.org
Disclaimer: Indy Convergence expects all participants to take responsibility for their own physical, emotional, financial, and psychological well-being during the Convergence. We will gladly work with each participant to provide reasonable accommodations and ensure the program is accessible to all. Please keep this in mind when submitting your application, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or inquiries about accommodations.