Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to work with many interns eager to embrace unique opportunities to better Indianapolis through the arts. After their time with us, quite a few continue in these pursuits. We are excited to resume our series spotlighting former Harrison Center interns this week by catching up with Amira Malcom.

While finishing a dual degree program at IUPUI, Amira began looking into opportunities that would facilitate her growth as an artist and creative placemaker. She found herself particularly drawn to organizations that prioritized community with the arts. Enter: the Harrison Center, where Amira focused on a variety of video production-related projects in 2017/18. Perhaps most formative to her current direction, she worked on a short video series called Views from the Porch. Amira documented the stories of long-term Monon16 residents for the series, including Greatriarch JoAnna LeNoir. Amira’s initial interview with Ms. JoAnna proved to have a lasting impact on the community. This project was at the beginning of various Greatriarch-focused social programs and art initiatives, such as the Greatriarch gatherings, the Greatriarch paintings, and the Harrison Center’s first film, Rasheeda’s Freedom Day (2021).

As of 2021, Amira continues to pursue her passion for storytelling as a Multimedia Project Manager at the Central Library’s Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC). CBLC, founded in 2017, amplifies the voices and stories of black luminaries who have influenced local, national, and international culture. Via engaging programs, interactive displays, and a wide-ranging collection of books, CDs, magazines, movies, and research tools, the cultural center is dedicated to “celebrating the vibrant and resilient heritage and triumphs of those born of African roots.” Amira credits her time at the Harrison Center – working on projects like Views from the Porch and PreEnactment – with helping her better see Indianapolis’s hidden histories.

Through her internship at the Harrison Center and her role at CBLC, Amira has witnessed the richness of Indianapolis communities, which she posits is especially apparent when brought about through art. She adds, “People say that history is written by the victors – I take this experience [at the Harrison Center] with me as a blueprint to help me seek out the other side of that history and the impacts of those battles.”

While Amira is grateful for the experiences she has cultivated throughout her tenure at various art institutions in Indianapolis, she is also mindful of the work that still needs to be done – especially in the realms of racial equity and inclusion. She has at times felt discouraged by what she describes as “the sort of double consciousness people of color have to have when it comes to approaching this arena authentically.” Despite the blind spots and barriers, she has encountered, she remains motivated to forge a meaningful impact as a creative placemaker. We greatly appreciate her drive to help make Indianapolis a better, more inclusive city for all.

Those interested in learning more about Amira’s background or current projects can head to her website. Outside of work, she maintains committee positions as the North American Chapter Liaison of ACM SIGGRAPH and the Alumni Chair of SoIC DEI. In her spare time, she enjoys playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons and working her way through an “ever-rising pile of books.” Presently she is reading Eman Quotah’s Bride of the Sea.

We look forward to the wonderful things Amira continues to accomplish in Indianapolis and beyond!

Past Intern Update: Amira Malcom