August 3rd, 2018

thebigtent.org

Inspired by our partners and time in Haiti & with support from the Arts Council of Indianapolis, Indiana Arts Commission, Reconnecting to Our Waterways and Indianapolis Public Library we brought the Rara to Indianapolis. Rara is a Haitian street band that grows and evolves as it moves through the city playing traditional instruments. Rara’s exist to celebrate the joy of living and unite communities to dance and sing away their troubles.

The Near West Rara started in Hawthorne and moved with a band on a portable stage playing short sets in each neighborhood. When the band wraped up, that neighborhood joined the parade and traveled to the next (just like a Haitian Rara). It culminated on West Michigan Street with Big Tent, an interactive video installation filled with imagery from the Rara, and more music!