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Alan Bacon

Aug 25, 2025

How This Festival is Putting $1,000,000 Back Into Artists’ Pockets

Alan Bacon, Jr., co-founder of GANGGANG, shares how the Butter Art Fair is reshaping Indianapolis culture by supporting artists and building community.

Podcast Summary

On today’s show I sat down with Alan Bacon, Jr., co-founder and president of GANGGANG, a cultural development firm that produces, promotes, and preserves culture in cities as a means toward equity.

Our conversation delves into the importance of art and culture in driving societal impact and community cohesion.

Alan provides depth on the annual Butter Art Fair in Indianapolis, highlighting its unique model where 100% of the proceeds go back to the artists. He shares the fair's growth from its inception in 2021, attracting thousands of attendees and raising substantial funds for artists.

We also touch on the significance of supporting the local art scene year-round, the role of corporate partnerships in making large-scale cultural events successful, and Alan's personal journey in the arts.

You are going to learn about:

  • The Annual Butter Art Fair, Its Purpose, and Growth

  • Supporting Local Arts

  • Broad Implications of Arts Shaping Indianapolis’ Identity

Thank you to our partners:
NCW
FVR

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:20 Guest Introduction: Alan Bacon, Butter Art Fair
02:42 Butter Art Fair – A Unique Experience
03:47 Impact and Growth of Butter
05:12 Expanding Beyond Indianapolis
06:49 The Role of Art in Culture and Community
15:49 Personal Journey and Local Art Scene
21:03 Upcoming Events and Experiences
21:42 Introduction to CRG Chefs
21:48 Excitement for Butter and Local Entrepreneurs
22:13 Music and DJ Culture at Butter
22:49 Art Installations and Exhibitions
24:54 Impact of NBA All-Star on Indianapolis
29:55 Supporting Local Artists and Entrepreneurs
31:15 Fun Indiana Questions and Favorite Art Pieces
33:21 Butter Art Fair Details and Final Thoughts

Guest(s)

Alan Bacon

Date Published

August 25, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

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A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.