We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

1000 Words Gallery serves an underserved community, specifically the Black and Brown communities in Indianapolis. These communities face poverty, limited access to cultural resources, and educational disparities. Art, often seen as a luxury, is instead leveraged as an essential tool for community building, economic empowerment, and creative placemaking by 1000 Words.

A story that exemplifies this work:

On the Eastside of Indianapolis, opportunities for creative expression have historically been scarce. One community member, a single mother, shared how attending a free art workshop hosted by the gallery not only gave her and her children an outlet for creativity but also a sense of connection with the community. The workshop inspired her son to create art for his school and her to consider art as a way to decompress.

This story illustrates how art can transcend its traditional boundaries to become a force for community well-being. By offering free programming and featuring a majority of artists and participants of color—many of whom are women—the gallery empowers individuals to find their voice, build skills, and foster pride in their heritage.

Why this matters:
This work interrupts cycles of underrepresentation in the arts. 1000 Words elevates Artists of Color who might otherwise be overlooked, creating a platform where their voices are uplifted. The gallery also transforms the neighborhood by incorporating public art projects, such as murals and third spaces, which foster community pride and beautification.

How 1000 Words Gallery serves this community:
Through grassroots efforts, the gallery not only highlights talent within the city but also ensures that artistic expression is accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. Community members, recognizing their shared cultural experiences in the gallery’s mission, have contributed financially, despite their own challenges, showcasing the deep resonance of the gallery’s work.

By prioritizing inclusivity, empowerment, and social equity, 1000 Words Gallery ensures that art is not just for consumption but is a transformative experience that fosters belonging, pride, and economic opportunity in Indianapolis.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Chris Smith, and I am the founder of 1000 Words Inc., a Black-owned nonprofit based in Indianapolis. My journey into the arts world began with a passion for fostering creativity and empowering individuals through storytelling and visual expression. Coming from a background in sales development and education, I’ve always valued the power of communication and mentorship. Combining these skills with a love for the arts, I created 1000 Words to support emerging artists and transform communities through artistic engagement.

Founded in 2020, the gallery is committed to dismantling systemic barriers in the arts by providing an equitable platform for emerging Black and Brown artists. We offer commission-free opportunities, workshops, and community-focused events that nurture creativity, support local talent, and celebrate cultural heritage. Our services include:
• Art exhibitions showcasing underrepresented voices.
• Workshops and classes that are free and accessible, offering skill-building opportunities.
• Community placemaking projects like public art installations and murals, which foster pride and identity in underserved neighborhoods.
• Professional development for artists, including branding, marketing, and compensation for teaching roles.

1000 Words Gallery stands out for its intentional focus on inclusivity, equity, and empowerment. By prioritizing the representation of minority groups in the arts, we challenge stereotypes and create spaces where marginalized voices can be heard. Additionally, our grassroots approach—funded by small donations from community members who see themselves in our mission—keeps us deeply connected to those we serve.

Many of the artists and communities we work with face barriers, such as limited access to resources, visibility, and opportunities in the arts. We address these challenges by:
• Elevating artists of color through exhibitions and strategic support.
• Creating spaces for creative expression in neighborhoods where they are scarce.
• Supporting economic empowerment through art sales, teaching opportunities, and public art projects.

I am incredibly proud of the way 1000 Words has become a name brand and gathering place for the community. One of our most meaningful projects has been facilitating public art installations, such as murals, that not only beautify the neighborhood but also instill a sense of pride and belonging among residents. Our grassroots success, built on the support of community members, speaks to the power of collective effort and shared vision.

At 1000 Words, art is not just a product; it’s a vehicle for connection, empowerment, and transformation. I invite you to join us in celebrating creativity, uplifting underrepresented voices, and making art accessible to all. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant, inclusive arts community.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A significant pivot in my journey came when I transitioned from showcasing and selling my own artwork at 1000 Words Gallery to focusing entirely on helping other artists gain visibility and opportunities. When I first founded the gallery, I envisioned it as a space to share my own creative expressions while fostering a community of art enthusiasts. However, as I connected with emerging local artists, I realized the incredible need for a platform that could uplift underrepresented voices.

This shift meant putting my own work on hold to devote my time and resources to showcasing others. It required rethinking the gallery’s purpose and establishing systems to support artists beyond exhibitions—offering workshops, branding guidance, and even commission-free opportunities to ensure they could fully benefit from their work. This pivot wasn’t just about expanding the gallery’s mission; it was about transforming the space into a hub where artists and community members could find empowerment and connection.

One of the most rewarding outcomes of this pivot has been watching artists gain confidence and recognition. For example, an emerging artist who was initially hesitant to share her work publicly participated in one of our shows and later went on to secure larger opportunities in the arts scene. Stories like hers reaffirm my decision to step back from the spotlight and focus on creating pathways for others.

This experience taught me the value of collaboration and the importance of amplifying voices that are often overlooked. By pivoting to prioritize others’ success, I’ve seen how art can drive meaningful change—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A story that illustrates my resilience comes from the early days of 1000 Words Gallery. When I first founded the gallery in 2020, I was determined to create a space that would uplift emerging Black and Brown artists. However, launching a nonprofit during a global pandemic came with immense challenges. With limited funding and restrictions on in-person gatherings, I had to rethink how we could effectively connect artists with audiences.

One of the toughest moments came when our plans for in-person exhibitions were disrupted. Rather than halting everything, we pivoted to creating a digital art installation, showcasing artists’ work through street facing light projections. This allowed us to continue sharing art with our community, even when traditional exhibitions weren’t possible. It required learning new technology and reimagining how art could be consumed, but it kept our mission alive and opened new opportunities for artists to reach broader audiences.

Another challenge arose when our building came under new management. There was uncertainty about whether we would be able to continue operating in the community we had worked so hard to support. I approached the new owners to share the gallery’s impact and vision for the neighborhood. Through those conversations, we reached an agreement for a favorable lease that allowed us to stay rooted in the community without financial strain. Their support reaffirmed the importance of partnerships and underscored how vital the gallery is to the area.

These experiences taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring challenges—it’s about forging meaningful relationships and finding creative ways to keep moving forward. Today, 1000 Words Gallery stands stronger than ever, a testament to perseverance and the collective power of art to transform lives and communities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://1000wordsindy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1000wordsindy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1000wordsindy/

Image Credits

Gallery Photos by @chrispphotos
Headshot by Rebekah Gaillard https://rebekahgaillard.com/