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Indiana Black Expo announces move to new headquarters on east side

Posted at 9:21 PM, Mar 19, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-19 21:21:40-04

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Black Expo announced its purchase of the former Crossroads Bible College on the city's east side for their new headquarters.

The 43,000 square foot facility is also set to house programming for IBE's new Performing Arts Academy. President and CEO, Tanya Bell, said that the expo looks forward to providing enhanced resources and training for youths interested in the arts.

IBE anticipates serving more than 300 youths within the program first year. The academy is open to youth ages 13 to 19 years-old.

But that's just one part of the ultimate goal.

"The great thing about it is - yes - we will focus on talent. There will be multiple studios in this building, but we will be layering that with academic support and interventions," Bell said. "The whole point of this program is for those academic supports in order to improve academic outcomes."

IBE said it moved to the east side to put it closer to the families it wants to serve. Expo will provide programming out of the new building by July and plans to relocate its entire staff after this years summer celebration.

IBE plans to spend $4 million to renovate the building in phases over the next several years.