Author Archives: Mesgana Waiss

Alma mater: Ball State University

As Mirror Indy’s arts and culture reporter, I write stories and create reels highlighting the innovative and creative projects, performances and events that residents, artists, and organizations are bringing to life across Indianapolis.

I want to champion and affirm the essence of humanity. For two summers, I was an Indianapolis Press Club Foundation fellow, interning at Indiana Landmarks and the Indianapolis Recorder, where I focused on community stories that highlight and celebrate local voices and Black heritage.

Beyond bylines and storytelling, I love to watch playoff basketball, consume fashion content and nurture my knowledge of music history.

I joined Mirror Indy to help restore trust and integrity in journalism and address the local news desert crisis.

mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org

A brick building with a large sign that says, "The District Theatre," with long awning along the front and colorful posters in the windows.

Indianapolis Black Theater Company hires interim artistic director

by Mesgana Waiss March 24, 2025March 24, 2025

Tijideen “TJ” Rowley will replace Ben Rose, who resigned after being charged in a domestic violence dispute.

Tasha Beckwith, who is Black, stands for a portrait in front of a vivid art piece depicting a Black woman with blue hair coiled in buns and a tiger facing in the opposite direction.

Indy artist explains Afrofuturism in her work

by Mesgana Waiss March 18, 2025October 7, 2025

A self-described “Afrofuturist,” Tasha Beckwith talks to us about her murals and her U.S. Mint coin designs.

The Naptones awards ceremony celebrates Indiana musicians in 13 categories

by Mesgana Waiss March 14, 2025March 14, 2025

The winners will be honored on March 22 at P30.

Judith Thomas announced as new Indy Arts Council CEO

by Mesgana Waiss March 14, 2025March 14, 2025

Thomas, an Indianapolis deputy mayor who supported local arts and culture, will start her role in mid-April.

Ben Rose sitting on steps in front of a hot pink door

Indy theater director charged in domestic violence incident

by Mesgana Waiss March 11, 2025March 21, 2025

Indianapolis Black Theatre Company artistic director Ben Rose resigned from his role.

Mia Keohane plays a keyboard while singing into a microphone. She's smiling and is lit with stage lights.

Are you an artist in Indianapolis? Take this survey.

by Mesgana Waiss March 10, 2025March 10, 2025

Indy Arts Council will use the results to advocate for policies that improve artists’ pay.

Want to perform at Chreece? Here’s how

by Mesgana Waiss March 6, 2025August 26, 2025

Aspiring and established DJs, producers and rappers can submit their work to the annual festival.

See what happens when artists get paid a ‘thriving’ wage

by Mesgana Waiss February 24, 2025October 3, 2025

Artists at Work will host a public celebration Feb. 25, featuring five artists.

Gary Clark Jr., a Black man, sings into a microphone on a colorfully lit stage, playing an electric guitar. The backdrop is emblazoned with his name.

I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll festival will return in 2026

by Mesgana Waiss February 11, 2025August 26, 2025

GANGGANG plans to turn the festival into something bigger than an annual event.

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