Midwest Leak, a Black-owned media brand and cultural hub, has closed its studio on the northwest side of Indianapolis after two years.
Le’Deana Brown, founder and editor, said she made the decision a few months ago. She had opened the Midwest Leak Reading Room, a creative space and community bookstore at 5860 N. Michigan Road, in 2024. It closed on Aug. 9 after hosting its last event, Laughin with the Leak, featuring local comedian Rychard Valentine.
“We’re pausing on a dedicated brick and mortar building. We’re only evolving in the mission. The change in address doesn’t change the mission,” Brown told Mirror Indy in a phone call.
“We still love Midwest Leak readers. We are still creating media for the culture and we will continue placemaking for the community by running programs highlighting creatives and entrepreneurship for the dreamers and the doers — youth and adults alike.”
Brown founded Midwest Leak in 2007 while studying at Butler University. At the time, the outlet highlighted Indy’s entertainment and nightlife through a magazine and concert photography.
Now, Midwest Leak has transformed into a print and digital publication with over 28,000 Instagram followers.
Before the studio opened, Midwest Leak magazine was known for hosting community events. Brown said the magazine will continue to host pop-up events, along with programming like Midwest Leak Podcast and Junior Creators Club.
Brown and the Midwest Leak team will have a table Aug. 29 at the Chreece hip-hop festival in Fountain Square and Mike Epps’ Community Concert in Washington Park.
Guests heading to the BUTTER Fine Art Fair can also attend Midwest Leak’s Finesse the Runway 7, a streetwear showcase and marketplace highlighting local independent designers and artists. The event will take place at 4 p.m. Sept. 6 outside The Stutz.
Midwest Leak will host its next NAPFlix & Chill, a film series that showcases independent films by Indianapolis filmmakers, at 7 p.m. Sept. 1 at Shadow Lounge.
Brown said if Midwest Leak does become a brick and mortar again, she’s looking to own, rather than rent, the space.
“I like seeing people walk in their gifts. I love supporting dreamers into doers,” Brown said. “I tried considering doing other things, but I always end up back in media.”
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Mirror Indy reporter Mesgana Waiss covers arts and culture. Contact her at 317-667-2643 or mesgana.waiss@mirrorindy.org.
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