Pop Fest
A Celebration of the Arts with IPR’s Pop of Culture on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 5-9 p.m. at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Tickets are $15 GA and $10 for students (plus fees).
Get ready for a night packed with creativity, comedy and live performances! Join us as Pop of Culture guests take the stage to share their talents, from live music by Lollapalooza 2026 act Free Joel and local favorite Caleb McCoach to comedians, artists and authors from across the region. Plus, you’ll have a front-row seat for a live taping of Pop of Culture!
Music
Free Joel
Free Joel formed in Muncie, Indiana, where they cut their teeth playing college house shows and began building their reputation as a live band. Since then, they’ve taken their high-energy sound to stages across the Midwest, especially throughout the Indianapolis and Chicagoland area.
Caleb McCoach
Caleb McCoach is an independent singer and songwriter based in Indianapolis. Whether he’s working within the stark, disarming minimalism of his debut LP Songs From an Empty Shore or the more fortified, straightforward rock format of his band, McCoach’s voice and the honesty held therein remain the stars of the show.
Arts Market
Meet local artists and authors while shopping for unique art pieces.
Comedy
Dafina Kirk is local comedian who most recently performed at Mother’s Day With Tommy Davidson and can be seen at The Wit Theater’s Wit Mic Night in Indianapolis.
Pop of Culture Live Taping
Be a part of the audience and hear from a panel of arts leaders about arts in our communities.
We are looking for talented artists, writers, makers, and creators to showcase and sell their work at the inaugural Pop Fest! The Pop Fest Arts Market celebrates community, art, artists, and art lovers of all types. We are looking for unique, high-quality work across all mediums—including painting, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, digital, collage, sculpture, photography, and multimedia.
Booth & Space Information
Setting: Fully indoors
Space Sizes: Provided table is 8 feet wide by 2.5 feet deep
What’s Provided: 8-foot table and 2 chairs, electricity access by request, and restrooms.
Artist Responsibility: Artists must bring their own displays, lighting, etc.
Financial & Transaction Details
Booth Fee: None
Application Fee: Free to apply
Sales Processing: Artists process their own sales and keep 100% of profits. Check with Cornerstone and their rules.
Key Dates & Deadlines
Application Deadline: Sept. 25, 2026
Acceptance Deadline: Oct. 9, 2026
Artist Notifications: Oct. 2, 2026
Artist Setup & Teardown: Setup at 3:30 (do not arrive earlier). Teardown at 9 p.m. You must stay at the event until the end.
To be considered for Pop Fest, please submit your application by Sep. 18 by going to this link: https://bsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_41nXXOAk0Hi0hro
Your application must include:
- A brief artist statement or bio (150 words max).
- 3–5 high-resolution images of your recent artwork.
- Links to your website and active social media handles.
Questions? Email Tracie.louck@bsu.edu. We look forward to reviewing your work!
