Nestled inside the Indy Art Center is Equal Grounds Cafe, which opened in April following a soft opening toward the end of March 2024.
Situated in close proximity to the Monon Trail, Equal Grounds Cafe is a program of Tangram, which is a “United Way 501 (c)3 community benefit organization that helps individuals with disabilities and their families plan, support and sustain ways to live actively and independently within their communities throughout central Indiana.” Its space was specifically constructed to serve as a space where abilities flourish and inclusion thrives.
“The mission of Tangram and the mission of the cafe is to really provide an inclusive environment for individuals to either obtain a job and work at the cafe, or work on some job skills and access where that particular environment is an employment site that they’re interested in,” says Kari Sheward, vice president of autism and behavioral health at Tangram. “It’s a good opportunity for everyone to go in and test the waters.”
The cafe’s menu boasts a variety of espresso, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and various pastries. Also available are iced coffees, chai and drip coffee, as well as a variety of coffee flavorings. Equal Grounds Cafe partnered with local roaster Julian Coffee Roasters and serves its coffee in the cafe.
820 E. 67th St., Indianapolis | indyartcenter.org
