Community Engagement at Newfields
Newfields connects with communities through the transformative power of art and nature. We bring Newfields directly to communities, expand access to our campus, and foster growth to achieve long-term, sustainable, and meaningful relationships.
Newfields strives to support the overall success of the community and works to achieve alignment between our offerings and key community initiatives. This is done through creating genuine connections with community stakeholders and implementing changes based on those recommendations. From interviewing students on their dream “Garden for Youth” to extending hospitality to seniors from residential care facilities, all ages and groups are considered when engaging the community.
Newfields connects with communities through four strategic engagement pillars: neighborhood, cultural, institutional, and organizational.
Newfields invites our closest neighbors to visit our campus as often as they wish with our free Neighborhood Membership. Unlimited visits and discounts for special programs are just a few benefits. Neighborhood boundaries were created to focus Newfields’ engagement efforts in collaboration with Riverside Civic League, Crown Hill Neighborhood Association, and Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association.
Newfields engages the broader Indiana community through strategic cultural events and partnerships. Join Newfields for a cultural partnership night at Winterlights by celebrating Chanukah with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Las Posadas with Arte Mexicano en Indiana, Kwanzaa with the Indy Kwanzaa Committee, or Pride with Indy Pride.
We also take the show on the road by being present at offsite cultural events. Visit the Newfields booth at any of the following community events:
Earth Day at the JCC
500 Festival Kids’ Day
MLK Center Block Party
Indy Pride Festival
Indy Juneteenth Festival
Indiana Black Expo
Indyhub Welcome Party
Indiana Latino Expo
La Plaza’s FIESTA
Newfields creates exceptional experiences with art and nature through partner programs based on rotating exhibitions. From donating nearly 2,000 shoes to youth across the city to support a recent sneaker exhibition to coordinating specialized nature tours for the Girl Scouts to showcasing the beautiful Garden, the opportunities to partner are endless.
Our Impact
1,261 free neighborhood memberships
Over 6,000 free student memberships (complimentary membership available to any student in Indiana)
Over 25,000 free tickets distributed to partner organizations for General Admission and special events including Spring Blooms, Harvest Nights, and Winterlights
Over 18,000 discounted tickets through the Access Pass Program
Through partnering with various non-profits throughout the Indianapolis region, the Community Engagement department creates opportunities for numerous guests who may not have access to the traditional ticketing method. This is primarily completed through the Community Donation and Ticket Distribution programs.
501(c)(3) organizations in Marion County whose missions align with Newfields’ may request a donation of a four pack of general admission tickets once per year for incentives, giveaways, or drawings.
Ticket Distribution Program: See the full list of partners below.
100 Black Men
A Kid Again
Afghan American Community Center
ArtMix
Arte Mexicano
Best Buddies
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis
Burmese American Community Institute
Butler Tarkington Neighborhood Association
Catch the Stars Foundation
Christamore House
Community Alliance of the Far East Side
Concord Neighborhood Center
Crown Hill Neighborhood Association
Eagledale Neighborhood Association
Edna Martin Christian Center
Elevate Indianapolis
Eskenazi Health Center: Grassy Creek
Eskenazi Health Center: Pecar
Eskenazi Health Center: West 38th Street
Exodus Refugee Immigration
Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center
Firefly
Flanner House
Fletcher Place Community Center
Freewheelin' Community Bikes
Friends of 38th Street
Girl Scouts of Central Indiana
Girls Inc
Global Prep Academy
Growing Places Indy
Groundwork Indy
Hawthorne Community Center
Horizons
Indy Pride
Indy Public Safety Foundation
Indy Urban League
Indiana Muslim Community Association
Indianapolis Kwanzaa Committee
Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center (INRC)
International Marketplace Coalition
Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis
John H. Boner Community Center
Julian Center
La Plaza
Mapleton-Fall Creek Neighborhood Association
Marion County Commission on Youth
Martin Luther King Community Center
Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center
Northwest Landing
Riverside Civic League
Shepherd Community Center
Skiles Test Elementary School
Southeast Community Services
TeenWorks
The Villages of Indiana
Community Access Programs
Newfields offers free-admission days, memberships with partnering organizations, and special discounts to ensure everyone can experience all that our campus has to offer, inside and out. These programs can help you plan your visit.
Free First Thursdays presented by Bank of America
Sponsored by Bank of America, General Admission is free during operating hours on the first Thursday of every month year-round. Advanced ticketing is required. Tickets are available for reservation free of charge. Learn More.
Access Pass
The Access Pass program enables qualified families to purchase general admission to participating Access Pass partners for $5 per family member per visit, for up to two adults and dependent youth living in the household. Learn More.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. day with free admission on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Please note: This celebration will occur on Sunday, the day before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Newfields' campus is closed on Mondays.
Gardens & Museum Day
Celebrate International Museum Day and Go Public Gardens Day with free general admission, Sunday, May 18, 2025. Free General Admission for all guests that secure a ticket online, in advance.
Juneteenth
Celebrate Juneteenth with free general admission, Thursday, June 19, 2025. Free General Admission for all guests that secure a ticket online, in advance.
Marion County Students
Individual Marion County students, in grades K-12, receive free admission when visiting outside of school hours for a school assignment. Learn More.
Indiana College and University Student Memberships
Students who are currently enrolled in a college, university, or trade school located in Indiana and earning a degree or certificate are eligible for a 1-year complimentary Student membership to Newfields. Benefits of the Student-level follow the Newfields 1-level. Learn more and enroll (in-person enrollment available).
About the Community Engagement Team
In 2024, Clarence and Julianne jointly received the 2024 Community Champion award for service in recognition of their commitment to Newfields and our neighbors. Learn more about their dedication and drive.
Clarence Cannon
Clarence Cannon brings a rich background in cultural programming, nonprofit leadership, and community development to his role as one of the Community Engagement Managers at Newfields. With experience in grassroots organizing, public service, and inclusive arts engagement, Clarence works to build authentic relationships with communities across Indianapolis. He is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at the University of Tennessee, equipping him with strategic tools to align community partnerships with institutional goals.
Julianne Miller
Julianne Miller is one of the Community Engagement Managers for Newfields. Julianne has a background in Social Work with a special interest in legal practice, politics, research management, and museum engagement. She enjoys working for Newfields as she has a strong passion for improving the quality of life for the local and regional community.
Contact information
Interested in partnerships based on current exhibitions, nature experiences, or other engagement opportunities? Contact communityengagement@discovernewfields.org.
