Newfields Together

We are committed to making Newfields an empathetic, multicultural, and anti-racist institution that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) as a central and foundational part of our culture, purpose, and mission.

Building a stronger relationship with the people of Indianapolis is a priority. This begins with sharing the progress we make in implementing the plan, and we continue to listen to your feedback.

Our Commitment to DEIA In Everything We Do

Diversifying Leadership. Newfields is actively working to enhance its commitment to DEIA across every level of the organization, starting at the top. Following the election of new trustees at Newfields’ 2021 Annual Meeting, nearly 25% of trustees now come from communities of color and other marginalized identities (an increase from the previous 8%).

Curatorial Representation of Marginalized Identities. To support the acquisition of works by artists from marginalized communities, we have designated $20 million of our endowed funds for the purchase of works by BIPOC and underrepresented artists.

Ongoing DEIA Training. With the help of outside experts and consultants, Newfields has launched ongoing anti-racism training, using a developmental approach, for Newfields’ boards, full staff, docents, and volunteers.

Tracking Our Progress

Community

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Number of tickets distributed to increase access to the Newfields campus

Our Team

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Number of hours our staff has dedicated to training and education surrounding DEIA issues

Art & Artists

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Amount committed to increasing the profile of underrepresented artists at Newfields

Our Mission

To enrich lives through exceptional experiences with Art & Nature

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Stewardship

We create a vibrant Newfields for current and future generations. We accomplish this with a sustainable financial model, a well-maintained campus, well stewarded collections, and environmentally-responsible business practices.

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Inclusivity

We welcome diverse audiences and ideas. We provide thoughtful, inclusive programming that is accessible to the residents of our community, as well as opportunities for individuals and companies through our hiring and procurement practices.

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Service

We believe the guest is our first priority. We treat each visitor, member, volunteer, employee, and donor as an individual, and personalize our guests’ experiences.

Excellence

Excellence

We strive to offer the best of nature and the arts. We aim high and constantly innovate to exceed the expectations of our guests, employees, volunteers, and donors

Following Through

We’re making good on our commitment to DEIA. While we’ve made progress, there’s more to be done.

Community

  • Established a new Community Advisory Committee
  • Creating a new Neighborhood Membership providing free admission to area residents
  • Expanding our complimentary membership program to include more community partners, and expanding distribution of free tickets to programs and events

Leadership

  • Continuing to increase diversity on the Board of Trustees and continuing a focus on diversity on the Board of Governors
  • Hiring a senior-level diversity executive, reporting to the President and CEO, with authority to oversee DEIA efforts as well as bring more diverse vendors and suppliers to Newfields
  • Conducted a top-to-bottom review of the institution led by outside DEIA experts

Staff

  • Improving our recruitment, retention and promotion of/for/by Black, Latino/a/x, Indigenous, Women, People with Disabilities, LGBTQIA, and other marginalized identities at all staff levels
  • Continuing our efforts to implement Newfields’ $18 minimum wage to provide for a livable income for all full-time staff
  • Continuing DEIA training for every leader, staff, docent and volunteer

Our Community

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Free First Thursdays

With the launch of our new Action Plan in 2021, Newfields extended our monthly Free First Thursdays to year around and all-day free general admission. We encourage all guests to visit on the first Thursday of every month to enjoy free general admission to the Newfields campus.

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Partner Ticket Distribution

Newfields has distributed more than 25,000 free tickets to partner organizations for special events including THE LUME Indianapolis, Spring Blooms, Harvest and Winterlights as it works to reduce financial barriers and increase access.

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Community Access

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.

Learn More - Community Access

Community Partners

  • A Kid Again
  • Arte Mexicano en Indiana
  • ArtMix
  • 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
  • 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, Inc.
  • Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center
  • Flanner House
  • Fletcher Place Community Center
  • Freewheelin' Community Bikes
  • Friends of 38th Street
  • Global Prep Academy
  • Groundwork Indy
  • Growing Places Indy
  • Hawthorne Community Center
  • Horizons
  • Indiana Youth Group
  • Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center
  • Indy Kwanzaa Committee
  • Indy Pride
  • Indy Public Safety Foundation
  • Indy Urban League
  • International Marketplace Coalition
  • IUSM GME Program
  • Ivy Tech Community College
  • Jameson Camp
  • Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis
  • John H. Boner Community Center
  • La Plaza
  • Lawrence Community Garden
  • Martin Luther King Community Center
  • Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center
  • Riverside Park
  • Shepherd Community Center
  • Skiles Test Elementary School
  • Southeast Community Services
  • Teenworks
  • The Villages of Indiana
  • Tindley Accelerated Schools
  • Training Young Men
  • Trinity Haven
  • United Way of Central Indiana

CREATING NEW, BETTER EXPERIENCES FOR ALL

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Permanent Collection

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Future Programs