On today’s show I sat down with Jonathan Berger, Vice President of Marketing and External Affairs at Newfields, the cultural campus that includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Lilly House, the gardens, and Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park.

Berger explains why the 152-acre campus rebranded from “the IMA” to Newfields – rooted in the site’s history of Oldfields and the Lilly family’s “Newfields” house name – and shares how the institution evolved to feel less intimidating and more like an invitation to experience art and nature.

We discuss Newfields’ permanent collection of 42,000 works acquired through purchases, donations, and loans, with only a small percentage on display at any given time.

A major focus is THE LUME, Newfields’ immersive, projection-based experience on the fourth floor that has featured Van Gogh, Monet, and Salvador Dalí, and currently explores contemporary Indigenous Australian artists.

Lastly, Berger covers signature events, including Winterlights, Harvest Nights, and Penrod that drive attendance.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast.

You are going to learn about:

• The Newfields Campus

• Newfields’ Permanent Collection and THE LUME

• Signature Events at Newfields

Thank you to our partner:
Duke Homes

Check out these great clips from the show:
01:16 Guest Introduction: Jonathan Berger, Newfields
02:30 Why the Name Changed From IMA to Newfields
04:30 What’s on the Newfields Campus
05:18 Origins & Lilly Family Gift
08:21 Modernizing the Museum
10:29 THE LUME Explained
12:52 How Museums Acquire Art
15:04 Inside the Vault: Surprise Finds Among 42,000 Works
18:06 Why Visit If You’re “Not an Art Person”?
21:05 Signature Events at Newfields
27:13 Art Park Moments That Go Viral
29:47 Your First Visit
32:05 Must-See Masterpieces
33:10 Rarest Art & Most Moving Works
34:58 Digital Art & the Nation’s Biggest Canvas
38:08 Biggest Misconceptions: ‘It’s Not for Me’
38:34 Becoming an Artist & Marketer
40:58 Bike Design to Big Business
43:45 Coming Home to Newfields
45:07 How Touring Shows and Deals Work
46:48 Life in Indy: Favorite Spots and Why Indiana Is Home
49:04 Rapid Fire Questions & Career Advice
52:16 Indiana’s Culture & Hidden Gems
57:08 How to Connect