How Indianapolis artists boosted 2024 tourism
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Artist Jingo M. de la Rosa with "Heartland Slam," a mural he created for NBA All-Star Weekend. Photo: Courtesy of Jingo M. de la Rosa
Local artists were a major component of 2024 becoming a record-setting year for Indianapolis tourism.
The big picture: From the NBA All-Star Weekend in February to the arrival of Taylor Swift in November, Indy's must-see attractions came wrapped in arts and culture programming that gave each gathering a unique flavor.
Why it matters: The ability to influence how Indianapolis looks and feels during these massive events shows the impact artists can have on their communities.
- It also gives creatives who lack the means to take their shows on the road an opportunity to share their talent with a wide audience.
What they're saying: "To highlight artists as the stars has been such a key part of our mission. Not only pay them and pay them equitably, but to give them an opportunity to be on a really international stage in their own city," said Melissa Rowe, director of marketing and communications for Indy Arts Council.
- "We've heard a lot of good feedback. Everybody's really excited, and the collaboration aspect is really what makes this happen."
Zoom in: Hundreds of artists have teamed up in 2024 to make the city feel special during major moments while welcoming visitors. Some highlights include:
🏀 Rebecca Robinson, Jarrod Dortch, and Jingo M. de la Rosa created pieces for Indy's Home Court, a citywide showcase of arts and culture during NBA All-Star weekend.
🏊 Mary Mindiola, Kyng Rhodes, Joy Hernandez, Lucie Rice and Monroe Bush made artwork for the All Lanes Lead to Indy Art Project during U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials.
🖼️ Anila Quayyum Agha shared work at the Indiana State Fair, which had an art and nature theme in 2024.
🏎️ Five artists made banners displayed throughout the city for an annual Indy 500 artist collaboration.
🎸 More than 100 musicians and spoken word artists participated in pop-ups at 13 outdoor locations during Taylor Swift weekend.
State of play: Days before "The Eras Tour" kicked off in Lucas Oil Stadium, Visit Indy executive vice president Chris Gahl told Axios that making a positive impression on out-of-towners when they come to Indy is critical.
- "We know that those clutching tickets in the suites and the stands are decision-makers… so we view weekends like this as an economic development strategy," he said. "Drive visitors into our city (and) into our downtown, show off our capabilities and put on major events so that people return … to live, to work, to play."
Between the lines: While an amazing experience curated by a local artist can help visitors leave Indy with good vibes, Downtown Indy Inc. president and CEO Taylor Schaffer said they also help residents fall back in love with downtown.
- "Giving them a reason to enjoy new businesses," she said. "Giving them a reason to enjoy new spaces. Really being able to be proud of the artists, the musicians, the things that make Indianapolis unique."
The bottom line: When the book on Indy's hot tourism year is written, several chapters will need to be dedicated to Hoosier artists.