| INDIANAPOLIS (April 10, 2026) – The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) celebrated 90 Hoosier artists today, launching a new exhibit featuring artwork from community members who navigate life with developmental disabilities. The exhibit is featured in Civic Plaza, which is the highest-visibility area in the Indy airport, providing exposure to more than 10 million travelers annually—and sending the message that the creative economy is open to all.
The Indianapolis Airport Authority hosted the event in partnership with the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Inc. and Ability Indiana. This year’s exhibit features artists from 12 INARF member organizations, reflecting a growing collaboration that elevates and showcases the gifts and capabilities of Hoosiers across the state with disabilities.
“The Indy airport is the largest-exposure art gallery in the state,” said Mario Rodriguez, Indianapolis Airport Authority executive director. “It’s a valuable public asset and platform that showcases the breadth and wealth of artistic talent available in Indiana’s creative economy. We’re proud of that, and we want the millions who travel through the airport each year to see it.”
The Indy airport, INARF and Ability Indiana have been honoring Hoosier artists with disabilities for serval years, and the project continues to grow with some artists returning year after year with new and original pieces. This year’s new exhibit features 92 art pieces representing a variety of mediums, and a range of imagination and creativity. Several pieces of art are for sale, with all proceeds benefitting the artists directly.
“Creating art makes me feel relaxed and it helps keep my mind busy,” said Elijah Keegan with the Wabash Center, whose work is featured in this year’s exhibit. ”I like being creative and showing my artwork to others. Not to be famous, just to show it off.”
The New Hope of Indiana Choir, part of New Hope of Indiana’s day services programming, also performed during today’s exhibit dedication. The New Hope of Indiana Choir brings together individuals with disabilities to build confidence, express themselves through music, and share their talents with the community. The group regularly performs at community events across Central Indiana, showcasing the talents of its members and promoting inclusion through the arts.
“By showcasing Hoosier artists with disabilities, the IAA set themselves apart from other airports as community thought leaders and change makers,” said Katy Stafford-Cunningham, president and chief executive officer of INARF. “We appreciate all the opportunities this art exhibit gives to individuals with disabilities to show their talent and contributions that make our state the best place to travel to in the world.”
The new exhibit is part of the Indy airport’s arts and culture program, which brings rotating and permanent collections to both pre‑ and post‑security areas of the terminal. Most works are created by Indiana artists or those with strong ties to the state.
Survey data shows travelers consistently engage with public art at the Indy airport, with 80 percent noticing the art. Additionally, 89 percent find it enhances the terminal, 69 percent say it improves their travel experience, and 60 percent stop to study an exhibit.
Supporting Hoosiers with disabilities
The Indy airport also provides a range of amenities for Hoosier travelers who navigate life with disabilities. Those amenities include sensory rooms on both concourses, complimentary sensory bags, pet relief areas for service dogs, and personalized assistance navigating security and the terminal. For more information about these features and amenities at the Indy airport, click here.
ARTIST LIST: For a list of the exhibit’s featured artists, click here. |
