42,000 Reasons to Visit Newfields| Jonathan Berger, Newfields

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

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