The Arts Celebrate the 105th Running of the Indy 500

Welcome Race Fans is a collaborative project of the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to connect visual art and artists to this historic race. One of the more familiar and iconic visuals associated with the Indy 500 is the blanketing of the city with “Welcome Race Fans” signs and banners. Our project builds upon and pays tribute to the annual tradition of Welcome Race Fans signs with original artwork created by Indiana artists.

This year 5 Indiana artists were commissioned to create original GIFs that celebrate the Welcome Race Fans tradition. All artwork was created to be shared on the big screens around the Speedway, projected onto Monument Circle during Shining A Light, and shared all over social media. The artists have also made a 2D printable version of the GIFs that will be made available as limited quantities of FREE posters.  (details coming soon on where to get your FREE poster.)

The result is an infusion of different artistic voices, new technology, and imagery to welcome the world to Indianapolis on May 30, whether that be in person at the track or virutally all over the world. Each artwork GIF is unique and represents the vast diversity of styles and artists in Indiana. 

All original artwork is for sale. To inquire about the original artwork, please contact us at welcomeracefans@indyarts.org.

Image above: Rob Day, Welcome Race Fans, 2021, GIF.