Indianapolis Art Center Photography and Videography Policy

The Indianapolis Art Center welcomes photography and videography of all types. With its iconic architecture and scenic views throughout ArtsPark the IAC provides the perfect backdrop for capturing special moments on film and video. To protect artwork, grounds, and garden, and to ensure the safety of all guests, the guidelines below must be followed when capturing photo or film at the IAC.

Student/Visitor General Guidelines

• Photography must be conducted without disruption to Indianapolis Art Center operations or limitations to accessibility of exhibitions, entrances/exits, doorways, pathways, and high traffic areas.
• To help preserve the outdoor sculptures and green spaces, entering, climbing, or standing on outdoor furniture, structures, water features or fountains, as well as plant beds, is prohibited. Do not climb, lean, or sit on any artworks or place props or equipment on them.
• Flash photography, tripods, monopods (including selfie sticks) and other photographic equipment are not permitted inside the Indianapolis Art Center without prior authorization.
• The use of drones is not permitted on any part of the Indianapolis Art Center campus due to the heavy downdraft created by the equipment and for the safety and security of other guests.
• Photography and videography are permitted for private, noncommercial use only. Photos and video may not be published, sold, reproduced, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner to protect the rights of the artist(s).
• Directed photo and video sessions are not permitted inside the Indianapolis Art Center, without prior authorization.

Photo and Video Sessions

An IAC Photo Pass (permit) is required for all photo and video sessions within ArtsPark. Qualifying sessions include, but are not limited to, graduation, engagement, wedding, and family photos. To ensure your scheduled session and obtain your photo pass, please contact IAC Special Events, at least 48 hours in advance, at (317) 255-2464 ext. 2471. Additional questions can be directed to IACphotopass@indplsartcenter.org.

Photo and Video Sessions Guidelines

For the safety of all visitors and students, and to ensure the future of IAC ArtsPark and its sculptures we ask that all groups planning a photo or video session please adhere to the guidelines detailed below.

Please note that the Indianapolis Art Center reserves the right to limit, restrict or revoke access to its property. The IAC and its staff shall maintain the authority to approach anyone suspected of holding an unpermitted photo or video session and to enforce the guidelines noted here.

• ArtsPark is available for photo and video sessions daily from 9 AM – 6 PM.
• The Indianapolis Art Center campus is closed to all photo and video sessions on the following dates in 2023:
  • December 24th – January 2nd
  • April 9th
  • May 20th – 23rd
  • May 27th – 29th
  • July 4th
  • September 2nd – 4th
  • November 23rd – 26th
• Private photo and video sessions are not permitted inside the Indianapolis Art Center.
• All photo and video sessions, either professional or amateur, that may include clients and utilize professional equipment require an IAC photo pass. For the purposes of this policy, professional equipment includes the use of a tripod, monopod, lights, umbrellas, diffusers, detachable flash, multiple lenses, large photography bags, reflectors, props, etc. Additionally, shoots that are works for hire, involve clients, or otherwise involve the exchange of money for a service rendered require a photo pass.
• Payment of fees is due immediately when reserving your photo pass.
• Photo pass fee is $50 and covers two named photographers (from a single company, when applicable). Credentials may be requested when reserving your photo pass.
• IAC photo passes are good for the reserved date only. In the case of rain or other inclement weather please contact IACphotopass@indplsartcenter.org to reschedule your session for the next available date.
• When arriving at the Indianapolis Art Center, please check in at the Guest Services desk prior to entering ArtsPark. Guest Services will confirm your photo pass schedule and provide you with the proper credential to display while onsite. Please be prepared to show your photo pass credentials upon request by a member of the IAC staff.
• The use of drones is not permitted on any part of the Indianapolis Art Center campus due to the heavy downdraft created by the equipment and for the safety and security of other guests.
• IAC Students may obtain a free single day pass only for the completion of class assignments by emailing guestservices@indplsartcenter.org and providing a valid student ID. A maximum of ten (5) free passes will be permitted per year.
• Original artworks and sculptures within IAC ArtsPark may be protected by copyright laws. Photography and videography are permitted for private, noncommercial use only. Photos and video may not be published, sold, reproduced, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner to protect the rights of the artist(s).
• Photo or video sessions that involve nudity, vulgarity, hate speech or other subject matter deemed to be inappropriate will not be permitted.
• Photographers, videographers, and clients (subjects) are not permitted in plant beds and are not permitted to move, rearrange, or handle plants or plant containers.

Failure to comply with any of the guidelines above or any additional instruction provided by a member of the IAC staff may result in removal from premises.

Media Photography Policy

Members of the media may photograph or film designated areas of the Indianapolis Art Center and ArtsPark for the purpose of news coverage. All members of the media are required to make arrangements with the IAC Marketing & Communications Department prior to arrival. For additional information please contact marketing@indplsartcenter.org.

Licensing and Location Shoots

The Indianapolis Art Center welcomes proposals for commercial and professional film and photography location shoots across the IAC campus. For additional information please contact events@indplsartcenter.org.