Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Arts Council name five artists for 2026 Indy 500 citywide artworks

Five artists selected for 2026 “Welcome Race Fans” program

Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Arts Council have selected five artists to create original works that will be displayed across Central Indiana during the 2026 Indianapolis 500 season, a project widely known for transforming the familiar “Welcome Race Fans” message into large-scale public art.

The 2026 edition marks the 10th anniversary of the program, which began in 2016 alongside preparations for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. Since then, five artists have been commissioned each year, expanding the roster to nearly 80 artists whose works have appeared in prominent public locations throughout the region.

What the artists are being asked to create

For 2026, the organizing partners have asked participating artists to interpret the theme “This is May,” a phrase used locally to capture the broad set of traditions that surround the Month of May in Indianapolis—on-track events at IMS and off-track community celebrations.

Artists may work in either two-dimensional or three-dimensional formats, and racing imagery is not required. However, finished pieces must be suitable for all audiences and designed for display and reproduction across a range of materials used for citywide installations.

• Number of selected artists: five
• Artist eligibility: Central Indiana residence or strong ties to the region
• Accepted formats: 2D and 3D works, with size and weight limits for safe public presentation
• Display window: late April through late June 2026, with prominent placement during May and at selected IMS locations in the weeks around the race

Compensation, licensing, and sales

Each selected artist receives a flat $3,000 fee, structured as $2,500 for the commissioned work and $500 for licensing tied to reproduction. Artists retain ownership and copyright of their work while granting permission for display and reproduction as part of the program.

The original works are expected to remain on exhibition through the end of the program. After the exhibition period concludes, the artwork is scheduled to be returned to artists by the end of June 2026. Organizers also indicate the original pieces should be available for sale, with purchase arrangements handled directly with artists.

How it fits into the 2026 Indy 500 calendar

The public-art rollout aligns with the lead-up to the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, scheduled for May 24, 2026. Program organizers have positioned the artworks as part of a broader visual identity that appears across the city and at Speedway-area sites during the peak weeks of race activity.

The “Welcome Race Fans” program began in 2016 and has continued annually by commissioning five new artists each year.

Additional details on individual artists and installation sites are expected to be released as the Month of May approaches and display plans are finalized.