THE LUME Indianapolis is set to share a new story at Newfields with Connection: Land, Water, Sky – Art & Music from Indigenous Australians. This exhibition features more than 100 contemporary artists from key art-making regions across Australia, coming together in an immersive experience of Indigenous Australian art and culture. The exhibit opens May 10, 2025.
About Connection: Land, Water, Sky – Art & Music from Indigenous Australians
Through the interplay of art and music, Connection welcomes you to Country, the Indigenous Australian worldview that everything living is connected. The themes of land, water and sky take us on a journey through Australia, where over 500 paintings, stories and photographs come together to create a singular experience celebrating the oldest continuous tradition of artmaking in the world. Set to a score of Indigenous Australian music, Connection comes to life with a powerful soundtrack comprised of both legends and modern musicians.
Using 120 projectors across 30,000 square feet, guests will experience the vibrancy and intricacy of these masterpieces in vivid detail. Featuring over 100 creators, Connection brings some of Australia’s most significant contemporary artists to Indianapolis through this monumental exhibition, including Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Tommy Watson and Konstantina
“Connection is not just an exhibition — it is an opportunity to learn from the timeless wisdom of Indigenous Australians. It serves as a profound reminder that beauty exists everywhere, waiting to be seen and understood — if only we pause to look and listen,” said Belinda Tate, The Melvin and Bren Simon Director of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. “With its stunning visuals, commanding vocals and universal themes that resonate deeply, we are eager to explore the powerful wisdom of Indigenous Australians on caring for one another as fellow humans and stewarding our small, fragile planet for future generations.”
An Immersive Experience
Café Ngura (pronounced “nu-rah”) is located midway through Connection, and draws inspiration from the concept of Country. The word ngura, used in many Indigenous Australian languages, translates to “country” or “home.” Executive Chef Patrick Russ and Certified Cicerone Lindsay Jo Whirley of Newfields have curated a creative menu that celebrates Indigenous Australian ingredients. Guests can enjoy a selection of bush spice-infused teas and coffee, freshly baked pastries, light meals and specialty drinks.
In the activity space, guests can join a collaborative art making activity. With technology designed by Newfields’ own lab, illustrations and guest contributions come alive in a large-scale digital experience.
In the final gallery, Indigenous Australian bark paintings from the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s permanent collection will embrace themes of home and space.
More Info
THE LUME Indianapolis featuring Connection: Land, Water, Sky – Art & Music from Indigenous Australians opens to the public Saturday, May 10
THE LUME Indianapolis Pricing:
Public
Adult $29
Senior 55 & Up $25
Public Youth 6-17 $20
Children 5 & Under Free
Members
Adult $22
Senior 55 & Up $22
Member Youth 6-17 $15
Children 5 & Under Free
Hours:
Monday | Closed
Tuesday – Wednesday | 10 AM – 5 PM
Thursday – Saturday | 10 AM – 8 PM
Sunday | 10 AM – 5 PM
Website:
discovernewfields.org
