IMA Affiliates offer members unique opportunities to become more involved in the life of the Museum by exploring their own passions. Affiliate members look at art from a behind the scenes point of view with exclusive tours of the IMA permanent collection, programs and special events related to the mission of each group. Each IMA Affiliate has its own board and programming, which support the Museum’s collection and operations. To learn more about the organizations, click the links below or contact affiliates@imamuseum.org.
As the longest established IMA affiliate, the Alliance develops and supports activities and projects that will stimulate public interest in the Museum, its educational programs and collections. Members of the Alliance plan and participate in art-related classes, study groups, lectures, tours and special events. Annual traditions include the Alliance Holiday Tea and seasonal luncheons.
The IMA showcases one of the nation's largest and most significant collections of Asian art. Through the years that collection has expanded through donations of several works of art from the AAS. The AAS offers its members the opportunity to learn more about Asian art, history, and cultural traditions through exclusive previews of exhibitions as well as lectures and class participation. Attending the receptions and dinners scheduled in conjunction with programs enables members to get acquainted with others who share a deep interest in Asian art. AAS members often participate in other Asian cultural events in Indianapolis and surrounding areas.
CAS is a dynamic group which expands understanding of and appreciation for contemporary art through educational programs, social events and community collaborations. For over 50 years the generous support of CAS members has improved both the quality and scope of the Museum’s permanent contemporary art collection. Now is an exciting time to be involved with the IMA’s Contemporary Art department—In June, the IMA opened 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, one of the largest contemporary sculpture parks in the country and the only one to feature ongoing temporary commissions of site-responsive artworks.
Formerly known as the Decorative Arts Society (Founded in 1970), the Design Arts Society was renamed and restructured in 2007 to promote a greater awareness of the central role that design plays in our daily lives and to also help establish the IMA as an important center for the design arts in the United States. A new focus of this vibrant group is the promotion and support of IMA’s recently acquired historic property, Miller House. Located in Columbus, Indiana, the house is one of the nation’s most highly regarded examples of mid-century Modern design.
IMA’s newest affiliate group, the Fashion Arts Society, was founded in early 2010 to encourage and maintain interest in the historical and aesthetic significance of fashion and textile arts. By offering a variety of educational and social programs, FAS strives to further the understanding and appreciation of fashion and textile arts from a variety of cultures and time periods. Through their generous support FAS members have the opportunity to assist the IMA in its mission to enhance its fashion arts collection.
The Horticultural Society celebrates the art of gardening at the IMA by helping to develop, enhance and maintain the gardens, grounds and greenhouse through volunteer and financial support. As a recent benefit, the Horticultural Society offers its members the opportunity to visit hundreds of public gardens throughout North America at little or no cost. Members of the Horticultural Society also enjoy local and national speakers, educational sessions about plants, gardens and landscape design, travel programs and special events. The Horticultural Society also maintains an extensive horticultural library on the IMA campus.
