It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Indianapolis. The weather is warming up, schools are letting out and — most importantly — the Greatest Spectacle in Racing is right around the corner.

As race fans return to Indy for the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500, the Arts Council of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are teaming up once again to “Welcome Race Fans,” with uniquely festive artwork created by talented Indy locals. New in 2021, all artworks have been created as GIFs and will be shared at the track on the big screens, in the Artsgarden on the small screens, in baggage claim at the Indianapolis International Airport, and larger than life every night during the month of May on Monument Circle during Shining A Light. Of course, race fans are also encouraged to share their favorite “Welcome Race Fans” GIFs across social media as well while using the hashtag #WelcomeRaceFans.


Imported ImageWelcome Race Fans, 2021(from left to right): Madison Watson, Marathons & Milk; Petronio Bendito, Crossing the Line: Welcome 2021 Indy 500 Race Fans; Rob Day, Welcome Race Fans; Randi Frye, Indy Car Evolution; Sasan Kayyod, Serpent Circuit. 


Starting in 2016 to celebrate the 100th running of the Indy 500, the first installment of “Welcome Race Fans” featured 33 artists who imagined original artworks to welcome visitors and celebrate the history and excitement of Indianapolis racing culture. Since then, 58 artists have made unique artworks using their own styles, materials and processes — from salvaged metals and poplar to colored pencils on paper or acrylic paint on canvas.

For the 2021 GIF edition of “Welcome Race Fans,” commissioned artists include Madison Watson, Marathons & Milk; Petronio Bendito, Crossing the Line: Welcome Race Fans 2021; Sason Kayyod, Serpent Circuit; Randi Frye, Indy Car Evolution; and Rob Day, Welcome Race Fans. To view their works, visit WelcomeRacesFansIndy.com and be sure to share your favorites across social media.