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The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, established in 1989, is a unique cultural institution in the Midwest. It distinguishes itself by being one of only two museums east of the Mississippi River that presents both Native American and Western art, culture, and history. The museum’s mission centers on sharing diverse stories of the American West and Indigenous Peoples of North America, exploring the intersection of arts, histories, and cultures. Its vision aims to foster authentic connections through artistic expressions and educational programs, creating thought-provoking experiences and amplifying diverse voices. The museum is committed to integrity, respect, collaboration, and excellence, with a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in all its operations. The Eiteljorg plays a significant role in its industry by preserving and presenting a crucial part of American heritage, actively engaging with Indigenous communities, and expanding its reach through innovative exhibitions and digital initiatives.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
The Eiteljorg Museum's strategic plan is driven by several key objectives focused on sustained growth and impact:
- Long-term Financial Sustainability: This involves a multi-faceted approach to diversify revenue, increase earned income from exhibitions and programs, grow the permanent endowment, enhance annual contributions and memberships, and effectively manage bond liabilities.
- Authentic Partnerships and Collaborations: The museum aims to expand its national and international presence by fostering collaborative relationships, particularly deepening ties with Indigenous nations of North America, and strengthening its engagement within the greater Indianapolis community.
- Collaborative, Inclusive, and Diverse Talent: A critical objective is to build and retain a diverse management, staff, and volunteer team, including increasing the diversity of its Board of Directors and Advisory Board. This also involves reimagining the internship program to attract a broader range of candidates.
- Enhanced Visitor Experience: The museum is committed to expanding and diversifying its collections, exhibits, and program offerings to provide inclusive narratives of Indigenous peoples and the Western experience. This also involves expanding audience reach, developing educational opportunities, and cultivating a culture of innovation.
- Maximize Physical and Digital Spaces: Strategic goals include expanding art storage facilities, developing and implementing a master facilities plan, and establishing a robust plan for digital mission delivery to leverage technology for broader engagement.
Specialization Areas
The museum specializes in:
- American Indian Art and Culture: Focused on showcasing the rich artistic traditions, histories, and contemporary expressions of Indigenous Peoples of North America.
- Western American Art: Featuring artworks that depict the landscapes, people, and narratives of the American West, spanning historical and contemporary periods.
- Intercultural Dialogue: Creating a platform for understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures within these distinct yet interconnected fields.
Target Markets
The Eiteljorg Museum targets a diverse audience including:
- Local and Regional Visitors: Residents of Indianapolis and the broader Midwest seeking cultural and educational experiences.
- National and International Tourists: Individuals interested in American Indian and Western art and history.
- Educational Institutions: Students, educators, and researchers from K-12 to university levels, utilizing the museum's resources for learning.
- Indigenous Communities: Collaborating with and serving as a resource for Native American and First Nations peoples.
- Art Enthusiasts and Collectors: Individuals with an interest in or actively collecting Western and Native American art.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
The Eiteljorg Museum has a robust funding history, supported by diverse revenue streams and successful capital campaigns.
- Total Funds Raised (Project 2021 Capital/Endowment Campaign): Over $55 million was raised by 2022. This campaign specifically aimed to grow the operating endowment from $20 million to $60 million by the end of 2021.
- Revenues (2024): $4.91 million.
- Expenses (2024): $5.39 million.
- Total Assets (2024): $90.2 million.
- Total Liabilities (2024): $21.3 million.
- Revenue Breakdown (2022): Private donors, corporate sponsors, and grants constituted a significant portion of revenue. Donations and endowment gifts made up a large percentage, while earned revenue from ticket sales, event rentals, and the store and café contributed 14 percent.
- Key Acquisitions: In 2019, Lilly Endowment Inc. provided substantial support for a significant acquisition of Native American art from the Great Lakes region.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
The museum continuously develops and offers a range of exhibitions, festivals, and programs:
- "Cowboy Couture: Exhibit spotlights local roots and international reach of Western wear designer Jerry Lee Atwood"
- Description: This exhibition showcases the historical and cultural impact of Western wear, focusing on the work of designer Jerry Lee Atwood.
- Development Stage: Concluded.
- Target Market/Condition: General public, fashion enthusiasts, those interested in Western culture.
- Expected Timeline: Opened March 28, 2026.
- Key Features and Benefits: Highlights a unique intersection of fashion, art, and Western heritage.
- 34th Annual Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market & Festival
- Description: An annual event featuring over 100 American Indian, First Nations, and Alaskan Native artists presenting and selling their works.
- Development Stage: Scheduled.
- Target Market/Condition: Art collectors, community members, families, individuals interested in Indigenous art and culture.
- Expected Timeline: Scheduled for June 27-28, 2026.
- Key Features and Benefits: Provides a direct platform for artists, fosters cultural understanding, and supports Indigenous economies.
- "Gaawii Eta-Go Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons: It's Not Just A Quillbox"
- Description: A bilingual exhibition celebrating Anishinaabe quill art.
- Development Stage: Concluded.
- Target Market/Condition: General public, those interested in Indigenous art forms, cultural history.
- Expected Timeline: Opened December 13, 2025, and ran through March 29, 2026.
- Key Features and Benefits: Showcases traditional Indigenous artistry with a focus on a specific art form, presented bilingually to enhance accessibility.
- Western Art Society's Annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale
- Description: A premier art show and sale featuring contemporary Western art. The 20th annual event set a record with $1.33 million in art sales. The 21st annual Quest will feature a special retrospective exhibition of Tim Cherry's sculptures.
- Development Stage: Ongoing annually.
- Target Market/Condition: Art collectors, Western art enthusiasts, patrons of the museum.
- Expected Timeline: 20th annual event in September 2025.
- Key Features and Benefits: Raises significant funds for artists and the museum, strengthens the museum’s position in the Western art market.
- Renovation of Art Storage
- Description: A planning project to renovate a warehouse space, expanding art storage by approximately 30 percent. Focuses on preventative conservation, sustainability, and advanced environmental controls.
- Development Stage: Planning project completed.
- Target Market/Condition: Internal operational improvement, collection preservation.
- Expected Timeline: Planning project from October 2023 through September 2024.
- Key Features and Benefits: Ensures long-term preservation of the museum's valuable collections, improves operational efficiency, and incorporates sustainable practices.
- Reimagined Native American Galleries
- Description: Transformed galleries showcasing Native art in a modern space, organized thematically around relation, continuation, and innovation. Features interactive and hands-on elements, including digital interviews with artists.
- Development Stage: Concluded.
- Target Market/Condition: All museum visitors.
- Expected Timeline: Opened in June 2022 as the capstone of "Project 2021."
- Key Features and Benefits: Provides an updated, inclusive, and engaging presentation of Native American art and culture, enhancing visitor experience.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
The Eiteljorg Museum integrates technology to enhance visitor experience, preserve collections, and expand its reach:
- Interactive Galleries: The reimagined Native American Galleries incorporate interactive and hands-on spaces, including digital interviews with artists and culture bearers, to provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
- Digital Mission Delivery Platform: A key strategic goal involves establishing a comprehensive plan for digital mission delivery, aiming to maximize digital spaces for achieving the museum's educational and cultural objectives. This includes leveraging digital tools for broader audience engagement and accessibility.
- Advanced Environmental Controls for Collections: The art storage renovation project features cutting-edge preventative conservation and sustainability technologies. This includes energy-efficient LED lighting with motion sensors and dimmers, an environmentally friendly sprinkler system, and updated HVAC systems designed for optimal efficiency and longevity, ensuring the preservation of the museum's collections.
- Virtual Experience Platforms: The museum demonstrated its adaptability by transitioning its 2020 Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale to an all-virtual format during the pandemic, utilizing its website to facilitate an online sale and maintain engagement.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
- Kathryn Haigh - President and CEO
- Professional Background: 28 years of experience in managing art collections, exhibitions, community outreach, museum operations, and strategic planning. Previously served as interim director and chief operating officer at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, where she prioritized collecting and exhibiting art by artists from marginalized groups. Holds a degree in art history from the University of Cincinnati.
- Notable Achievements: Her appointment as President and CEO in May 2023. At Newfields, she championed the display of art by marginalized artists.
- Key Contributions: Leads the museum's overall strategic direction, emphasizing DEAI initiatives and institutional growth.
- Daventry T. Burroughs - Chief Financial Officer
- Professional Background: Over 12 years of experience in finance.
- Notable Achievements: Appointed in February 2025.
- Key Contributions: Manages the museum's financial operations and strategy.
- Alli Badgero - Vice President for Advancement
- Professional Background: Significant experience in non-profit fundraising.
- Notable Achievements: Joined the museum in 2025.
- Key Contributions: Leads fundraising initiatives and donor relations.
- Inga Harrington - Vice President of People and Culture
- Professional Background: Over 24 years of experience in program, policy, and personnel development. Previously served as the Director of Human Resources at the Eiteljorg for 13 months.
- Notable Achievements: Promoted to the newly created position in November 2025.
- Key Contributions: Oversees payroll, benefits administration, employee and volunteer relations, community engagement, and leads the new People and Culture division.
- Don Woodley (Ojibwe) - Board Chair
- Professional Background: Co-founder and principal of Woodley Farra Manion Portfolio Management.
- Notable Achievements: Re-elected as an officer in July 2025.
- Key Contributions: Provides leadership to the Board of Directors, guiding the museum's governance and strategic oversight.
- Cynthia C. Hoye - First Vice Chair of the Board
- Professional Background: Over 36 years of marketing and leadership experience.
- Notable Achievements: Rejoins the Board officers in July 2025. Co-chair of the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival.
- Key Contributions: Supports the Board Chair and contributes to strategic marketing and event planning.
- John W. Timothy, Jr., M.D. (Muscogee [Creek] Nation) - Second Vice Chair of the Board
- Professional Background: Serves on the Collections Council.
- Notable Achievements: Co-chair of the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival.
- Key Contributions: Provides cultural expertise and guides collection strategies and event organization.
- Sue Back - Board Treasurer
- Professional Background: Retired certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant.
- Notable Achievements: Continues another term in July 2025. Chairs the Finance Council and serves on the Investment Council.
- Key Contributions: Oversees financial matters and investment strategy for the museum.
- Ginger Merkel - Board Secretary
- Professional Background: Managing director at Wells Fargo Advisors.
- Notable Achievements: Elected in July 2025.
- Key Contributions: Manages board documentation and governance processes.
- Allison Evans - Director of Museum Collections and Exhibition Management
- Key Contributions: Involved in significant projects such as the art storage renovation.
- Bart King - VP of Facility, Safety, Security, and Technology
- Key Contributions: Plays a key role in the art storage renovation project and manages museum infrastructure.
- Rebekah Ryan - Collections Manager
- Key Contributions: Actively involved in the art storage renovation project, ensuring proper care and management of the museum's collections.
Recent Leadership Changes
- President and CEO Transition: Kathryn Haigh was appointed President and CEO in May 2023, succeeding John Vanausdall, who retired on June 30, 2023, after more than 26 years of service.
- Creation of Vice President of People and Culture Role: In November 2025, Inga Harrington was promoted to this newly created position, a change that followed the departure of Sunny Reed, the former Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, who left to become CFO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
- New Chief Financial Officer: Daventry T. Burroughs was appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer in February 2025.
- Board Leadership Transition: In 2024, the Eiteljorg Board of Directors elected new officers, with Fred Green assuming the role of Board Chair, succeeding Pat Anker, who served from July 2022 to June 2024. Pat Anker was recognized with Emeritus Director status in July 2025.
6. Talent and Growth Indicators
Hiring Trends and Workforce# The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, established in 1989, is a unique cultural institution in the Midwest. It distinguishes itself by being one of only two museums east of the Mississippi River that presents both Native American and Western art, culture, and history. The museum’s mission centers on sharing diverse stories of the American West and Indigenous Peoples of North America, exploring the intersection of arts, histories, and cultures. Its vision aims to foster authentic connections through artistic expressions and educational programs, creating thought-provoking experiences and amplifying diverse voices. The Eiteljorg Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The museum is committed to integrity, respect, collaboration, and excellence, with a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in all its operations. The Eiteljorg plays a significant role in its industry by preserving and presenting a crucial part of American heritage, actively engaging with Indigenous communities, and expanding its reach through innovative exhibitions and digital initiatives.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
The Eiteljorg Museum's strategic plan is driven by several key objectives focused on sustained growth and impact:
- Long-term Financial Sustainability: This involves a multi-faceted approach to diversify revenue, increase earned income from exhibitions and programs, grow the permanent endowment, enhance annual contributions and memberships, and effectively manage bond liabilities.
- Authentic Partnerships and Collaborations: The museum aims to expand its national and international presence by fostering collaborative relationships, particularly deepening ties with Indigenous nations of North America, and strengthening its engagement within the greater Indianapolis community.
- Collaborative, Inclusive, and Diverse Talent: A critical objective is to build and retain a diverse management, staff, and volunteer team, including increasing the diversity of its Board of Directors and Advisory Board. This also involves reimagining the internship program to attract a broader range of candidates.
- Enhanced Visitor Experience: The museum is committed to expanding and diversifying its collections, exhibits, and program offerings to provide inclusive narratives of Indigenous peoples and the Western experience. This also involves expanding audience reach, developing educational opportunities, and cultivating a culture of innovation.
- Maximize Physical and Digital Spaces: Strategic goals include expanding art storage facilities, developing and implementing a master facilities plan, and establishing a robust plan for digital mission delivery to leverage technology for broader engagement.
Specialization Areas
The museum specializes in:
- American Indian Art and Culture: Focused on showcasing the rich artistic traditions, histories, and contemporary expressions of Indigenous Peoples of North America, with a special emphasis on Native cultures of the Great Lakes region.
- Western American Art: Featuring artworks that depict the landscapes, people, and narratives of the American West, spanning historical and contemporary periods. Its Western collections include works by the Taos Society artists and contemporary artists like Georgia O'Keeffe.
- Intercultural Dialogue: Creating a platform for understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures within these distinct yet interconnected fields, emphasizing diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Target Markets
The Eiteljorg Museum targets a diverse audience including:
- Local and Regional Visitors: Residents of Indianapolis and the broader Midwest seeking cultural and educational experiences, recognized as one of Indianapolis's most-favored attractions.
- National and International Tourists: Individuals interested in American Indian and Western art and history.
- Educational Institutions: Students, educators, and researchers from K-12 to university levels, utilizing the museum's resources for learning.
- Indigenous Communities: Collaborating with and serving as a resource for Native American and First Nations peoples through its Native American Advisory Council.
- Art Enthusiasts and Collectors: Individuals with an interest in or actively collecting Western and Native American art, particularly through events like the Quest for the West Art Show and Sale.
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
The Eiteljorg Museum has a robust funding history, supported by diverse revenue streams and successful capital campaigns.
- Total Funds Raised (Project 2021 Capital/Endowment Campaign): Over $55 million was raised by 2022. This campaign specifically aimed to grow the operating endowment from $20 million to $60 million by the end of 2021.
- Revenues (2024): $4.91 million.
- Expenses (2024): $5.39 million.
- Total Assets (2024): $90.2 million.
- Total Liabilities (2024): $21.3 million.
- Revenue Breakdown (2022): Private donors, corporate sponsors, and grants constituted a significant portion of revenue. Donations and endowment gifts made up a large percentage, while earned revenue from ticket sales, event rentals, and the store and café contributed 14 percent.
- Key Acquisitions: In 2019, Lilly Endowment Inc. provided substantial support for a significant acquisition of Native American art from the Great Lakes region.
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
The museum continuously develops and offers a range of exhibitions, festivals, and programs:
- "Cowboy Couture: Exhibit spotlights local roots and international reach of Western wear designer Jerry Lee Atwood"
- Description: This exhibition showcases the historical and cultural impact of Western wear, focusing on the work of designer Jerry Lee Atwood, known for creating suits for artists like Lil Nas X and Post Malone.
- Development Stage: Concluded.
- Target Market/Condition: General public, fashion enthusiasts, those interested in Western culture.
- Expected Timeline: Opened March 28, 2026.
- Key Features and Benefits: Highlights a unique intersection of fashion, art, and Western heritage.
- 34th Annual Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market & Festival
- Description: An annual event featuring over 100 American Indian, First Nations, and Alaskan Native artists presenting and selling their works, along with cultural performances.
- Development Stage: Scheduled.
- Target Market/Condition: Art collectors, community members, families, individuals interested in Indigenous art and culture.
- Expected Timeline: Scheduled for June 27-28, 2026.
- Key Features and Benefits: Provides a direct platform for artists, fosters cultural understanding, and supports Indigenous economies.
- "Gaawii Eta-Go Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons: It's Not Just A Quillbox"
- Description: A bold, bilingual traveling exhibition celebrating Anishinaabe quill art, featuring over 90 quilled artworks and stories about the artists.
- Development Stage: Concluded.
- Target Market/Condition: General public, those interested in Indigenous art forms, cultural history.
- Expected Timeline: Opened December 13, 2025, and ran through March 29, 2026.
- Key Features and Benefits: Showcases traditional Indigenous artistry with a focus on a specific art form, presented bilingually to enhance accessibility and underscore the resiliency of the Anishinaabemowin language.
- Western Art Society's Annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale
- Description: A prestigious annual art show and sale featuring contemporary Western art, known for its lively atmosphere. The 20th annual event in September 2025 achieved record-setting sales of over $1.33 million. The 21st annual Quest will feature a special retrospective exhibition of Tim Cherry's sculptures.
- Development Stage: Ongoing annually.
- Target Market/Condition: Art collectors, Western art enthusiasts, patrons of the museum.
- Expected Timeline: 20th annual event in September 2025, public exhibition through October 5. The 2026 event is scheduled for September 11-12, with the public exhibition running September 13 to October 11, 2026.
- Key Features and Benefits: Raises significant funds for artists and the museum, strengthens the museum’s position in the Western art market, and connects collectors with top artists.
- Renovation of Art Storage
- Description: A planning project to renovate a warehouse space, expanding art storage by approximately 30 percent. Focuses on preventative conservation, sustainability, and advanced environmental controls.
- Development Stage: Planning project from October 2023 through September 2024.
- Target Market/Condition: Internal operational improvement, collection preservation.
- Key Features and Benefits: Ensures long-term preservation of the museum's valuable collections, improves operational efficiency, and incorporates sustainable practices with energy-efficient LED lighting and updated HVAC.
- Reimagined Native American Galleries
- Description: Transformed second-floor galleries showcasing Native art in a modern space, organized thematically around relation, continuation, and innovation. Features interactive and hands-on elements, including digital interviews with artists.
- Development Stage: Concluded.
- Target Market/Condition: All museum visitors.
- Expected Timeline: Opened in June 2022 as the capstone of "Project 2021."
- Key Features and Benefits: Provides an updated, inclusive, and engaging presentation of Native American art and culture, enhancing visitor experience and challenging traditional narratives by allowing Native peoples to tell their own stories.
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
The Eiteljorg Museum integrates technology to enhance visitor experience, preserve collections, and expand its reach:
- Interactive Galleries: The reimagined Native American Galleries incorporate interactive and hands-on spaces, including digital interviews with artists and culture bearers, to provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
- Digital Mission Delivery: A key strategic goal involves establishing a comprehensive plan for digital mission delivery, aiming to maximize digital spaces for achieving the museum's educational and cultural objectives. This includes leveraging digital tools for broader audience engagement and accessibility.
- Advanced Environmental Controls for Collections: The art storage renovation project features cutting-edge preventative conservation and sustainability technologies. This includes energy-efficient LED lighting with motion sensors and dimmers, an environmentally friendly sprinkler system, and updated HVAC systems designed for optimal efficiency and longevity, ensuring the preservation of the museum's collections.
- Virtual Experience Platforms: The museum demonstrated its adaptability by transitioning its 2020 Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale to an all-virtual format during the pandemic, utilizing its website to facilitate an online sale and maintain engagement.
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
- Kathryn Haigh - President and CEO
- Professional Background: 28 years of experience managing art collections, exhibitions, community outreach, museum operations, and strategic planning. Previously served as interim director and chief operating officer at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, where she prioritized collecting and exhibiting art by artists from marginalized groups. Holds a degree in art history from the University of Cincinnati.
- Notable Achievements: Appointed President and CEO in May 2023. Champions DEAI initiatives and institutional growth.
- Key Contributions: Leads the museum's overall strategic direction, emphasizing DEAI initiatives and institutional growth.
- Daventry T. Burroughs - Chief Financial Officer
- Professional Background: Over 12 years of experience in finance.
- Notable Achievements: Appointed in February 2025.
- Key Contributions: Manages the museum's financial operations and strategy, with a focus on earned revenue, finances, and endowment after the organizational restructuring.
- Alli Badgero - Vice President for Advancement
- Professional Background: Significant experience in non-profit fundraising in the arts and higher education. Previously served as vice president of development at Indy Art Center, leading their largest capital campaign.
- Notable Achievements: Joined the museum in 2025. Led a capital campaign securing over $8.8 million in philanthropic gifts at a previous role.
- Key Contributions: Leads fundraising initiatives, corporate partnerships, grants, charitable events, marketing, and cultivates relationships with high-level donors.
- Inga Harrington - Vice President of People and Culture
- Professional Background: Over 24 years of experience in program, policy, and personnel development. Previously served as the Director of Human Resources at the Eiteljorg for 13 months.
- Notable Achievements: Promoted to the newly created position in November 2025.
- Key Contributions: Leads the People and Culture division, overseeing human resources functions (payroll, benefits administration, employee relations), volunteer initiatives, intern programs, and external community engagement efforts.
- Don Woodley (Ojibwe) - Board Chair
- Professional Background: Co-founder and principal of Woodley Farra Manion Portfolio Management.
- Notable Achievements: Re-elected as an officer in July 2025.
- Key Contributions: Provides leadership to the Board of Directors, guiding the museum's governance and strategic oversight.
- Cynthia C. Hoye - First Vice Chair of the Board
- Professional Background: Over 36 years of marketing and leadership experience, including as executive director and marketing director of the Indiana State Fair Commission.
- Notable Achievements: Rejoins the Board officers in July 2025. Co-chair of the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival.
- Key Contributions: Supports the Board Chair and contributes to strategic marketing and event planning.
- John W. Timothy, Jr., M.D. (Muscogee [Creek] Nation) - Second Vice Chair of the Board
- Professional Background: Serves on the Collections Council.
- Notable Achievements: Co-chair of the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival.
- Key Contributions: Provides cultural expertise and guides collection strategies and event organization.
- Sue Back - Board Treasurer
- Professional Background: Retired certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant.
- Notable Achievements: Continues another term in July 2025. Chairs the Finance Council and serves on the Investment Council.
- Key Contributions: Oversees financial matters and investment strategy for the museum.
- Ginger Merkel - Board Secretary
- Professional Background: Managing director at Wells Fargo Advisors.
- Notable Achievements: Elected in July 2025.
- Key Contributions: Manages board documentation and governance processes. [cite:# The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art - Comprehensive Analysis Report
Summary
The Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, established in 1989, is a unique cultural institution in the Midwest. It distinguishes itself by being one of only two museums east of the Mississippi River that presents both Native American and Western art, culture, and history. The museum’s mission centers on sharing diverse stories of the American West and Indigenous Peoples of North America, exploring the intersection of arts, histories, and cultures. Its vision aims to foster authentic connections through artistic expressions and educational programs, creating thought-provoking experiences and amplifying diverse voices. The Eiteljorg Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. [cite: 1, 4] The museum is committed to integrity, respect, collaboration, and excellence, with a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) in all its operations. The Eiteljorg plays a significant role in its industry by preserving and presenting a crucial part of American heritage, actively engaging with Indigenous communities, and expanding its reach through innovative exhibitions and digital initiatives.
1. Strategic Focus & Objectives
Core Objectives
The Eiteljorg Museum's strategic plan is driven by several key objectives focused on sustained growth and impact: [cite: 2, 8]
- Long-term Financial Sustainability: This involves a multi-faceted approach to diversify revenue, increase earned income from exhibitions and programs, grow the permanent endowment, enhance annual contributions and memberships, and effectively manage bond liabilities. [cite: 2, 19]
- Authentic Partnerships and Collaborations: The museum aims to expand its national and international presence by fostering collaborative relationships, particularly deepening ties with Indigenous nations of North America, and strengthening its engagement within the greater Indianapolis community. [cite: 2, 19]
- Collaborative, Inclusive, and Diverse Talent: A critical objective is to build and retain a diverse management, staff, and volunteer team, including increasing the diversity of its Board of Directors and Advisory Board. This also involves reimagining the internship program to attract a broader range of candidates. [cite: 2, 19]
- Enhanced Visitor Experience: The museum is committed to expanding and diversifying its collections, exhibits, and program offerings to provide inclusive narratives of Indigenous peoples and the Western experience. This also involves expanding audience reach, developing educational opportunities, and cultivating a culture of innovation. [cite: 2, 19]
- Maximize Physical and Digital Spaces: Strategic goals include expanding art storage facilities, developing and implementing a master facilities plan, and establishing a robust plan for digital mission delivery to leverage technology for broader engagement. [cite: 19]
Specialization Areas
The museum specializes in:
- American Indian Art and Culture: Focused on showcasing the rich artistic traditions, histories, and contemporary expressions of Indigenous Peoples of North America, with a special emphasis on Native cultures of the Great Lakes region. [cite: 14]
- Western American Art: Featuring artworks that depict the landscapes, people, and narratives of the American West, spanning historical and contemporary periods. Its Western collections include works by the Taos Society artists and contemporary artists like Georgia O'Keeffe. [cite: 32]
- Intercultural Dialogue: Creating a platform for understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures within these distinct yet interconnected fields, emphasizing diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. [cite: 14]
Target Markets
The Eiteljorg Museum targets a diverse audience including:
- Local and Regional Visitors: Residents of Indianapolis and the broader Midwest seeking cultural and educational experiences, recognized as one of Indianapolis's most-favored attractions. [cite: 18]
- National and International Tourists: Individuals interested in American Indian and Western art and history. [cite: 2]
- Educational Institutions: Students, educators, and researchers from K-12 to university levels, utilizing the museum's resources for learning. [cite: 2]
- Indigenous Communities: Collaborating with and serving as a resource for Native American and First Nations peoples through its Native American Advisory Council. [cite: 2, 13]
- Art Enthusiasts and Collectors: Individuals with an interest in or actively collecting Western and Native American art, particularly through events like the Quest for the West Art Show and Sale. [cite: 3, 11]
2. Financial Overview
Funding History
The Eiteljorg Museum has a robust funding history, supported by diverse revenue streams and successful capital campaigns.
- Total Funds Raised (Project 2021 Capital/Endowment Campaign): Over $55 million was raised by 2022. This campaign specifically aimed to grow the operating endowment from $20 million to $60 million by the end of 2021. [cite: 13, 30]
- Revenues (2024): $4.91 million.
- Expenses (2024): $5.39 million.
- Total Assets (2024): $90.2 million.
- Total Liabilities (2024): $21.3 million.
- Revenue Breakdown (2022): Private donors, corporate sponsors, and grants constituted a significant portion of revenue. Donations and endowment gifts made up a large percentage, while earned revenue from ticket sales, event rentals, and the store and café contributed 14 percent.
- Key Acquisitions: In 2019, Lilly Endowment Inc. provided substantial support for a significant acquisition of Native American art from the Great Lakes region. [cite: 30]
3. Product Pipeline
Key Products/Services
The museum continuously develops and offers a range of exhibitions, festivals, and programs:
- "Cowboy Couture: Exhibit spotlights local roots and international reach of Western wear designer Jerry Lee Atwood"
- Description: This exhibition showcases the historical and cultural impact of Western wear, focusing on the work of designer Jerry Lee Atwood, known for creating suits for artists like Lil Nas X and Post Malone. [cite: 1, 15, 20, 21]
- Development Stage: Concluded.
- Target Market/Condition: General public, fashion enthusiasts, those interested in Western culture.
- Expected Timeline: Opened March 28, 2026. [cite: 1, 15, 20]
- Key Features and Benefits: Highlights a unique intersection of fashion, art, and Western heritage.
- 34th Annual Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market & Festival
- Description: An annual event featuring over 100 American Indian, First Nations, and Alaskan Native artists presenting and selling their works, along with cultural performances. [cite: 1, 11, 15, 16]
- Development Stage: Scheduled.
- Target Market/Condition: Art collectors, community members, families, individuals interested in Indigenous art and culture. [cite: 11]
- Expected Timeline: Scheduled for June 27-28, 2026. [cite: 1, 11, 15, 16]
- Key Features and Benefits: Provides a direct platform for artists, fosters cultural understanding, and supports Indigenous economies. [cite: 11]
- "Gaawii Eta-Go Aawizinoo Gaawiye Mkakoons: It's Not Just A Quillbox"
- Description: A bold, bilingual traveling exhibition celebrating Anishinaabe quill art, featuring over 90 quilled artworks and stories about the artists. [cite: 6, 16, 21, 23, 24]
- Development Stage: Concluded.
- Target Market/Condition: General public, those interested in Indigenous art forms, cultural history. [cite: 23, 24]
- Expected Timeline: Opened December 13, 2025, and ran through March 29, 2026. [cite: 16, 21, 23, 24]
- Key Features and Benefits: Showcases traditional Indigenous artistry with a focus on a specific art form, presented bilingually to enhance accessibility and underscore the resiliency of the Anishinaabemowin language. [cite: 24]
- Western Art Society's Annual Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale
- Description: A prestigious annual art show and sale featuring contemporary Western art, known for its lively atmosphere. The 20th annual event in September 2025 achieved record-setting sales of over $1.33 million. [cite: 3, 11, 12, 16] The 21st annual Quest will feature a special retrospective exhibition of Tim Cherry's sculptures. [cite: 3]
- Development Stage: Ongoing annually.
- Target Market/Condition: Art collectors, Western art enthusiasts, patrons of the museum. [cite: 3, 11, 12, 22]
- Expected Timeline: 20th annual event in September 2025, public exhibition through October 5. [cite: 3, 7, 11, 12] The 2026 event is scheduled for September 11-12, with the public exhibition running September 13 to October 11, 2026. [cite: 3, 11]
- Key Features and Benefits: Raises significant funds for artists and the museum, strengthens the museum’s position in the Western art market, and connects collectors with top artists. [cite: 3, 7, 11, 22]
- Renovation of Art Storage
- Description: A planning project to renovate a warehouse space, expanding art storage by approximately 30 percent. [cite: 19] Focuses on preventative conservation, sustainability, and advanced environmental controls.
- Development Stage: Planning project from October 2023 through September 2024.
- Target Market/Condition: Internal operational improvement, collection preservation.
- Key Features and Benefits: Ensures long-term preservation of the museum's valuable collections, improves operational efficiency, and incorporates sustainable practices with energy-efficient LED lighting and updated HVAC.
- Reimagined Native American Galleries
- Description: Transformed second-floor galleries showcasing Native art in a modern space, organized thematically around relation, continuation, and innovation. [cite: 13, 27, 28] Features interactive and hands-on elements, including digital interviews with artists. [cite: 27]
- Development Stage: Concluded.
- Target Market/Condition: All museum visitors.
- Expected Timeline: Opened in June 2022 as the capstone of "Project 2021." [cite: 13, 30]
- Key Features and Benefits: Provides an updated, inclusive, and engaging presentation of Native American art and culture, enhancing visitor experience and challenging traditional narratives by allowing Native peoples to tell their own stories. [cite: 27]
4. Technology & Innovation
Technology Stack
The Eiteljorg Museum integrates technology to enhance visitor experience, preserve collections, and expand its reach:
- Interactive Galleries: The reimagined Native American Galleries incorporate interactive and hands-on spaces, including digital interviews with artists and culture bearers, to provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment. [cite: 27]
- Digital Mission Delivery: A key strategic goal involves establishing a comprehensive plan for digital mission delivery, aiming to maximize digital spaces for achieving the museum's educational and cultural objectives. [cite: 19] This includes leveraging digital tools for broader audience engagement and accessibility. [cite: 19]
- Advanced Environmental Controls for Collections: The art storage renovation project features cutting-edge preventative conservation and sustainability technologies. This includes energy-efficient LED lighting with motion sensors and dimmers, an environmentally friendly sprinkler system, and updated HVAC systems designed for optimal efficiency and longevity, ensuring the preservation of the museum's collections.
- Virtual Experience Platforms: The museum demonstrated its adaptability by transitioning its 2020 Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale to an all-virtual format during the pandemic, utilizing its website to facilitate an online sale and maintain engagement. [cite: 30]
5. Leadership & Management
Executive Team
- Kathryn Haigh - President and CEO
- Professional Background: 28 years of experience managing art collections, exhibitions, community outreach, museum operations, and strategic planning. Previously served as interim director and chief operating officer at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields, where she prioritized collecting and exhibiting art by artists from marginalized groups. Holds a degree in art history from the University of Cincinnati. [cite: 24, 34]
- Notable Achievements: Appointed President and CEO in May 2023. [cite: 24, 34] Champions DEAI initiatives and institutional growth. [cite: 5]
- Key Contributions: Leads the museum's overall strategic direction, emphasizing DEAI initiatives and institutional growth. [cite: 5]
- Daventry T. Burroughs - Chief Financial Officer
- Professional Background: Over 12 years of experience in finance. [cite: 1, 15, 16, 21]
- Notable Achievements: Appointed in February 2025. [cite: 1, 15, 16, 21]
- Key Contributions: Manages the museum's financial operations and strategy, with a focus on earned revenue, finances, and endowment after the organizational restructuring. [cite: 5, 17]
- Alli Badgero - Vice President for Advancement
- Professional Background: Significant experience in non-profit fundraising in the arts and higher education. Previously served as vice president of development at Indy Art Center, leading their largest capital campaign. [cite: 1, 10, 15, 16, 20, 21]
- Notable Achievements: Joined the museum in 2025. [cite: 1, 10, 15, 16, 20] Led a capital campaign securing over $8.8 million in philanthropic gifts at a previous role. [cite: 10]
- Key Contributions: Leads fundraising initiatives, corporate partnerships, grants, charitable events, marketing, and cultivates relationships with high-level donors. [cite: 10]
- Inga Harrington - Vice President of People and Culture
- Professional Background: Over 24 years of experience in program, policy, and personnel development. Previously served as the Director of Human Resources at the Eiteljorg for 13 months. [cite: 5, 16, 17]
- Notable Achievements: Promoted to the newly created position in November 2025. [cite: 5, 16, 17, 20]
- Key Contributions: Leads the People and Culture division, overseeing human resources functions (payroll, benefits administration, employee relations), volunteer initiatives, intern programs, and external community engagement efforts. [cite: 5, 17]
- Don Woodley (Ojibwe) - Board Chair
- Professional Background: Co-founder and principal of Woodley Farra Manion Portfolio Management.
- Notable Achievements: Re-elected as an officer in July 2025. [cite: 1]
- Key Contributions: Provides leadership to the Board of Directors, guiding the museum's governance and strategic oversight. [cite: 1]
- Cynthia C. Hoye - First Vice Chair of the Board
- Professional Background: Over 36 years of marketing and leadership experience, including as executive director and marketing director of the Indiana State Fair Commission. [cite: 1]
- Notable Achievements: Rejoins the Board officers in July 2025. [cite: 1] Co-chair of the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival. [cite: 1]
- Key Contributions: Supports the Board Chair and contributes to strategic marketing and event planning. [cite: 1]
- John W. Timothy, Jr., M.D. (Muscogee [Creek] Nation) - Second Vice Chair of the Board
- Professional Background: Serves on the Collections Council. [cite: 1, 13]
- Notable Achievements: Co-chair of the Eiteljorg Indian Market & Festival. [cite: 1]
- Key Contributions: Provides cultural expertise and guides collection strategies and event organization. [cite: 1]
- Sue Back - Board Treasurer
- Professional Background: Retired certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant. [cite: 1]
- Notable Achievements: Continues another term in July 2025. [cite: 1] Chairs the Finance Council and serves on the Investment Council. [cite: 1]
- Key Contributions: Oversees financial matters and investment strategy for the museum. [cite: 1]
- Ginger Merkel - Board Secretary
- Professional Background: Managing director at Wells Fargo Advisors.
- Notable Achievements: Elected in July 2025. [cite: 1, 13]
- Key Contributions: Manages board documentation and governance processes. [cite:
