Why get involved?
Indy Design Week is powered by people; the designers, makers, students, partners, and volunteers who believe in the power of creativity and community. Whether you’re looking to share your expertise, support local creatives, try something new, or help shape the future of Indy Design Week, there are many ways to get involved. No matter your background or experience level, there’s a place for you here.
Volunteer with Indy Design Week
Indy Design Week is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit, and volunteers are essential to everything we do.
From planning and logistics to event support and community engagement, volunteers play a hands-on role both leading up to the festival and throughout the week itself. Volunteering is a great way to meet other creatives, gain behind-the-scenes experience, and directly support Indianapolis’ design community.
Volunteer opportunities vary each year and may include:
- Event setup and on-site support
- Speaker and attendee assistance
- Check-in and hospitality
- Content capture and communications support
- Planning and coordination roles
Volunteers don’t just help Indy Design Week happen — they help shape the experience for everyone involved.
Speak or Lead a Session
Have an idea worth sharing? Indy Design Week welcomes designers and creatives from across disciplines to lead talks, panels, workshops, and interactive sessions.
Speakers and session leaders are primarily Indianapolis-based creatives, reflecting IDW’s commitment to showcasing local talent and lived experience. Sessions range from practical skill-building and case studies to big-picture conversations about design, culture, and impact.
You don’t need to be a “big name” to participate; just bring curiosity, perspective, and a desire to contribute to the creative conversation.
Host an Event
Indy Design Week is a citywide festival, and events take place across Indianapolis in studios, offices, galleries, community spaces, and creative venues.
Hosting an event is a unique opportunity to:
- Share your space or organization with the creative community
- Highlight your work or process
- Collaborate with other designers and partners
- Be part of a larger, connected festival experience
From open studios and panels to workshops and informal gatherings, hosted events help make Indy Design Week feel embedded in the city itself.
Sponsor or Partner with Indy Design Week
Sponsorship and partnerships make Indy Design Week accessible, inclusive, and impactful.
By supporting IDW, sponsors help fund programming, reduce barriers to participation, and invest directly in Indianapolis’ creative ecosystem. In return, partners gain visibility among a highly engaged audience of designers, creatives, students, and community leaders.
Sponsorship opportunities range from event and experience support to broader festival partnerships — all designed to align with your organization’s values and goals.
Join the Indy Design Week Board
Looking to make a deeper, long-term impact? Indy Design Week’s Board of Directors helps guide the organization’s vision, sustainability, and growth.
Board members bring diverse professional backgrounds and lived experiences, contributing strategic leadership while supporting the festival’s mission year-round. Serving on the board is an opportunity to shape how Indy Design Week evolves and continues to serve the community.
Not Sure Where to Start?
That’s okay! Many people get involved with Indy Design Week for the first time by attending an event, volunteering for a shift, or simply joining the conversation.
No matter how you participate, your involvement helps strengthen Indianapolis’ creative community and ensures Indy Design Week remains a space for learning, experimentation, and connection.
Get Involved
Indy Design Week thrives because of the people who show up, share their time and talents, and believe in the power of design.
Explore current opportunities to participate, submit ideas, and get involved at indydesignweek.com/participate — and find the path that’s right for you.
