Established in 1972, the International Center of Indianapolis (ICI) provides services to local ethnic groups and acts as a resource center for international information. It began during former U.S. Senator ’s tenure as mayor of Indianapolis, to provide interpreters and translators for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Conference of Mayors held in Indianapolis in 1972.
The Center was officially established in 1973 as a nonprofit agency under its first president Robert G. Nelson after citizens recognized the need to extend the Center’s role on an ongoing basis, supporting international visitors, instilling an appreciation of the state’s multicultural populations, and enhancing awareness of international issues.
The Center was the first group responsible for promoting various ethnic organizations in Central Indiana and creating higher visibility for international groups in the community. Originally located on the campus of , in 1974 the organization began sponsoring the event that evolved two years later into the . The assumed responsibility for the event in 1988.
Since its inception, the Center has been a catalyst to inform, convene, and connect public, private, and civic global objectives in Indiana. The International Center has served as a guide to the world’s cultural landscape and a catalyst for the state’s international growth. Working in collaboration with businesses, organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and individual citizens, the Center expands Indiana’s global interest through a variety of programs and services and convening diverse interests that share common international goals. As Indiana expands globally the Center uses its Global Competency programs to equip the local Indianapolis workforce with leadership and engagement skills to become more culturally diverse.
The multi-lingual Center staff provides Relocation Services which include civic engagement opportunities for international employees, Community Orientation Programs for Expatriates (COPE), and Orientation Programs for International Expatriates (OPIE). The Office of Protocol provides support to organizations hosting international dignitaries and events in Indiana and conducts briefings on best protocol practices for organizations engaging in international activities or conducting business overseas.
The International Center uses its International Visitors Program in conjunction with a three-week international professional exchange program initiated by the U.S. Department of State. Here, participants visit Indianapolis to spend several days meeting their professional counterparts and experiencing “Hoosier Hospitality” through cultural and social activities.
The International Center is a member of Global Ties, U.S., a global international exchange program with ties to the Department of State.
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