For Immediate Release November 21, 2005

For More Information Contact: Rich Schneider, 317-278-4564 rcschnei@iupui.edu

Survey Shows Indianapolis Residents Believe City Has Arrived

INDIANAPOLIS - Promotion of Indianapolis as a cultural destination has had a positive impact on how Indianapolis residents view the quality of their lives, according to a survey conducted by the Department of Tourism, Conventions and Event Management at IUPUI.

The survey measured changes in how Indianapolis residents view the quality of their lives since the department conducted its first quality of life survey among Indianapolis residents a year ago, said Sotiris H. Avgoustis, associate professor and chair of the department.

The survey asked residents a series a questions about how they view their quality of life, but the answer to one question in particular sums up the results of the second survey, Avgoustis said.

Residents were asked if "Indianapolis is an attractive destination for all visitors." The response to that question, Avgoustis said, "shows our own residents feel now that the city has arrived."

The initial survey was conducted to provide a baseline by which to measure one of the goals set for the city's cultural tourism initiative when it was launched five years ago: improve the quality of life for city residents.

Avgoustis attributed changes in quality of life indicators to a cultural initiative advertising blitz and opening or re-opening of several major cultural assets in the city, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Eitlejorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, and the Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI, within the last year.

The complete results of the survey will be in a town hall meeting. The date for the town hall meeting has not been set. ###