About The Polis Center Established in 1989, The Polis Center is a multidisciplinary unit of the IU School of Liberal Arts at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. Originally established to develop the Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, The Polis Center has evolved into a leader in the development and use of advanced information and web-based media technologies. Working with The Polis Center, organizations can gain access to easy-to-use and easy-to-understand practical information that can be applied immediately and effectively.
Our staff understands community issues and knows how to collaborate with others to tap a community's assets. Experts in the collection, management, and interpretation of complex community data, the staff is committed to working with others to ensure that the information is used to make better decisions. For example, in cooperation with the United Way of Central Indiana, Polis created and maintains SAVI, a full-scaled community information system for metropolitan Indianapolis and one of the largest and most innovative community information systems in the U.S.
We have used our knowledge of advanced technology, especially geographic information systems (GIS), to help government, not-for-profits, faith-based institutions, and communities manage and understand their own data more effectively.
The Polis Center also has special interest in the role religion plays in shaping urban communities. With the help of local experts, its Project on Religion and Urban Culture is a national model of how to provide civic leaders with accurate and thoughtful information on the topic of religion. The project exemplifies our commitment to making information accessible to the community in a wide variety of ways—videos, books, newsletters, conferences, public events, photography, art exhibits, and productions.
The Polis Center also is the originator and manager of the annual Spirit & Place Civic Festival. This event convenes the Indianapolis community’s diverse arts, humanities, civic, religious organizations and calls upon them to address issues of community concern through creative and interactive programs.
The Center’s staff offers a distinctive approach to community-based consulting. They combine the research strength of the university with practical experience to develop solutions that draw upon community assets to solve community problems.
An important aspect of The Center’s mission is to help community, governmental agencies, and civic organizations develop information and programs suited to their unique needs. Polis offers the following comprehensive services:
Community Services
- Community indicators, evaluation, and development
- Data research and analysis
- Community analysis and planning
- Large-scale project development, management, and peer review
Technology Services
- User needs assessment
- Computer application design and development
- Data integration and management
- Advanced information technology systems design
- Geographic information systems design and support
- Training and support
- Internet data delivery
Public Research & Teaching
- Custom research projects
- Teaching resources and materials
- Video series and curricula
- Lectures
- Discussions and facilitation
For more information about The Polis Center and its services, contact polis@iupui.edu or 317-274-2455.
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