Bloomington Arts Commission Announces 2023 Grant Cycles

Bloomington, Ind. –  The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC), in collaboration with the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), has announced its 2023 grant cycles to fund the arts and cultivate cultural experiences in Bloomington. The BAC will administer the following three grant cycles during 2023:

Arts Projects Grants: Applications open Tuesday 2/21 - Friday 3/31; awards announced May - June 2023

Operations Arts Grants: Applications open Tuesday, May 30 - Friday, July 7; awards announced August - September 2023

Emerging Artist Grants: Applications open Monday 8/21 - Friday 9/29; awards announced November 2023

Information regarding each cycle and how to apply is available at bloomington.in.gov/arts/grants.

The BAC has allocated $105,849 for 2023 grants. Funds are from the BAC’s annual and LIT (local income tax) budget lines and from the BUEA’s annual budget. 

“The arts feed the culture and stimulate the economy,” said Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton. “Bloomington’s artistic resources are numerous, diverse, and constantly evolving. The City is committed to supporting and nurturing the arts because doing so supports and nurtures the community.” 

An information session detailing each cycle will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, at the Monroe County Public Library downtown branch, 303 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408. Participants may also join via Zoom. Individuals interested in attending should RSVP at: https://bton.in/htWrp  

“Supporting the arts in Bloomington is at the core of the Bloomington Arts Commission’s purpose. Providing funds to artists, collaborative groups, and arts organizations for a range of activities ensures that the City’s arts continue to develop dynamically,” said Elliot Josephine Leila Reichert, the Grants Committee Chair of the BAC.

Bloomington Arts Commissioners will also hold office hours for anyone interested in discussing the application process between Monday, February 27, and Monday, March 27. Contact Holly Warren, Assistant Director for the Arts and Staff Liaison to the Bloomington Arts Commission at holly.warren@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3534 to schedule an appointment with a commissioner. 

About the Bloomington Arts Commission

Established in 1980, the Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) provides a means for the City of Bloomington to stimulate and encourage community appreciation for and participation in the arts. The conservation and development of the city's artistic resources are essential to the social, educational, and economic growth of the city. Artists, works of art, and artistic institutions contribute to the quality of life and the general welfare of the citizens of Bloomington. To learn more about the BAC, visit bloomington.in.gov/boards/arts. 

About the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association

The Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), one of the many Boards and Commissions that serve the City of Bloomington, aims to provide the means to improve the economic, physical, and social environment for Zone residents and businesses. In accordance with Indiana State Code Title 5-28-15, the BUEA contributes to economic development efforts in Bloomington's urban core. Over its 25+ year lifespan, the BUEA has spurred millions of dollars in investment. To learn more about the BUEA, visit bloomington.in.gov/business/buea.