Investing in Creativity: 2025 Arts Grants Available for Bloomington Artists & Organizations

The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC), in collaboration with the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), has announced its 2025 grant cycles to fund the arts and cultivate cultural experiences in Bloomington.

In 2025, BAC will administer three grant cycles:

Arts Projects Grants

• Funds to produce public-facing arts programming in Bloomington, IN
• Projects should begin no earlier than April 1, 2025 and must conclude by June 30, 2026
• Award amount: Up to $4000; most awardees will not receive full funding
• Applications open Tuesday, February 18 through Friday, March 27, 2025
• Awards announced May 2025
• Awards disbursed June 2025

Artistic Advancement Grants

• Funds to support the professional career advancement of artists living and working in Bloomington, Indiana
• Funds can be used for expenses accrued from July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026
• Award amount: Up to $2000
• Applications open Monday, May 19 through Friday, June 28, 2025
• Awards announced August 2025
• Awards disbursed September 2025

Operations Arts Grants

• Funds to support operational costs for 501(c)3 organizations with arts-centered missions and Bloomington-based impact. Note: 501c3s whose annual operating budget is no more than $500,000 are eligible to apply.
• Funds can be used for expenses accrued from July 1, 2025 through December 31, 2026
• Award amount: Up to $5000; most awardees will not receive full funding
• Applications open Monday, August 11 through Friday, September 19, 2025
• Awards announced November 2025
• Awards disbursed December 2025

“The BAC is grateful to have increased funding from City Council and to continue the work of supporting local artists and arts groups in Bloomington,” says Gerard Pannekoek, BAC Chair. “We’re very excited for the year ahead and hoping to see interest from new and familiar faces alike.”

Information regarding the Arts Project grant cycle is available at the City of Bloomington’s 2025 Arts Opportunities webpage.  The link to the application will be available on this page beginning February 17.

The BAC has allocated $180,000 for 2025 grants. Funds are from the BAC’s annual General and LIT (local income tax) budget lines, and the BUEA’s annual budget. 

Bloomington Arts Commissioners will also hold office hours for anyone interested in discussing the application process. Please 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. 

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.