Bloomington Arts Commission Announces 2024 Grant Cycles

The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC), in collaboration with the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), has announced its 2024 grant cycles to fund the arts and cultivate cultural experiences in Bloomington. The BAC will administer the following three grant cycles during 2024:

Arts Projects Grants

• Funds to produce public-facing arts programming in Bloomington, IN
• Projects must begin no earlier than March 31, 2024 and must conclude by March 31, 2025
• Award amount: Up to $3000; most awardees will not receive full funding
• Applications open Monday, February 12 through Friday, March 22, 2024
• Awards announced May 2024
• Awards disbursed June 2024

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, 2024 through December 31, 2025
• Award amount: Up to $5000; most awardees will not receive full funding
• Applications open Monday, May 13 through Friday, June 21, 2024
• Awards announced August 2024
• Awards disbursed September 2024

Emerging Artist 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, 2024 through December 31, 2025
• Award amount: Up to $1000
• Applications open Monday, August 12 through Friday, September 20, 2024
• Awards announced November 2024
• Awards disbursed December 2024

Information regarding the Arts Project grant cycle is available at the 2024 Arts Project grant website. The Arts Project grant application is available on the Department of Economic and Sustainable Development grants website under the Arts Grants tab.

The BAC has allocated $141,017 for 2024 grants. Funds are from the BAC’s annual General and LIT (local income tax) budget lines, and the BUEA’s annual budget. 

An information session detailing each cycle will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 22 in Room 1B at the Monroe County Public Library downtown branch, 303 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408. Individuals interested in attending should RSVP.

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. 

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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.