City of Bloomington Arts Commission announces revised guidelines and September workshop for Arts Project Grant Program

[image:7326,right]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 15, 2013

For more information, contact:
Miah Michaelsen, Assistant Economic Development Director for the Arts, Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, 349.3534


City of Bloomington Arts Commission announces revised guidelines and September workshop for Arts Project Grant Program

Bloomington, Ind. - The City of Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) has released revised guidelines and applications for the October cycle of its 2013 Arts Project Grant Program. Deadline for applications is 5 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2013, and maximum grant amounts have been increased to $1,200.

Grants are available for arts activities that align with the current areas of focus of the Arts Commission: cultivating a community in which residents appreciate the value of personal and collective artistic activity; encouraging collaboration in and diversification of artistic activities that include participants from across the community; enhancing and supporting a high level of artistry; and supporting the economic vitality and interests of local artists and arts organizations.

As part of its ongoing capacity-building efforts, the Arts Commission will also hold a drop-in workshop for potential applicants on from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. in the McCloskey Room in City Hall. Potential applicants are invited to bring applications in progress for review and feedback by Commission members. The drop-in workshop is first-come, first-served.

Submitted grant applications will be reviewed during the Arts Commission's October meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. Oct. 9 in the McCloskey Room. The public is invited to attend and observe. Guidelines and application are available on the City of Bloomington website at www.bloomington.in.gov/bac.

This project is another effort under the City's strategy to leverage and expand the economic development potential of the arts in Bloomington. According to a 2012 Americans for the Arts study, Bloomington's nonprofit arts sector contributes $72.3 million to the local economy annually through direct spending by arts organizations and their audiences. For more information on the study visit www.bloomington.in.gov/arts.

For more information on the grant program, contact Assistant Economic Development Director for the Arts Miah Michaelsen at [mailto:michaelm@bloomington.in.gov] or 349.3534.

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