Bloomington Arts Commission Announces 2025 Artistic Advancement Grant Cycle

The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC), in collaboration with the City of Bloomington, has announced its 2025 Artistic Advancement Grant cycles to support local artists. Grants are for up to $2,000, and funds may be used for expenses accrued from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. 

Formerly called the Emerging Artist Grant, the Artistic Advancement Grant funds the professional career advancement of artists living and working in Bloomington and may be used for any expenses related to their artistic work. Eligible artists may practice any generally recognized art form, including but not limited to music, visual arts, performing arts, film, architecture and literature. Recipients are eligible to receive the Artistic Advancement Grant twice. Prior Emerging Artist and Artistic grant awards count toward this total.

Applications will be accepted now through Friday. June 27, 2025. More information regarding the grant cycle and the application form is available at civiform.bloomington.in.gov/programs/artistic-advancement.

To help artists prepare their applications, the BAC will host an Artist Statement Workshop session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 at the Waldron Art Center, 122 S. Walnut St. Registration is available at bton.in/Jp3nq.

Commissioners will offer office hours for applicants on a first-come, first-served basis during the application period 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 812-349-3418 to schedule an appointment.

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.