Current Opportunities
The City of Bloomington Office of Economic Development is requesting proposals from qualified and experienced graphic artists to provide graphic design services for the City of Bloomington’s state-designated cultural district. Located in the heart of downtown, the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District (BEAD) anchors Bloomington’s arts, culture, and entertainment. The City of Bloomington seeks to update its branding and communications after the launch of the BEAD 2018-2021 strategic plan. The scope of the services include developing creative, professional graphic concepts for the cultural district with a renewed brand identity. Some key deliverables include, but are not limited to:
- An updated cultural district logo
- Secondary logos for key cultural district character areas or corridors
- Print and digital media marketing collateral
- Social media marketing collateral
- Print and digital maps and brochures
- E-newsletter design and template
- Annual report design and template
- Branded powerpoint presentations
- Cultural district banners or identifying geographic markers
DEADLINE: MAY 25, 2018
The Broadview Neighborhood Association, in collaboration with the City’s Economic & Sustainable Development Department, is issuing a call for proposals for a gateway installation in the Broadview neighborhood. The City of Bloomington and the Monroe County Community School Corporation are coordinating the installation of a new sidewalk/path in the Broadview Neighborhood. The path will connect the existing playground south of the Broadview Learning Center to Coolidge Avenue, along the east side of the center and the adjoining green space.
The project calls for a welcoming entrance/gateway on its Coolidge Avenue connection. Project planners, including neighborhood residents, have imagined an arch, pillar, terrace for seating, or environmental feature such as a rain garden. Local artists, landscape architects, and designers are encouraged to submit proposals for the project. The artist/designer selected will provide leadership and service to the project, while fully engaging neighborhood residents in the design of and approach to the gateway and, where needed, in its fabrication/installation. The artist/designer -- who should have experience engaging in collaborative and community-led projects -- will work closely with a facilitator experienced in community participation to design and implement a participation plan.
DEADLINE: JUNE 15, 2018
RFQ: Water-Themed Artwork for City of Bloomington Utilities
Nestled in the geologically unique landscape of southern Indiana, far from a large body of water, Bloomington has always had to be creative to sustain its municipal water supply. Lake Griffy was one of the earliest responses to the water question; Lake Lemon and Lake Monroe provided subsequent solutions. During Bloomington’s bicentennial year, the City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU), in collaboration with the City’s Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, is turning to the city’s artists for their own creativity. The city departments are issuing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for original artwork informed by Bloomington’s unusual water history. The winning submission is to be installed in the lobby of the City of Bloomington Utilities (600 E. Miller Dr.) for one calendar year. The artist will retain ownership of the artwork.
DEADLINE: MAY 25, 2018
City of Bloomington Artist Database
Connect with us at the City of Bloomington to join our Artist Database! By sharing your contact information, we can get in touch with you about the latest opportunities for exhibition, performance, collaboration, and funding.
ONGOING
RFI: Fabricators for Bloomington Public Art Projects
The City of Bloomington seeks interested vendors who provide design and fabrication based services to be listed in conjunction with ongoing Public Art Opportunities through the City's 1% for the Arts Program. Interested vendors would have their business listed for potential work with the City on future public art commissions. Potential vendors should be willing to work with emerging artist/designers, who may not have fabrication skills or experience with public art installations on public art projects.
ONGOING
Annual Grants for Arts Projects
Bloomington Arts Commission Arts Project Grant
About the Grant
The Bloomington Arts Commission, as part of its mission to foster an environment that promotes the arts, makes funds available to support local art projects.
Grants are available to nonprofit organizations participating in arts activities that align with current areas of focus of the Arts Commission: to cultivate a community in which residents appreciate the value of personal and collective artistic activity; to encourage collaboration in and diversification of artistic activities that are equitable and inclusive; to foster ongoing creativity and innovation; to enhance and support a high level of artistry; and to support the economic vitality and interests of local artists and arts organizations.
2018 Arts Project Grant Timeline:
- Applications Available: February 20, 2018
- Grants Workshop: February 28, 2018 at the Ivy Tech Waldron Arts Center at 5:30 PM & March 21, 2018 at Council Chambers (City Hall) at 4 PM
- Applications Due: April 11, 2018
- Award Notification: Early May
Prospective Applicant Resources:
2018 Grant Application
2018 Grant Guidelines
2018 Budget Template
2017 Award Recipients
For more information, contact Sean Starowitz, Assistant Director of Economic and Sustainable Development for the Arts and BAC Staff Liaison, at starowis@bloomington.in.gov at (812) 349-3534.
Resources for Current Grant Recipients
Acknowledgment Requirements
The Commission requires that all promotional and programmatic printed or written material about the project meant for public distribution should utilize the BAC logo or a credit line stating, "This project is supported in part by the City of Bloomington Arts Commission's Arts Project Grant Program." If no printed or written promotional and programmatic material is used, a verbal acknowledgement of BAC support must be announced and documented. For a higher resolution or different format, please inquire to starowis@bloomington.in.gov or bac@bloomington.in.gov.
BAC Logo
Final Grant Report Requirements
No later than 30 days after the completion of a project, a final grant report is required to be filed. An extension can be granted, but must be requested before the initial 30 days has elapsed - contact staff for information on filing for an extension.
Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association Zone Arts Project Grant
Offered in partnership with the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District, (BEAD), the Zone Arts Grant Program is designed to help support arts activities within the boundaries of the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Zone.
Citizens, artists, teams of artists, local businesses, and non-profit organizations (including neighborhood groups) are eligible to apply for project support that will do one or more of the following for residents and businesses within the Urban Enterprise Zone: facilitate involvement in arts and cultural activities; provide an opportunity to participate in the creative process; advance the quality and availability of the arts in the Zone; or celebrate or enhance the identity of the Zone. Exhibits, concerts, performances, festivals, art markets, art space development and public art (including murals) are all examples of the types of projects eligible for funding through the BUEA and BEAD Zone Arts Grant program.
2019 Arts Project Grant Timeline:
- Applications Available: TBD
- Grants Workshop: TBD
- Applications Due: Mid August 2018
- Award Notification: TBD
Prospective Applicant Resources:
2018 Grant Guidelines
2018 Award Recipients
For more information, contact Brian Payne, Assistant Director of Economic and Sustainable Development for Small Business Relations, at payneb@bloomington.in.gov or Sean Starowitz, Assistant Director of Economic and Sustainable Development for the Arts at starowis@bloomington.in.gov.