Arts are an important part of the culture and economy of the community, and the City has a responsibility to foster an environment conducive to arts participation. The programs listed on this page are the arts grants currently open for applications. The BAC has made significant changes to the structure and timeline of our annual grant opportunities. Please be sure to thoroughly review the information on this page to find out what funding is right for you or your organization and when it is available.

2024 Bloomington Arts Commission Grant Cycles

The Bloomington Arts Commission is excited to launch details of its 2024 grant cycles. The BAC will administer three grant cycles during 2024. Details for each of the three cycles follow below. 

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 through Sunday, March 31, 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

Artistic Advancement Grants - formally called Emerging Artist Grants

APPLY HERE

• Funds the professional career advancement of artists living and working in Bloomington, Indiana, and may be used for any expenses related to their work as an artist. Artists may practice any generally recognized art form, including but not limited to music, visual arts, performing arts, film, architecture, literature, etc. Recipients are eligible to receive the Artistic Advancement Grant twice. Prior Emerging Artist grant awards count toward this total.
• Funds can be used for expenses accrued from July 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025
• Award amount: $1000
• Applications open Monday, August 12 through Friday, September 20, 2024
• Awards announced November 2024
• Awards disbursed December 2024

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 to schedule an appointment with a commissioner.

Grant Cycle Workshops

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 here.

If you have questions about Bloomington Arts & Culture projects, contact Holly Warren, Assistant Director for the Arts, holly.warren@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3534.