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

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

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.

Call for Street Mural along Allen Street Greenway

The Bloomington Economic and Sustainable Development seeks an artist or artist team create a street mural to enrich and visualize the long history of the McDoel Gardens neighborhood. The mural site is on the intersection of Allen and Fairview on the Allen Street Greenway. The mural is focused on the identity and history of the neighborhood, emphasizing shared values of residents.

The total budget for the mural project is $10,000.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 EST on March 22nd, 2024.

The full call for proposals is available here.

Applications are available 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.