This press release was written by Desiree DeMolina for City of Bloomington.
Bloomington, Ind. – The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC), in collaboration with the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), has announced its 2025 grant cycles to fund the arts and cultivate cultural experiences in Bloomington.
In 2025, BAC will administer three grant cycles:
Arts Projects Grants
- Funds to produce public-facing arts programming in Bloomington, IN
- Projects should begin no earlier than April 1, 2025 and must conclude by June 30, 2026
- Award amount: Up to $4000; most awardees will not receive full funding
- Applications open Tuesday, February 18 through Friday, March 27, 2025
- Awards announced May 2025
- Awards disbursed June 2025
Artistic Advancement 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, 2025 through December 31, 2026
- Award amount: Up to $2000
- Applications open Monday, May 19 through Friday, June 28, 2025
- Awards announced August 2025
- Awards disbursed September 2025
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, 2025 through December 31, 2026
- Award amount: Up to $5000; most awardees will not receive full funding
- Applications open Monday, August 11 through Friday, September 19, 2025
- Awards announced November 2025
- Awards disbursed December 2025
“The BAC is grateful to have increased funding from the City Council and to continue the work of supporting local artists and arts groups in Bloomington,” says Gerard Pannekoek, BAC Chair. “We’re very excited for the year ahead and hoping to see interest from new and familiar faces alike.”
Information regarding the Arts Project grant cycle is available at the City of Bloomington’s 2025 Arts Opportunities webpage. The link to the application will be available on this page beginning February 17.
The BAC has allocated $180,000 for 2025 grants. Funds are from the BAC’s annual General and LIT (local income tax) budget lines, and the BUEA’s annual budget.
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 or 812-349-3534 to schedule an appointment with a commissioner.
