The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) has just rolled out the details for its latest grant cycle, paving the way for local arts organizations to bolster their operational efforts. In partnership with the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), the BAC is carving out a slice of its budget—specifically, $180,000—to support 501(c)3 groups with a strong presence in the community. These funds hail from the BAC’s General and Local Income Tax (LIT) revenue, complemented by contributions from the BUEA's coffers.
Organizations fitting the mold of a 501(c)3 with an operating budget under $500,000 can throw their hats in the ring. They’re set to potentially rake in up to $5,000 or five percent of their annual budget, whatever plays out to be less. A diverse range of operational costs can benefit from this grant, staff salaries included, from overhead to program expenses, with Elliot Josephine Leila Reichert, the BAC Grants Committee chair, announcing with pride their commitment to nurturing the arts in Bloomington. "The Bloomington Arts Commission is proud to provide funding for our local arts non-profits, which are key to the vitality of our community," Reichert told Bloomington.in.gov.
That door swings wide until 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 19, for applications, which applicants can find on the city’s website. Hopefuls needing clarity or facing quandaries about the application process could connect with Holly Warren, Assistant Director for the Arts and the BAC’s staff liaison, with office hours available for question-and-answer sessions on a first-come, first-served basis.
Since its inception in 1980, the BAC's raison d'être has been to invigorate the city's arts scene, firmly believing that it's essential to the community's growth on all fronts—social, educational, and economic. Meanwhile, the BUEA, for over 25 years, has been channeling its resources to revitalize Bloomington's urban areas, investing millions and driving economic development efforts. A commitment to advancing the city's economic and cultural landscape rings clear as day in these endeavors.
