2026 Arts Projects Grants Available for Bloomington Artists & Organizations

The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC), in collaboration with the Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA), has released applications for the 2026 Arts Project Grants. This grant is one of three cycles that the City releases each year. In the past, project grants have supported music festivals, film, theatre, arts supplies, recordings, a poetry series, and pop-up galleries, among many other activities and disciplines.

Arts Project Grants support public-facing projects and programming in Bloomington or Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) schools. Awards are limited to $4,000. Applications are open through Thursday, April 23. Applications will be reviewed by the Bloomington Arts Commission Grants Subcommittee, and awards will be announced in June 2026.  Additional details can be found at bloomington.in.gov/arts/grants.

“Given the shifting landscape for arts funding across the country, the BAC is grateful to the City Council and the BUEA for sustaining a high level of support for our grants program,” said Gerard Pannekoek, BAC Grants Committee Co-chair. “These funds directly support the work of local artists and arts organizations and help keep our city vibrant."

The BAC will program $190,000 in grants in 2026.  Funds for arts grants are from the City’s annual budget in the Economic & Sustainable Development Department, as well as the BUEA’s annual budget. 

Bloomington Arts Commissioners will offer technical support on a first-come, first-served basis for anyone interested in discussing the application process during the application period. Please contact Paige Sharp, Arts Consultant and liaison to the Bloomington Arts Commission, [email protected], to schedule an appointment with a commissioner.

Established in 1980, the BAC provides a means for the City of Bloomington to stimulate and encourage community appreciation for and participation in the arts. The BAC provides leadership in the City’s grantmaking and public arts programs.

The BUEA is a public-private partnership with a standalone budget that is derived from participation fees. The BUEA aims to provide the means to improve the economic, physical, and social environment for Zone residents and businesses. It has been a major supporter of arts initiatives in the zone, which includes much of Bloomington’s downtown and B-Line corridor.  ​