Applications Sought for 2020 Recover Forward Grants for the Arts

The Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA) and the Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) are seeking applications for a second round of funding to foster the arts and cultivate cultural experiences in Bloomington as part of Mayor John Hamilton’s initiative to Recover Forward from the COVID-19 pandemic.

​Nonprofit organizations and businesses in the arts and cultural sector may apply for funds starting Friday, September 4 at noon at the following link: https://bloomington.in.gov/arts/grants.   Applications will be evaluated according to organizational capacity, community impact, equity and inclusion efforts, artistic quality, and programming needs.  Completed applications are due Friday, October 2, at 5 p.m., with awards to be announced and distribution anticipated by late October. 

“The arts are at the essence of Bloomington, and a big part of our appeal for residents and visitors alike,” said Hamilton.  “We are committed to supporting employees and organizations that foster Bloomington’s renowned cultural life as they manage alternate business and production models in the wake of the economic and logistical impacts of the COVID crisis.” 

In May 2020, the BUEA and the BAC announced $80,800 in grant funding to 26 nonprofit organizations whose programming was interrupted or otherwise impacted by the pandemic.   Since March, the groups have been working alongside the Economic Stabilization and Recovery Working Group (ES&R), convened by Mayor Hamilton to oversee the City’s response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, an effort that has evolved into the City’s multi-year Recover Forward initiative. 

ES&R has also been identifying local economic impacts, business needs, resources, and gaps; establishing a mechanism for providing local government funding relief and wraparound services; and facilitating community partnerships. ES&R is administering the Rapid Response Fund, which has provided much-needed support to local businesses in Bloomington over the past few months. The ES&R Working Group includes local community leaders representing the City’s Department of Economic and Sustainable Development, the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, Dimension Mill, Inc., and CFDI Friendly Bloomington.