BLOOMINGTON—The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC), in collaboration with the City of Bloomington, has announced its 2025 Artistic Advancement Grant cycles to support local artists. Grants are up to $2,000, and funds may be used for expenses accrued from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026. 

Formerly called the Emerging Artist Grant, the Artistic Advancement Grant funds the professional career advancement of artists living and working in Bloomington and may be used for any expenses related to their artistic work. Eligible artists may practice any generally recognized art form, including but not limited to music, visual arts, performing arts, film, architecture, and literature. Recipients are eligible to receive the Artistic Advancement Grant twice. Prior Emerging Artist and Artistic grant awards count toward this total.

Applications will be accepted now through Friday. June 27, 2025. More information regarding the grant cycle and the application form is available at civiform.bloomington.in.gov/programs/artistic-advancement.

To help artists prepare their applications, the BAC will host an Artist Statement Workshop session at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 28 at the Waldron Art Center, 122 S. Walnut St. Registration is available atbton.in/Jp3nq.

Commissioners will offer office hours for applicants on a first-come, first-served basis during the application period 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 [email protected] or 812-349-3418 to schedule an appointment.