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Apply for 2026 Artistic Advancement Grant program

The Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) offers Artistic Advancement (AA) grants of up to $2,000 to support professional career advancement of artists living and working in Bloomington, Indiana. Funding may be used for any expenses related to their work as an artist. Artists may practice any generally recognized art form, including but not limited to music, visual arts, performing arts, film, architecture, literature, etc. Artists may receive two Artistic Advancement Grants but not more. Grants from the prior Emerging Artists Grant program count toward this total.
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How to apply

  1. Program Guidelines

    Before applying, review the full 2026 Artistic Advancement Program Guidelines.

  2. Eligibility

    • Artists must work and reside in Bloomington, Indiana.
    • Artists must be 18 years or older.
    • Artists may practice any generally recognized art form, including but not limited to music, visual arts, performing arts, film, architecture, literature, etc.
    • Artists may or may not have formal training in their artistic discipline.
    • Artists may work individually or in collaborative groups with other artists.
    • Artists enrolled at a higher education institution may apply but funds cannot be used to support assignments associated with a course at a higher education institution.
    • Artists’ activity already supported by an Arts Projects Support grant is not eligible for this program.
    • Artists are not required to provide matching funds.

  3. Timeline

    Artistic Advancement Grant Period November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2027
     

    Application Deadline - August 10, 2026 by 11:59pm
    Funding Notification - September 30, 2026
    Funding Disbursement - *By December 15, 2026
    Final Report Deadline - November 15, 2027
     

    * Be advised, payment may be delayed due to the contracting process. Submit required materials at your earliest convenience.

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