Carmel seeks applications for 2020 City Arts Grants

The City of Carmel is now seeking applications for 2020 City Arts Grants, a program designed to support local arts organizations whose work keeps our City vibrant and appealing to residents and visitors alike. Since 2004, more than $12.3 million in arts grants were awarded from the City budget.

Last year’s 2019 Support for the Arts program awarded $1,346,060 to 25 arts organizations located in Carmel or who hold programs/performances in Carmel. The money is based on 1 percent of the city budget. Mayor Jim Brainard reviews each application and recommends the arts grants.

“We view the support of our arts organizations as a strong economic development tool for the City of Carmel. Since the creation of the Arts & Design District and Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel has become a destination for those who appreciate the Arts,” said Mayor Brainard. “It is important for us to continue to invest in those things that help elevate the quality of life in Carmel and help us continue to attract corporate headquarters and a highly educated, qualified labor force to fill those jobs.”

The world-class performing arts center, The Palladium, with a diverse variety of musical and entertainment performances, helps draw visitors from all over the Midwest and beyond. Many also come for events at The Tarkington and The Studio Theater, the three venues that comprise the Center for the Performing Arts. Carmel is also home a vibrant Arts & Design District with art galleries, Midtown with a public plaza and places to eat and play, the Indiana Design Center, shops and restaurants, where major events are staged throughout the year, including monthly gallery walks, classic car shows and the popular International Arts Festival.

All this helps attract families and visitors to the city, and helps local businesses. According to the most recent studies by Visit Hamilton County, visitors that stay in Carmel spend about $353 million annually in lodging, food and beverage, transportation and attraction purchases and contribute significantly to the overall tourism impact. This spending by visitors supports 5,000 jobs in Carmel and helps generate more than $42 million in state and local taxes, saving local residents more than $850/year in taxes they would otherwise need to pay for the same services.

Local arts groups are encouraged to apply. The deadline for the initial round of applications is Friday, November 22, 2019. You can find a copy of the 2020 Arts Grant Application on the City of Carmel website at http://www.carmel.in.gov/ArtsGrants.