Carmel announces 2024 City Arts Grant application process

The City of Carmel has announced the 2024 City Arts Grant application process, which will be conducted entirely online for the first time.

This program aims to support local arts organizations that contribute to the vibrancy and appeal of the Carmel community. Since its inception in 2004, more than $17.3 million in arts grants have been awarded. The City Council has approved $1.47 million in funding for the 2024 grant cycle.

“There is no doubt that the culture of arts in our city has been a major benefit to our residents, visitors and small business owners,” Mayor Sue Finkam said. “Carmel is known nationally for our Arts & Design District and our Center for the Performing Arts. By investing in our arts organizations, we encourage economic activity that supports small businesses and enhances quality of life.”

Laura Campbell, Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on the Arts, expressed enthusiasm for the new online application process.

“We are looking forward to receiving grant submissions and reviewing all of the proposals from our local arts community,” Campbell said. “This streamlined approach will make it easier for organizations to apply and for us to evaluate the impactful projects that enrich our city.”

According to the Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 report by Americans for the Arts, Carmel’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $42.7 million in economic activity in 2022. This included $17 million in spending by nonprofit arts organizations and $25.7 million in event-related spending by audiences, supporting 981 jobs and generating $10 million in local, state, and federal government revenue.

Local arts groups are encouraged to apply for funding. The deadline for the initial round of applications is 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29. For more information and to access the online application, click here.