$1.16M will support local arts in 2022
The City of Carmel has awarded 27 local organizations with $1,166,770 in grants from the city’s 2022 Arts Grant Program. This is the 19th year the city has provided financial support for local arts, which amounts to roughly 1 percent of the city budget each year. Since 2004, more than $16 million has been allocated to support local arts programs.
City officials say the mission is to invest money wisely to improve the quality of life in Carmel, which is a vital part of the city’s overall economic development strategy to attract private investments. City officials also say that building a framework for a community that values the arts has helped attract new corporate employers and a talented workforce to fill their jobs.
Studies by the Americans for the Arts show typical visitors to an event spend close to $30 per person, per event, in addition to the cost of admission. That’s money spent at local restaurants, art galleries and other businesses.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors staying in Carmel spent about $353 million annually in lodging, food and beverage, transportation and attractions purchases and contribute significantly to the overall county tourism impact. This economy typically supports 5,000 jobs in Carmel and helps local taxpayers reap the support of $42 million in additional state and local tax revenues, which help keep the city property tax rate among the lowest in Indiana among 126 cities.
Carmel’s support for the arts also helps the overall impact in Hamilton County. For every dollar spent in Hamilton County, 90 cents stay local. Visitor spending supports 11,554 jobs in Hamilton County and helps generate nearly $98.6 million in state and local taxes. About $820 million is spent by tourists in Hamilton County, which is ranked No. 3 in the state for total visitor spending.
During the pandemic, these numbers were much lower as travel was curtailed and most entertainment venues and events were shut down.
Applications for the City of Carmel’s Arts Grant Program can be submitted every year beginning the first week of November. Qualified non-profit organizations can visit the city’s website for further information. Applicants will be notified of grant awards by the first week of January.