The City of Carmel is now seeking applications for 2019 City Arts Grants, a program designed to support local arts organizations whose work keeps Carmel vibrant and appealing to residents and visitors alike. Since 2004, more than $10.6 million in arts grants were awarded from the City budget.
Last year’s 2018 Support for the Arts program awarded $990,450 to 29 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.
Brainard
“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, 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 $332 million annually in lodging, food and beverage, transportation and attraction purchases and contribute significantly to the overall tourism impact. This spending by visitors supports 14,000 jobs in Hamilton County and helps generate more than $100 million in state and local taxes, saving local residents $850 per 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, Nov. 30. You can find a copy of the 2019 Arts Grant Application at carmel.in.gov/ArtsGrants.