Stutzman, Miller: Relief funding now available for arts, cultural sector

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 31, 2020) – State Reps. Christy Stutzman (R-Middlebury) and Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) encourage local arts and cultural organizations that are financially struggling because of the pandemic to apply for new state grants.

Stutzman said Arts, Cultural and Destination Marketing Organization Support Grants totaling $10 million are designed to support arts and cultural organizations that have experienced some disruption to normal operations due to COVID-19.

"Many organizations canceled events or altered plans this year, which has a major impact on their staff and revenue," Stutzman said. "We need a thriving arts and cultural sector as they offer inspiration and innovation in our neighborhoods. Ensuring these groups have additional resources to persevere after months of difficulty outside their control will help ensure we can all continue to enjoy these organizations and events in the future."

The grants are funded through the federal CARES Act, and grant awards may typically range from $4,500 to $50,000. The program is available through the Indiana Destination Development Corp. and Indiana Arts Commission.

"Indiana has invested in a thriving arts and cultural sector because they offer so much to our communities," Miller said. "We want to continue to find ways to support them, and these grants can help. Already, some groups are being creative during these times, like offering online tours of museums and hosting social distanced music performances. Together, we can get through this."

According to Miller, funding is available to organizations to recoup coronavirus-related expenses incurred from March 1, 2020, through Dec. 30, 2020, including:

• Salary support for one or more positions that are critical to the organization’s artistic or destination-focused operations and services;
• Fees for artists and/or eligible contractual personnel that are critical to the organization’s operations and services;
• Facility operational costs;
• Canceled event production costs; and
• Marketing expenses related to the re-opening of event(s) or hospitality and leisure related entities.

Miller encourages Hoosiers to visit in.gov/arts/apply for more information and to apply before the Sept. 8 deadline. 

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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48, which includes portions of Elkhart County.

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State Rep. Christy Stutzman (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49, which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.