Lotus is happy to announce that it recently received grants from the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County and from the Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) and Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association (BUEA). During this time of live-event cancellations and financial uncertainty, these grants bring hope and increased stability to Lotus.
“Lotus is deeply appreciative of the range of financial support we are receiving from our community,” Lotus Executive Director Tamara Loewenthal said. “Our desire to keep artists and musicians employed goes hand in hand with keeping our audiences engaged and entertained. With these grants, we can continue the important work of feeding hearts and minds by presenting music from across the globe.”
Due to the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Foundation decided to offer Rapid Response Grants to provide immediate support to Monroe County nonprofits to sustain essential programming for the benefit of those who call our community home. The Lotus staff and board are grateful to be named among the nonprofits that have received this generous grant, now in its third round.
The BAC and BUEA are providing $80,800 in grant funding to twenty-six nonprofit organizations that foster the arts and cultivate community in Bloomington, to help overcome challenges and fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The BAC and BUEA have been working alongside the Economic Stabilization and Recovery Working Group (ES&R), convened by Mayor Hamilton in March to oversee the City’s response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The arts help define Bloomington, enrich our lives, and provide much of our unique appeal as a destination,” said Mayor John Hamilton. “I’m so pleased the BAC and BUEA have focused on getting this funding out to our arts and culture organizations, who have faced canceled shows, exhibits, and events. Thanks to all who are adjusting so nimbly to the pressing needs of these beloved and critically important organizations.”
It is with funding from organizations like the Community Foundation, the BAC, and BUEA, and with support from generous donors that the Lotus Education & Arts Foundation is able to continue to fulfill its mission to create opportunities to experience, celebrate, and explore the diversity of the world’s cultures, through music and the arts.
