Hogsett to award 2nd round of music cities grants
INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) – Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett will award a second round of funding for the Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program. The program is directed at independent music venues impacted by public health orders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city says the $150,000 extension was included in the last allocation of CARES Act funding. The program will be administered by Indianapolis-based nonprofit Musical Family Tree Inc.
“The second round of Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program grants represents another resource for live venue operators facing the impact of public health restrictions during the pandemic,” said Hogsett. “Our city’s long-term economic success and cultural vibrancy depends on our support of these businesses and venues that contribute so much the livability of our community.”
In July, the city and MFT launched the first round of program funding, which awarded more than $120,000 among 17 applicants.
“Independent music venues are the lifeblood of the music scene, where local musicians learn their trade and build careers. We’re proud to continue our partnership with the City to provide assistance to them when they need it the most,” said Jim Rawlinson, board chair of Musical Family Tree. “Music venues were the first to close and the last to open. Hopefully, these funds will allow them to hang on and reopen responsibly and safely.”
The city says applications for the second round of funding are due by Oct. 30.