Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement is now accepting proposals for the 2023 Community Engagement for the Arts (CEFTA) Grant.

This competitive grant program provides up to $35,000 annually to an East Central Indiana community arts-focused organization or program.

Application deadline is 5 p.m. ET March 31. To apply for the grant or for more information, go to https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/community-engagement/arts-grant-application.

The Community Engagement for the Arts Grant affirms Ball State’s commitment to community engagement with the greater arts community of East Central Indiana, by promoting broad participation and equitable access to our various community arts organizations. This grant will provide the means for such organizations to propose projects that meld our priorities and strengths (as determined by Ball State University) to deliver novel, engaging experiences to our communities.

“We are looking for applicants that have a specific project aimed at expanding access to arts in the ECI community and speaks directly to Ball State’s mission, enduring values, and beneficence pledge,” said Bianca Sulanke, project assistant in Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, the administrator of the grant.

“The criteria we are judging on includes artistic and programmatic merit, community benefit, inclusivity and accessibility, and administrative understanding.”

Community arts organizations should submit proposals for projects that advance diversity within the local arts community, promote public appreciation of art and arts education, and make the arts accessible to all. Proposals should also align with Ball State’s commitment to engaging with the greater arts community of East Central Indiana by promoting broad participation and equitable access to the various community arts organizations in the region.

Applicants for the CEFTA Grant must be nonprofit organizations or public entities within the East Central Indiana region, including Blackford, Delaware, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jay, Randolph, Rush, and Wayne counties. To be considered, proposals must outline a specific, arts-focused project, event, or series that is accessible to the public and has a strong community component.

Arts Place Inc., based in Portland, Ind., was the recipient of the first CEFTA grant in 2022. Arts Place is a regional arts provider serving East Central Indiana through our Jay County Campus and the Blackford County Arts Center serving Jay, Blackford, and surrounding counties in Indiana.

 “This Ball State University Community Engagement Grant award has allowed us to expand our arts within our centers, beyond our physical locations, and provide the arts to new groups of people,” said Carolyn Carducci, executive director and CEO of Arts Place.

“As a non-profit, funding is always a challenge, and unfortunately, often a barrier,” she added. “This grant award has removed that barrier allowing us to provide additional and different arts experiences for the communities we serve. We are so very appreciative of this opportunity and the confidence that Ball State has shown in our organization to do great things in East Central Indiana.”