Second Round of Music Cities Strategy Grants Announced by Mayor Joe Hogsett

INDIANAPOLIS - Tuesday, October 20, mayor Joe Hogsett announced that the Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program is offering a second round of funding specifically for independent music venues affected by the COVID-19 public health orders. Applications are open through October 30, 2020 at 5PM EST.

“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. 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.”

Mayor Joe Hogsett, - Indianapolis, IN

The City Council passed a $150,000 extension to the Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program through the last allocation of CARES Act funding. This program will be administered by Musical Family Tree, Inc, and made possible by the Business Ownership Initiative of Indiana. The first round of this funding was dispersed in July of 2020, between 17 applicants, totaling $121,675.

“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. 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.”

Jim Rawlinson, Board Chair - Musical Family Tree.

The purpose of these grants are to assist with overhead costs, including rent or mortgage payments (between March 16 - Sep. 30, 2020) and utility payments (between March 16 - October 30, 2020). These grants are open to venues in Marion County, and applicants are able to apply for grants up to $15,000 with approved documentation of paid overhead costs during the specified timeline.

For additional information on the Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program, please visit musicalfamilytree.org/blog.