"These organizations help enhance the quality of life here in our great state," Crouch said. "I am pleased to see the arts and cultural sector, which adds to Indiana's tourism economy, get this funding."
The Region 1 (Northwest Indiana) organizations receiving grants are:
- South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, Hammond, Lake County $ 49,061.23
- LaPorte Co Convention & Visitors Bureau, Michigan City, La Porte County $ 46,557.69
- Porter County Convention Recreation & Visitors Commission (DBA: Indiana Dunes Tourism), Porter, Porter County $ 49,061.23
- South Shore Arts, Munster, Lake County $ 49,061.23
- Northwest Indiana Symphony Society, Inc., Munster, Lake County $ 32,600.71
- The Jack & Shirley Lubeznik Center for the Arts, Michigan City, La Porte County $ 32,600.71
- Porter County Government (DBA: Memorial Opera House), Valparaiso, Porter County $ 26,033.68
- Indiana Ballet Theatre NW Inc, Merrillville, Lake County $ 26,033.68
- Laporte Symphony Orchestra, La Porte, La Porte County $ 20,012.45
- LaPorte County Historical Steam Society, La Porte, La Porte County $ 26,033.68
- Community Theatre Guild/Chicago Street Theatre, Valparaiso, Porter County $ 19,480.01
- Towle Performing Arts Company, Hammond, Lake County $ 19,480.01
- Brauer Museum of Art, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Porter County $ 8,601.35
- Association of Artists and Craftsmen of Porter County (DBA the Chesterton Art Center), Chesterton, Porter County $ 19,480.01
- Opportunity Enterprises, Valparaiso, Porter County $ 8,128.90
- Art Barn School of Art, Inc. Valparaiso, Porter County $ 19,480.01
- Books, Brushes & Bands for Education, Hammond, Lake County $ 19,480.01
- Miller Beach Arts & Creative District CDC, Inc., Gary, Lake County $ 12,944.28
- Beachfront Dance School, INC, Gary, Lake County $ 12,944.28
- Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City, La Porte County $ 12,944.28
- Canterbury Guild, Inc., Michigan City, La Porte County $ 10,336.81
- North Coast Cultural Association, Chesterton, Porter County $ 12,944.28
- Northwest Indiana Community Art Association Inc, Valparaiso, Porter County $ 3,471.16
- Dunes Arts Foundation, Inc, Michigan City, La Porte County $ 8,601.35
- International Friendship Gardens Music Festival, Inc, Michigan City, La Porte County $ 8,601.35
- African American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc., Gary , Lake County $ 8,601.35
- L'arc en Ciel Theatre Group, Crown Point, Lake County $ 8,601.35
- Duo Sequenza (FS: Sequenza Chamber Music, Inc.), Valparaiso, Porter County $ 4,815.86
- The Duneland Family YMCA, Chesterton, Porter County $ 4,815.86
- Regional Performing Arts Company, Portage, Porter County $ 4,815.86
- Neighbors Broadcasting (DBA: WVLP-LP), Valparaiso, Porter County $ 4,815.86
- Hammond Theatre Company, DBA Hammond Community Theatre, Hammond, Lake County $ 2,555.47
- Kankakee Valley Historical Society, Kouts, Porter County $ 4,815.86
A complete list of the awardees can be found here.
"Ensuring the arts and cultural community can survive is what this grant will do for so many organizations across the state," said Lewis Ricci, IAC's Executive Director. "This funding can help bridge the gap."
"The tourism and hospitality industry is one of the leading economic sectors in Indiana, contributing over $37 billion to the state's gross domestic product," said Elaine Bedel, IDDC's Secretary and CEO. "These funds will help the Destination Marketing Organizations lead the recovery of our leisure and travel related economy."
Award amounts were determined by a formula which included factors for budget size, previous amounts of CARES Act funding received and amount of eligible expenses, resulting in an equitable distribution to organizations in all areas of the state.
Each grantee will be responsible for documenting the use of all distributed funds.