13 independent music venues get funding from Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program

City officials announced the latest recipients of funding from the Music Cities Strategy Recovery Program on Friday.

Thirteen independent music venues across Marion County each received an average of nearly $19,000 through the program created to support recovery from the pandemic. The grants, made possible through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, help the venues pay mortgages, rent, utility bills, and other expenses related to COVID-19 compliance and outdoor operations.

“The pandemic has posed significant challenges to many of the outstanding music venues that call Indianapolis home,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett in a statement. “That’s why this program has been so critical in sustaining and supporting the pillars of our thriving music scene.”

Nearly $583,000 has been distributed to 20 local music venues since the program was announced last summer.

The City-County Council unanimously approved using federal COVID-19 relief funding for the program. Musical Family Tree has served as the program administrator, while the Arts Council of Indianapolis has served as the fiscal agent.