Staff Reports

Two Seymour groups recently received thousands of dollars from a state grant program designed to bolster the tourism and hospitality industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch announced the awards Thursday, part of 479 organizations statewide receiving nearly $10 million through the Arts, Cultural and Destination Marketing Organization grant program.

The initiative is made possible through a partnership between the Indiana Destination Development Corp. and Indiana Arts Commission, providing operational support to local organizations disrupted by the pandemic.

Receiving grants were Southern Indiana Center for the Arts, $19,480.01, and Actors Community Theater of Seymour Inc., $4,815.86.

Award amounts were determined by a formula, including factors for budget size, previous amounts of CARES Act funding received and amount of eligible expenses, resulting in an equitable distribution to organizations through the state.

Each grant recipient must document the use of all funding received.

“Ensuring the arts and cultural community can survive is what this grant will do for so many organizations around the state,” said Lewis Ricci, executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission. “This funding can help bridge the gap.”

Elaine Bedel, the development corporation’s chief executive officer, said the tourism and hospitality industry contributes more than $37 billion to the state’s gross domestic product.

“These funds will help the Destination Marketing Organizations lead the recovery of our leisure and travel-related economy,” she said.