Bloomington, Indiana – In advance of the 2024 solar eclipse, Indiana communities seeking to host arts and cultural events and activities will benefit from a new project developed by Indiana University.
The Center for Rural Involvement will be able to assist rural involvement for the university’s solar eclipse effort thanks to funding from the Simons Foundation by providing staff support, resources, and outreach for community events. According to IU, all of these tie locals together around the momentous astronomical occurrence.
To help with the execution of eclipse activities, organizations in towns with a population of under 50,000 people can also apply for microgrants of up to $2,000 per organization. The fiscal agent for the grant program is Regional Opportunity Initiatives, which will also help with the technical aspects of the eclipse micro-grant program.
“The 2024 eclipse will be a momentous occasion for many of Indiana’s rural communities. Thanks to generous support from the Simons Foundation and Regional Opportunity Initiatives, rural residents and visitors will explore the cultural dimensions and creative inspiration of this solar event that will remain in our memories for a lifetime,” said Kerrry Thomson, executive director of the center for rural engagement.
When the moon blocks out the sun on April 8, a portion of the United States and Mexico will be completely black for up to four minutes. This includes a sizable portion of Indiana. It won’t be until 2099 until Indiana residents are once again in the path of totality for a solar eclipse.
The Simons Foundation is concentrating its funding on regions in Indiana and across the nation that offer fewer chances for traditional science engagement than other major metropolitan areas. The foundation seeks to foster connections with science that go beyond the 2024 eclipse through partnerships with local communities and organizations, such as science museums, art galleries, cultural centers, and local downtown areas.
