Deputy Director Steven Skerritt-Davis and I recently traveled across the state to meet with the boards of directors of arts agencies in each of Maryland’s 24 jurisdictions. The conversations offered a deep dive into the program changes at MSAC, along with an opportunity to learn how we can better serve arts leadership of our state. These discussions were another way to put the policy changes of the past two years into action... moving theory into practice.
I am happy to report that the implementation of MSAC’s strategic plan is moving forward as staff are being invited to meet with the boards of directors of arts organizations. During these interactions, we discuss how theories of equity and justice show up in programmatic design, how communities are engaged for creative ideation, and how inclusive practices lead to sustainability.
The culminating effect of this work, from theory to implementation, is empowering the statewide arts sector. As MSAC is embraced as an active partner in the work of artists and arts organizations in Maryland, we are quickly realizing the goals identified in our strategic plan: increase participation, provide intentional support, build capacity, leverage connections, and bolster the arts in Maryland. Onward!
Ken Skrzesz, Executive Director, Maryland State Arts Council
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The MSAC
Online Resource Bulletin
, maintained by Maryland Art Place, includes regional, national, and international exhibition opportunities, grants, fellowships, residencies, and information on available studio spaces in the area. The Resource Bulletin is updated on a weekly basis and maintains hundreds of listings of arts opportunities, organized by subject and deadline date. To post your call for entry, email Caitlin Gill, at
caitlin@mdartplace.org
.
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Please consider inviting MSAC Staff and Board Members to any public event that may include donor recognition as part of the programming. Public acknowledgement of MSAC funding, particularly when a staff, board member, or local legislator is present, allows arts audiences to understand the connection between the vote they cast for local officials, the local official’s support of MSAC funding, and how that funding returns to the communities of arts-connected constituents. Please send all invitations to
msac.commerce@maryland.gov
.
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CALL FOR MARYLAND ARTS SUMMIT 2020 PROPOSALS EXTENDED TO MARCH 5TH!
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MSAC STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
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Over the past two years, MSAC has welcomed new executive leadership and staff and invigorated councilors who are deeply engaged in efforts to highlight and strengthen the arts in Maryland. Building upon existing momentum and a desire to position MSAC as a catalyst for the sector, the Council and AMS Planning & Research developed a visionary and comprehensive plan for future strategic and operational direction. See the final version of the Strategic Plan here(will link to news page on website), including new vision, mission, goals and strategies, along with a chart that will be updated every six months as the plan is implemented.
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CALL FOR EDITORS - ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS
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MSAC is assembling revision recommendations for the Arts & Entertainment Districts program and is looking for editors to contribute ideas and revise policies. Editors will receive modest compensation for the entire process, which includes two in-person meetings and two at-home, electronic editing assignments. A Gmail account is necessary to participate. Editors must be residents of the state of Maryland.
Submit your name and information
at this link
by March 16, 2020 to be considered as an editor.
Photo: Patrons view an art exhibition at Massoni Art in Chestertown’s A&E District. Photo by Kevin B Moore.
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MSAC LAUNCHES TWO NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
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Are you looking for funding to:
- Attend a conference, seminar, or artist retreat?
- Hire a consultant for board development?
- Gather with other teachers for arts education professional development?
- Address accommodations for accessibility needs?
- Assist with capacity and staffing challenges?
- Other?
Two new grant opportunities are available
now
for funding this fiscal year for professional development opportunities, special requests to help fund the above, and more! Find out more by visiting our program pages on
msac.org
.
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FUNDING AVAILABLE TO BRING INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS TO YOUR COMMUNITY
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Performing Arts Global Exchange (PAGE)
is a new Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation grant program for performing arts presenters nationwide in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Arts. PAGE brings exemplary international music, dance, and theater to audiences across the United States. Fee-support grants are available to nonprofit presenting venues and units of government based anywhere in the U.S. or its territories who book artists from a curated roster for both performance and community-engagement activities. The 2020 – 2021
roster
can be found
here
.
For more information, click
here
.
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BMA PRESENTS TWO MAJOR VIDEO INSTALLATIONS BY ACCLAIMED ARTIST CANDICE BREITZ AS PART OF THE 2020 VISION INITIATIVE
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Critically acclaimed
artist Candice Breitz is recognized around the world for her unflinching questioning of power and influence, especially as it relates to individual identity. This month, the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) will present
Candice Breitz: Too Long, Didn’t Read,
the spring season anchor of the museum’s year-long
2020 Vision
initiative highlighting works by female-identifying artists.
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MARYLAND MICRO-CREDENTIALS
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Register for free professional development!
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Artist Highlight: JJ Galloway
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For the past 20 years, JJ Galloway has been building her fine art business,
JJ Galloway Studio
.
As a full time mother and artist, she spends Monday - Thursday in her studio and Friday’s at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery where she lectures and teaches art. In the past few years, she has toured the country with her art, taking part in shows in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Cincinnati, and Miami’s Art Basel. In December, she was named one of the top 10 female artists at Art Basel by a local art critic.
She primarily paints in the theme of food, but has decided in 2020 to start a new series of paintings focusing on women chefs. Galloway says, "
Like female artists, women chefs have an uphill battle to just be seen as equal to their male counterparts. Additionally I’ve found a chef's creative process is the same as an artist’s. I’m researching the traditions in cooking, looking at women and their role in how foods shape societies through to women chefs who are finding their own place as heads of Michelin star kitchens."
Galloway is a competitive sailor, a yogini, a wife and mother of two. Her home and studio are in the Annapolis, Maryland area.
We can't wait to see what JJ creates in 2020!
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Entrepreneurship Highlight: the Wild Turkey Clan
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"The struggles of America’s Indigenous people have been ongoing for hundreds of years. And it is no different for Maryland’s Indigenous people. But the resilience and determination of these people is amazing. A small army of Indigenous men and women came together, using their own resources and ingenuity they created a non-profit business that took Southern Maryland by storm. The Wild Turkey Clan, Cedarville Band of Piscataway Indians of Southern Maryland hosted an Indigenous Festival (attended by thousands close to home, far and wide) for 36 years featuring the art, dance, food and culture of the first families of North, Central, and South America.
The people opened a museum and a gift shop in Southern Maryland highlighting this region's Indigenous history and art. While one Indigenous artist uses modern technology to reintroduce some ancient Eastern Woodland designs, a few others still create using the materials and techniques of years past. The Wild Turkey Clan of Piscataway Indians have collectively and individually helped to highlight the first peoples of this land and their many contributions to this society."
Natalie Proctor
Tribal Chair/Museum Director
Cedarville Band Of Piscataway Indians / Piscataway Indian Museum
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MSAC Staff Highlight: Ryan Patterson
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Ryan Patterson is the new Public Art Project Manager at the Maryland State Arts Council.
Patterson is an artist and arts administrator who lives with his wife Rachel and their two sons in the Better Waverly neighborhood in Baltimore. Ryan moved to Baltimore from South Florida in 2002 to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art (BFA General Sculptural Studies ‘06). As an artist, Ryan has initiated and collaborated on a number of arts-based public programs and social events including Big Draw in the Dell, Evergreen Commons, and Camp Camp. In 2013, he was invited to be a Community Artist in Residence at the Kentucky School of Art where he and students organized the Smoke Town Social Club project and exhibition. As an arts administrator, he organized programming and exhibitions for the Parks & People Foundation from 2007-2010 and served the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts as Public Art Program Manager since 2013. In his personal life, he loves to ride bikes, walk in the woods, and read and draw comics with his family as much as he can. Help us welcome Ryan as MSAC’s new Public Art Project Manager!
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Current MSAC Funding Opportunities
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Presenting and Touring Program:
The
Maryland Touring Grant Program
assists eligible nonprofit organizations by subsidizing the presentation of any performer on the
Maryland Performing Artist Touring Roster
. Guidelines for the FY20 Program are available
here
. A
pplications can be accessed in
Smart Simple
.
Touring grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed quarterly. The final FY20 deadline is April 1, 2020.
Creativity Grant Program:
The
Creativity Grant Program
aims to strengthen the vitality and sustainability of artists and small organizations, in order to maintain a strong arts infrastructure in the state. The program also provides opportunities to serve the growing needs of relevant arts projects and collaborations within Maryland communities. Guidelines for the FY20 Program are available
here
.
Applications can be accessed in
Smart Simple
.
Creativity Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed monthly.
Artist in Residence Program:
MSAC's
Artist in Residence (AiR) Program
provides grants to Maryland schools that cover half the cost of a teaching artist residency. Guidelines for the FY20 Program are available
here
.
Applications can be accessed in
eGrant
.
Contact Arts in Education Program Director
Precious Blake
for more information.
Professional Development Opportunity Grant:
The
Professional Development Opportunity Grant Program
encourages and supports relevant professional development opportunities for artists and arts organizations throughout Maryland. Information about this new grant program is available
here
. Applications can be accessed in
Smart Simple
.
Special Request Grant Program:
Special Request Grants
support the needs of arts organizations and programs that may fall outside of the eligibility of MSAC’s established grant programs. Information about this grant program is available
here
. Applications can be accessed in
Smart Simple
.
Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM):
The
PAAM Program
offers two types of funding: Planning Grants of $2,500 support administrative time for the planning and community visioning process, including support for artist proposal honorariums. Implementation Grants of up to $10,000 support projects that are designed and ready for fabrication. Maryland 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations or local government agencies may apply. Guidelines for the FY20 program are available
here
.
Applications can be accessed in
Smart Simple
.
PAAM grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed quarterly. The final FY20 deadline is May 12, 2020.
Arts & Entertainment (A&E) Districts Technical Assistance:
A&E Districts Technical Assistance Grants
support organizational development and marketing efforts for designated management entities of Maryland's 28 A&E Districts. Guidelines for the FY20 Program can be found
here
. Applications can be accessed in
Smart Simple
.
A&E Technical Assistance grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed as they are submitted.
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