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In recent weeks, two sets of data have been released highlighting the strength of Maryland’s Arts sector. SMU Data Arts’ vibrancy index ranks Maryland as the fifth most arts-vibrant state! In addition, Maryland ranks first in public support, taking into consideration our third-highest per capita State investment in the arts in the country, as well as federal and local investments. The study also shows strong non-government investment in terms of contributed revenue, indicating what we know: that Marylanders understand the importance of the arts and support it in their communities! Click here to read more.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis also released 2022 Arts & Culture Production Satellite Account data last week, featuring state-level estimates of arts and cultural value added, employment, and compensation. Nationally, the arts are showing an all-time high economic value, and locally, we’re no exception. According to the data, in Maryland, the arts and culture sector in total adds $12.9 billion to the state, representing 2.7 percent of its economy, and supporting over 80,000 jobs. Click here for more information.
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Data is great, and economic impact is persuasive and illuminating. One of the privileges MSAC team members appreciate is that we also get to see the impact of the arts on communities statewide through the work of the amazing organizations and artists we are able to support. This month, as flowers bloom and we venture outdoors more and more, let’s appreciate the bounty of the arts that are available and accessible to us in Maryland.
Steven Skerritt-Davis
Executive Director
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Upcoming professional development sessions
In correlation with the launch of the Arts Capital grant program, MSAC is offering a professional development webinar series. Capital Project Strategies for the Arts is designed for nonprofit administrators and employees working in the arts and cultural sector. Over the course of multiple workshops, held bi-weekly on Wednesdays through May 1, attendees will meet and learn from a group of subject matter experts with cross-sector experience and a stated interest in helping nonprofit and mission-driven clients accomplish successful capital projects.
Although presented as a series, the individual webinars are not sequential. Each webinar will be a standalone session. Attendees must register for each session individually. Please visit our Eventbrite for information on all upcoming session and watch previous sessions on our YouTube channel!
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Upcoming teaching artist roster showcases
Join us for the first virtual Teaching Artist Roster Showcase on Tuesday, April 30, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday, May 7, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.! The goal of the showcase is to help introduce schools, community programs, and arts organizations to the wealth of talent represented on the MSAC Teaching Artist Roster. Each day, 14 MSAC Roster teaching artists will be featured. There are over 100 teaching artists on the MSAC roster, so this showcase will give you a glimpse of the wealth of talent available to you in our state. Visit our Eventbrite page to register for either or both dates.
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CREATIVITY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY, AND TOURING | |
FY 2024 applications for three programs closing in May
The Creativity, Professional Development Opportunity and Touring grant programs are accepting applications for FY 2024 funding. To be considered for these grants, submit your applications by Tuesday, April 30.
All three programs will begin accepting applications for FY 2025 funding in summer.
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Maryland Traditions Archives celebrate 10 years!
This Thursday, April 4, from noon to 1:30 p.m., we are celebrating the ten year anniversary of the Maryland Traditions Archives with a free webinar! Participants will discuss how the Maryland Traditions Archives have impacted their work and their cultural communities, and the role archives play in connecting members of the public with their history and cultural traditions. Registration is required. Visit our Eventbrite to learn more information and register for this free event.
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PUBLIC ART ACROSS MARYLAND | |
Record-breaking PAAM grants awarded
The FY 2024 Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) grant cycle saw a record number of applications awarded. A total of 27 New Artworks grants and nine Conservation grants, totaling $734,283, were awarded to projects spanning the state. These grants helped showcase diverse projects, from those in the planning phase to those, ready for immediate creation and implementation. For more details, click to check out the grantee lists for New Artworks Grants and Conservation Grants.
Public artist roster
Communities looking to select a public artist for a project are encouraged to utilize the Maryland Public Artist Roster. To streamline your search for Maryland-based artists, use the label "Maryland-based studio". Additionally, the roster offers other tags, including 2D, 3D, and specific materials, allowing for a tailored selection process. For artists aspiring to join the Roster, please note that the application period opens biannually, and PAAM will be accepting applications starting in Spring 2025.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT EVENTS | |
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Upcoming public art webinar
Join us on Thursday, May 9, from noon to 1 p.m., for "Embracing Community Engagement as the Foundation of Public Art," a webinar featuring two public art practitioners who will share their process of engaging communities in their work. Learn how they've turned community involvement from a checkbox into a meaningful part of the artistic process. Discover practical strategies for fostering genuine connections and amplifying community voices in public art projects. Don't miss this opportunity to reimagine your approach to community engagement in authentic public art planning!
MSAC offers regular virtual and in-person professional development opportunities. Visit our Eventbrite to learn more and register for other upcoming events.
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Access all MSAC applications in SmartSimple. Questions?
Contact the MSAC staff person for the program you’re interested in learning more about.
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Applications being accepted for Senior Program Director
Join our leadership team! MSAC is accepting applications for a senior program director providing supervision and direction of several grant programs. Click here to learn more and apply no later than Monday, April 8.
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Apply to be a FY 2025 panelist
Apply to be a panelist and find yourself in the center of the action at MSAC! Applications are now being accepted for the FY 2025 Creativity Grant, Professional Development Opportunity Grant, and Presenting and Touring programs.
MSAC relies on a diverse array of constituents with varied backgrounds from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating applications as panelists. MSAC selects its panelists with a focus on diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in varying artistic disciplines. Click here for program-specific details on serving as a panelist. Applications are being accepted until Tuesday, April 30.
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ADDITIONAL COMMUNICATIONS | |
Community development grants available
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has announced two grant programs of interest to the arts and culture sector.
The Community Health & Safety Works grant improves communities' livability and economic potential through investments in the physical environment to positively affect health and safety. Click here to learn more and apply no later than Thursday, April 25.
The Project Restore 2.0 grant improves the vitality of Maryland's economic corridors by helping to activate vacant buildings, support small businesses, create jobs, and more. Click here to learn more and apply no later than Wednesday, April 24.
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The MSAC online Resource Bulletin is maintained by Maryland Art Place and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists, grants, and vendor opportunities. The Resource Bulletin is updated on a weekly basis and is categorized by deadline date.
Do you have something to add? Email Caitlin Gill at caitlin@mdartplace.org.
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The Maryland State Arts Council is committed to making sure all Marylanders can access its programs and services. Guests with further accessibility questions or who require accommodations may fill out the Accommodations Request Form or contact the MSAC Office Secretary at msac.commerce@maryland.gov. | | | | |
