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Maryland State Arts Council

175 West Ostend Street, Suite E
410-767-6555

Mission Statement and Goals:

The mission of the MSAC is to encourage and invest in the advancement of the arts for the people of our State. The goals of the Council are to support artists and arts organizations in their pursuit of artistic excellence, to ensure the accessibility of the arts to all citizens, and to promote statewide awareness of arts resources and opportunities.

The MSAC's programs are aimed at benefiting all Maryland residents regardless of political or religious opinion or affiliation, marital status, race, color, creed, age, national origin, sex or sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or geographic location within the State.


Recent News

Maryland State Arts Council Resource Bulletin - April 2024

MSAC Resource Bulletin MSAC’s online Resource Bulletin is maintained by Maryland Art Place and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists and vendors, and grants. The Resource Bulletin is updated on a weekly basis…

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Register for MSAC's Inaugural Teaching Artist Showcase!

Are you a school or organization looking to discover and hire teaching artists for the upcoming year? Are you eager to explore the opportunities provided by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) Teaching Artist Roster and Arts in Education grant…

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates for April 2024

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…

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MSAC Land Acknowledgement Project Receives Historical Update

MSAC Land Acknowledgement Project Receives Historical Update Maryland Traditions, the traditional arts program of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), is pleased to announce that a historical update to the MSAC Land Acknowledgement Project is…

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Celebrate 10 Years of the Maryland Traditions Archives with MSAC!

The Maryland Traditions Archives (MTA), a collaborative partnership with University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and the Maryland Traditions program of the Maryland State Arts Council's (MSAC), turns ten this year! Join staff and…

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Arts Capital Program Launching Free Webinar Series

MSAC's Arts Capital Program Announces New Bi-Weekly Webinar Series In correlation with launching the new Arts Capital grant program, the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is pleased to present a free four-part professional development series:…

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Maryland State Arts Council Resource Bulletin - March 2024

MSAC Resource Bulletin MSAC’s online Resource Bulletin is maintained by Maryland Art Place and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists and vendors, and grants. The Resource Bulletin is updated on a weekly…

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates for March 2024

I’ve had the privilege of spending quite a bit of time in our State’s capital over the past several weeks, and I’m humbled by the understanding our elected officials have of the power and importance of the arts. At Maryland Arts…

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Introducing "Maryland Muse," MSAC's New Art Exhibition

Introducing "Maryland Muse," MSAC's new art exhibition! The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is thrilled to invite you to its newest exhibition "Maryland Muse: A Tapestry of Inspiration," in collaboration with the Maryland Office of the…

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Announcing Our 2024 Poetry Out Loud Semifinalists

Congratulations to our 2024 Poetry Out Loud Semifinalists! Maryland semifinalists have been announced for Poetry Out Loud, a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by high school students. The semifinalists are…

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates - February 2024

Last week we released a survey asking for your help shaping our next strategic plan. We’re grateful for an enthusiastic response so far! If you haven’t taken a few minutes to add your input, please click here or scan the QR code below to…

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Apply to Be a Folklife Network Panelist Today

Apply to be a Folklife Network panelist today! The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is seeking panelists for the Folklife Network program. The program funds organizations housing regional folklife centers, or continuing programmatic or…

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Now Accepting Applications for Arts Capital Grant Program

Arts Capital is Now Accepting Grant Applications Maryland State Arts Council's (MSAC) newest grant offering, Arts Capital, supports Maryland-based nonprofit organizations delivering arts and cultural education or experiences as a core part of…

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Maryland State Arts Council Resource Bulletin - January 2024

MSAC Resource Bulletin MSAC’s online Resource Bulletin is maintained by Maryland Art Place and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists and vendors, and grants. The Resource Bulletin is updated on a weekly…

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Applications and Info Session Available for Grants for Artists Program

Applications and Info Session Available for Grants for Artists Program The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is excited to open applications to the Grants for Artists program, which broadly supports Maryland independent artists’ working…

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Maryland State Arts Council News - January 2024

Happy New Year! 2023 was an incredible year for the arts in Maryland. From MSAC’s perspective, we wrapped up distributing over $65 million in FY 2023 funding, including $40 million in Arts Relief funds meant to bolster the arts sector from the…

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Maryland State Arts Council Resource Bulletin - December 2023

MSAC’s online Resource Bulletin is maintained by Maryland Art Place and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists and vendors, and grants. The Resource Bulletin is updated on a weekly basis and is categorized by…

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates - December 2023

I’m experiencing this time of year in a whole new way this year - through the eyes of a three-and-a-half year old. My daughter’s wonder, excitement, and energy are contagious. They are giving me a renewed appreciation for the little and…

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Apply Now for Public Art Across Maryland Grant Opportunities

Apply to the Maryland State Arts Council's Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) program to bring your community's public art dream project to fruition! Applications are due January 26, the only deadline for FY2024, so don't wait until the new year.…

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Maryland State Arts Council Resource Bulletin - November 2023

MSAC’s online Resource Bulletin is maintained by Maryland Art Place and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists and vendors, and grants. The Resource Bulletin is updated on a weekly basis and is categorized by…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Join MSAC As A Special Request Panelist

Apply Today to be a Special Request Panelist The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is accepting applications for panelists for the Special Request program, which funds Maryland arts organizations undertaking innovative projects, pilot…

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Farewell To Our Revered Poet Laureate

It is with gratitude that the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) observes the close of Grace Cavalieri’s time as Maryland’s tenth Poet Laureate. Serving in this role since 2018, Grace’s tenure has been a tremendous success. She has…

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Maryland State Arts Council News - October 12, 2023

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Maryland State Arts Council News - October 9, 2023

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Maryland State Arts Council News - October 4, 2023

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates October 2023

Maryland’s arts community lost a champion last month with the passing of Jaqueline Copeland, MSAC’s Chair. Jackie was a devoted mother, loving wife, talented curator, award-winning museum educator, guardian of African-American art, and,…

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MSAC Resource Bulletin

MSAC's online Resource Bulletin is maintained by Maryland Art Place and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists and vendors, and grants. The Resource Bulletin is updated on a weekly basis and is categorized by…

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates - September 2023

MSAC PROGRAM UPDATES ARTS CAPITAL MSAC is asking in-state arts and culture organizations seeking capital funding to respond to an online survey. The survey is part of the overall listening and research phase of developing the new Arts Capital…

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2024 Heritage Award Nominations Open September 1, 2023

Make A Heritage Award Nomination Honoring Long-Term Achievement In The Traditional Arts The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) will begin accepting nominations for 2024 Maryland Heritage Awards on Friday, September 1. We invite you to nominate…

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Grants For Organizations Intent To Apply Form Now Open Due September 15, 2023

Intent to Apply forms are now available for the Maryland State Arts Council’s Grants for Organizations (GFO) program, which provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations, units of government, and colleges and universities that…

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Public Art Across Maryland: Call for Grant Applications and Panelists

Grant applications are being accepted for Public Art Across America's (PAAM's) New Artworks and Conservation Grant opportunities. Both programs share a single application deadline in FY24: Friday, January 26, 2024. See the "PAAM Grants Applications"…

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Call for Panelists: Heritage Award and Folklife Apprenticeship

The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating applications. We invite participation through program-specific public calls for panelists. We select…

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MSAC Awards $75,000 in Folklife Apprenticeships

MSAC Awards $75,000 in Folklife Apprenticeships MSAC's traditional arts program, Maryland Traditions, has awarded $75,000 to artists in the state through the Folklife Apprenticeship grant. The funding supports the sharing of traditional arts…

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Maryland State Arts Council Resource Bulletin - August 2023

MSAC Resource Bulletin MSAC's online Resource Bulletin is maintained by Maryland Art Place and includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists and vendors, and grants. The Resource Bulletin is updated on a weekly basis and…

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates - August 1, 2023

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Maryland State Arts Council News - July 26, 2023

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Maryland State Arts Council Resource Bulletin - July 2023

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates - July 5, 2023

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Final Call for Panelists: Arts in Education Grant & Teaching ArtistRoster

Final Call for Panelists! Arts in Education Grant & Teaching Artist Roster Deadline to apply is June 15 Only a short time remains to apply for panelist service supporting two Arts in Education programs at the Maryland State Arts Council…

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Maryland State Arts Council Resource Bulletin - June 2023

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Updates From The Maryland State Arts Council - June 2023

June, for state government and for many arts organizations, means the end of the fiscal year. You may have noticed that many of our grant programs are not accepting applications at the moment. This is so we can wrap up awarding an unprecedented…

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Apply to Maryland's Public Artist Roster by May 31, 2023

Apply to Maryland's New Public Artist Roster! Applications due by May 31. Artist applications to the new Maryland Public Artist Roster are due Wednesday, May 31, 2023. The online application is on Submittable, with links below. The new Public…

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Maryland State Arts Awards $245,000 in Folklife Apprenticeships

Click here to View the Information About "Maryland State Arts Awards $245,000 in Folklife…

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Call for Panelists: Arts in Education Grant and Teaching ArtistRoster

Apply to be a panelist and find yourself in the center of the action at MSAC! Accepting applications for panelists on two of MSAC's Arts in Education programs Applications are now open for panelists in two of MSAC's Arts in Education programs:…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Artist Opportunities

Each month, MSAC shares a list of artist opportunities pulled from the MSAC Resource Bulletin, maintained by Maryland Art Place. The listing includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists, grants, and vendor opportunities. …

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Announcing the Opening of the Maryland Arts Directory Triennial Exhibition!

In celebration of the talented and diverse array of artists across the state, MSAC and Maryland Art Place (MAP) are presenting the third Maryland Arts Directory exhibition this month. Join us for the triennial exhibition opening on Thursday, May…

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates - May 2, 2023

Spring is in full swing with lots of arts events filling up my calendar and, I’m sure, yours! Here are a few to check out… Regional Office Hours are back! The MSAC team will be in Easton at the Academy Art Museum this Thursday from 10…

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Call for Panelists for MSAC Creativity Grant and Presenting and Touring Programs

Apply to be a panelist and find yourself in the center of the action at MSAC! Accepting applications for FY24 Creativity Grant and Presenting and Touring programs MSAC relies on a diverse array of constituents with varied backgrounds from across…

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Seeking Nominations for Maryland's Next Poet Laureate and Applications for the Selection Committee!

POET LAUREATE NOMINATIONS The Poet Laureate of Maryland is an honorary position established by the Maryland General Assembly. A citizen poet is selected and serves at the discretion of the Governor for up to a four-year term renewable by the…

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Maryland State Arts Council News - April 2023

Regional Office Hours return this month! Meet up with MSAC staff at the Cecil County Arts Council in Elkton this Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to talk with our team about your grant applications and learn more about what MSAC offers.…

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Maryland State Arts Council - National Call for Artists and Panelists for New Public Artist Roster!

Seeking Artists & Panelists for New Maryland Public Artist Roster The Maryland State Arts Council has two national open calls for: - Artists interested in being included in the new Public Art Roster for Artwork Commissions projects. Scroll…

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Maryland State Arts Council : 2023-2024 Folklife Apprenticeship Applications Now Open!

MSAC is now accepting applications for 2023-2024 Folklife Apprenticeships. Folklife Apprenticeships are $5,000 each and support traditional arts education through the teaching of skills from one master artist to one apprentice artist. Applicants…

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Maryland State Arts Directory Triennial 2023 : Call for Artists

In celebration of the growing talent and diverse array of artists across the state, the Maryland Art Place (MAP) – in collaboration with the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) – is seeking artists for the 3rd Maryland State Artist…

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MSAC Announces 2023 Heritage Award Winners!

Maryland Traditions, the traditional arts program of the Maryland State Arts Council, has announced the winners of its 2023 Heritage Awards. The awards recognize long-term achievement in the traditional arts, and nominations are accepted in three…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Artist Opportunities

Each month, MSAC shares a list of artist opportunities! These opportunities are pulled from the MSAC Online Resource Bulletin, maintained by Maryland Art Place, which includes local, regional, and national opportunities, calls for artists, grants,…

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Maryland State Arts Council News - March 2023

This February was a busy month at MSAC. Our February 1 Grants for Artists deadline - the first for this pilot program - saw an astounding 1,197 applications from artists in all 23 counties and Baltimore City. The staff has been hard at work…

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Maryland State Arts Council - The 3rd Maryland State Artist Directory Triennial: Call for Jurors

Call for Jurors! Maryland Art Place (MAP), in collaboration with MSAC, is seeking jurors for the 3rd Maryland State Artist Directory Triennial exhibition. MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state of Maryland to do the…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Artist Opportunities!

ARTS OPPORTUNITES County Arts Agencies 2/10: Call for Photographers: 9th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition and Exhibition 2/22: Call for Artists: Howard County Arts Council's ARTsites 2/28: Call for Entries: Mountain…

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Maryland State Arts Council News - February 2023

On January 17, Governor Wes Moore announced the appointment of Kevin Anderson as the next Maryland Secretary of Commerce! Anderson is the Founder & CEO of Cardinal Atlantic Holdings, an economic and community development firm targeting scaled…

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Maryland State Arts Council - You’re Invited 3-Day Community Mitigation Workshop Using A Creative Lens

Beyond Covid: A Shift Experience! A 3-day Shift Community Mitigation Workshop in the DMV focusing on emergency preparedness and mitigation through a creative lens February 9 - February 11, 2023 at the University of DC. Emily Sollenberger…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Arts Relief-Funded Folklife Apprenticeship Applications Still Open

Apply Now for an Arts Relief-funded Folklife Apprenticeship Master artist Kibibi Ajanku (Baltimore City, left) works with apprentice artist Jumoke Ajanku (Baltimore City) in a Folklife Apprenticeship on West African indigo dyeing. Photo by Human…

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Maryland State Arts Council : Artist Opportunities

Each month, MSAC shares a list of artist opportunities! These opportunities are pulled from the MSAC Online Resource Bulletin, maintained by Maryland Art Place, which includes regional, national, and international exhibition opportunities, public…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Make Your Voice Heard: Help MSAC improve the Arts in Education program!

This spring, MSAC is facilitating the public-led revision of the Arts in Education (AiE) program, which funds arts education projects in Maryland’s schools and community settings. This effort is based on a need to clarify the program’s…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Grants For Artists Applications Open Now, Info Session January 17

MSAC is excited to open applications to its newest program, Grants for Artists, which broadly supports Maryland independent artists’ working and living expenses with $6,000 grants. This program was designed based on extensive public input over…

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Maryland State Arts Council News - January 2023

In preparation for writing this note, I looked back at the one I wrote for last year's January newsletter. The theme remains true, of course–the only constant is change. However, I’m happy that this year, instead of giving thanks to…

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Maryland State Arts Council : Artist Opportunities

Each month, MSAC shares a list of artist opportunities! These opportunities are pulled from the MSAC Online Resource Bulletin, maintained by Maryland Art Place, which includes regional, national, and international exhibition opportunities, public…

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Maryland State Arts Council Update - December 2022

December is one of my favorite months. One of my strongest childhood associations is the annual local production of The Nutcracker. I vividly remember the awe that I felt watching the tree magically rise out of the stage, with the snow falling, and…

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Call For Judges And Coaches For Maryland's Poetry Out Loud Program

Call for Poetry Out Loud Judges and Coaches MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of supporting students and educators through the Poetry Out Loud competition. About Poetry Out…

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Maryland State Arts Council : Artist Opportunities

Each month, MSAC shares a list of artist opportunities! These opportunities are pulled from the MSAC Online Resource Bulletin, maintained by Maryland Art Place, which includes regional, national, and international exhibition opportunities, public…

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The Maryland State Arts Council Update - November 2022

Fall is a busy time at MSAC, but this year is no joke! We’re seeing staggering increases in grant applications across programs, highlighting the unsurprising but nonetheless impressive level of creativity alive in Maryland’s arts sector.…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Attention High School Educators And Students: Registration Is Now Open For The 2022-23 Poetry Out Loud Competition!

Register today for the 2022-23 Poetry Out Loud Program Registration is now live for independent students, schools, non-profits, county arts agencies, and other organizations to participate in the 2022-23 Poetry Out Loud competition! Poetry Out…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Apply Today: Grants for Organizations - Call for Panelists

The Grants for Organizations (GFO) program provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations, as well as units of government, that produce or present ongoing arts programming that is open to the public. MSAC relies on a diverse array…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Make Your Voice Heard: Help MSAC build the future of theIndependent Artist Award!

This fall, MSAC is facilitating a public-led revision of the Independent Artist Award (IAA) program, which has recognized achievement by Maryland artists making work independent of institutions or organizations. This revision effort is based on data…

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Updates From The Maryland State Arts Council - October 2022

Beginning tomorrow and throughout October, November, and December, the MSAC team will be holding regional office hours on specific days at locations throughout the state! Come join us in Ellicott City, Cumberland, Centreville, Leonardtown,…

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Maryland State Arts Council - 2023 Heritage Award nominations open October 1, 2022

Starting Oct. 1: make a Heritage Award nomination honoring long-term achievement in the traditional arts MSAC will begin accepting nominations for 2023 Maryland Heritage Awards on Wednesday, October 1. We invite you to nominate individuals,…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Announcing MSAC Regional Office Hours Fall And Winter 2022

Have a question about your grant application? Want to know more about MSAC grant programs? Connect with MSAC team members in-person at locations throughout Maryland this fall/winter. Each scheduled Regional Office Hours day, MSAC staff will be on…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Arts Relief-Funded Folklife Apprenticeship Applications Now Open!

Apply Now for an Arts Relief-funded Folklife Apprenticeship MSAC is now accepting applications for a special cycle of the Folklife Apprenticeship made available through Arts Relief funding. Folklife Apprenticeships are $5,000 each and support…

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates - September 1, 2022

When I began our last Monday morning staff check-in of August with the greeting “Happy last week of summer!,” a staff member reminded me in the chat that Maryland summers stretch long into September, causing me to pause and rethink that…

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Call For Panelists: County Arts Development And Network Organizational Development Grants

MSAC seeks panelists to evaluate County Arts Development and Network Organizational Development grant applications MSAC is seeking panelists to evaluate applications to its County Arts Development (CAD) and Network Organizational Development (NOD)…

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Grants For Organizations FY2024 Intent To Apply Application Is Now Open

The Grants for Organizations (GFO) program provides general operating support to nonprofit organizations, units of government, and colleges and universities that produce or present ongoing arts programming that is open to the public. If your…

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Call For Panelists: Maryland Traditions Grants And Awards

Maryland Traditions is seeking panelists to evaluate submissions to its three funding programs: the Heritage Awards, Folklife Apprenticeship, and Folklife Network. Each of these programs supports traditional arts, defined as community-based living…

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Maryland State Arts Council Updates - August 1, 2022

More than 350 Marylanders joined MSAC staff on July 19th for Coffee with the Council to learn more about how MSAC will distribute $40 million in Arts Relief funding this fiscal year. Click here to find a recap of the information and view the slides…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Apply To Be A Public Art Grant Panelist!

Apply to be a Public Art Grant Panelist! Accepting panelist applications for the FY23 Public Art Across Maryland Grants (PAAM) Program MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of…

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Maryland State Arts Council Awards $65,000 in Folklife Apprenticeships

MSAC's traditional arts program, Maryland Traditions, has awarded $65,000 to artists in the state through the Folklife Apprenticeship grant. The funding supports the sharing of traditional arts skills from a master artist to an apprentice artist…

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Updates From The Maryland State Arts Council - July 5, 2022

We are beginning our fiscal year this month with exciting news about additional funding and a newsletter filled with opportunities for you! The State’s 2022 supplemental budget included $40 million in Arts Relief funding allocated to MSAC…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Make Your Voice Heard: Help MSAC improve the Special Request grantprogram

MSAC will be facilitating the public-led revision of the Special Request grant program, which has funded special arts projects at Maryland organizations for the past four years. This effort is based on a need to clarify the program’s policies,…

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Call For Artists: Public Art Project Opportunities In Maryland

MSAC is working with the University System of Maryland on the artist selection process for public art commissions in two Capital Improvement Projects. The calls are open to all US-based artists. The online application only requires a resume, letter…

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Updates From the Maryland State Arts Council - June, 2022

Updates from the Maryland State Arts Council! Over the past several months, it has been heartening to reconnect in person with friends, family, and many folks throughout Maryland’s arts sector. These gatherings and meetings (sometimes masked,…

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Maryland State Arts Council News - Interested In Creating Or Programming Public Art?

Interested in creating or programming public art? MSAC and Forecast Public Art present “Making it Public” free workshop series Artist Edition and Administrators Edition Artist Edition A free 5-week virtual workshop series designed…

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Maryland State Arts Council - Call For Panelists: Arts In Education Grants And Teaching Artistroster

MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating applications. We invite participation through program-specific public calls for panelists. We select panelists with a focus on…

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