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 from July 19th. In short, MSAC:

-will distribute additional general operating support with more allowable uses

-encourages organizations that do not currently receive operating support through other programs to apply for the Creativity Grant for General Operating Support to access additional Arts Relief funds

-welcomes applications for project support, particularly in the following programs that will be able to fund more applications thanks to Arts Relief funding (more information about each of these in the newsletter below)

-Public Art - $2 million available, increased grant maximums

-Folklife Apprenticeships - $225,000 will fund 30 additional teams

-Arts in Education - $945,000 available, increased grant maximum

-Creativity Grants - $850,000 available, increased grant maximum

-Emergency Grants - $450,000 available for artists experiencing emergencies

-Professional Development Opportunity Grants - $150,000 available

-looks forward to launching the Grants for Artists program that will support the livelihood of Maryland artists in a new and exciting way.

Apply, apply, apply, and please help us get the word out about MSAC’s opportunities so that this unprecedented funding will have the broadest impact possible.

Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director

The nation's longest-standing legislated cultural districts program celebrates 20 years in 2022! The impacts of Maryland's Arts & Entertainment Districts program can be seen throughout Maryland, from an art-fueled turnaround in Frederick, to the vibrant Station North neighborhood in Baltimore, to the exciting addition of galleries, public art, and artist housing in Crisfield, the program helps participating communities highlight and build on their uniqueness. MSAC congratulates the Hagerstown, Cumberland, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Station North, and Bromo districts on successful redesignations this year, ensuring that the programs' benefits will continue for the next 10 years!

ARTS IN EDUCATION

The Arts in Education Grant program is excited to announce that the maximum grant amount has increased to $7,500, due to Arts Relief funding received for this fiscal year! Applications are accepted on a rolling basis between August and May and are reviewed monthly. Applications received by the fifth of each month will be reviewed that same month. Applications received after the fifth of the month will be reviewed the following month. Please see the Arts in Education Grant guidelines for more details on eligibility and information on the program.

To sign up for the Arts in Education Grants info session on August 16 at 4 p.m., click here.

CALL FOR JURORS FOR FIRST LADY'S GALLERY

Each year, the Maryland State Department of Education works with its partners and First Lady Yumi Hogan to host a statewide student artwork competition and exhibition. To support this project, MSAC is calling for a diverse array of jurors to do the important work of evaluating submissions. MSAC will select jurors with a focus on diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in the fine arts. Jurors must be Maryland residents. Selected jurors serve for a review period from September to October 2022. Jurors receive modest compensation for their service.

Click here to View the More Information About Maryland State Arts Council Updates - August 1, 2022