March is here and we've even had a few previews of spring weather already! Since spring is associated with renewal in many traditions and cultures, we are trying something new with this month's newsletter, focusing on MSAC program updates and funding opportunities that may be new to you.
I invite you to read on and explore more on msac.org. As always, our amazing and dedicated staff is available to answer any questions you may have and guide you to the MSAC opportunity that is right for your organization, project, or practice. Click here for a full staff listing, and have a creative March!
Steven Skerritt-Davis
Executive Director
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ARTS IN EDUCATION: POETRY OUT LOUD |
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Join us for the 2022 Maryland Poetry Out Loud (POL) State Competition on March 10, 2022 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. This year's competition is fully virtual and will be hosted on Zoom.
2022 Maryland POL State Finalists:
- Abigail Grove, Allegany County
- Curtis Kemtchouang, Frederick County
- Harrison Lynch, St. Mary's County
- Matthew Bacho, Anne Arundel County
- Peyton McDonald, Allegany County
- Roselyn Centeno, Prince George's County
- Treston Melvin, Worcester County
- Yasmin Roach, Howard County
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Available to both Independent Artists and Arts Organizations, Creativity Grants are available for project-based support (artists, organizations) and general operating support (organizations only). The application focuses primarily on community engagement and impact. Grants are available for up to $3500. Click here for further details and the full program guidelines.
Congratulations to this month's grantees! Click here for a full list.
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A scene from Creativity Grant awardee Magical Experiences Arts Company's William S. Baer School residency and the play "The Fisherman"
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EMERGENCY GRANTS FOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS |
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Emergency Grants are reopening on March 6! The purpose of the Emergency Grant program is to support the needs of independent artists as they adjust to income losses as the result of an emergency situation (including, but not limited to, the ongoing impact of the pandemic). This Emergency Grant program is accepted on a rolling basis with a monthly review process. Grants are available for up to $2,000. Click here for f urther details and the full program guidelines.
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A map of Youghiogheny River Band of Shawnee tribal lands, one of a series of maps soon available as a public resource. |
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Keep an eye out: we will soon be announcing a new public resource on land acknowledgements! Increasingly popular in arts and cultural heritage contexts, these statements bring attention to the Indigenous peoples dispossessed of their relationships with land by settler colonists.
Maryland Traditions staff have been working on this project since April 2020, researching best practices and, most importantly, engaging in compensated consultations with tribal leaders and elders in Maryland-based American Indian Tribes. We’re excited to share it with you soon!
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MARYLAND TOURING GRANTS & TOURING ROSTER |
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Available to any nonprofit, this grant supports the presentation of an artist or ensemble from the Maryland Touring Roster at your organization’s location or venue. Grants are available for up to $5000; applications may include more than one Touring Roster artist/ensemble for multiple performances/events. Click here for further details and the full program guidelines.
Performing artists from across the state are invited to apply to join the Maryland Touring Roster! Those included on the Touring Roster are available to “take their show on the road” and perform throughout Maryland. If accepted onto the Touring Roster, organizations/venues are then able to apply for a Touring Grant to support bringing you to their location/venue. Click here for further details and the full program guidelines.
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Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer,
Maryland Touring Roster Artists
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NETWORK ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS |
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PUBLIC ART ACROSS MARYLAND |
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"Feather of Monumental Scale" proposal by Thomas Sterner |
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Artist Thomas Sterner of Westminster has been awarded the contract to create new public artwork for the Maryland Department of Agriculture's New Salisbury Animal Health Laboratory. The project's Artist Selection Committee chose Thomas from over 170 artists who applied for the opportunity through a Request for Qualifications issued in the Spring of 2021.
Thomas' concept proposal for the new artwork includes two elements. An outdoor sculpture titled "Feather of Monumental Scale" will serve as an iconic landmark to the important services the lab provides to the region's poultry industry. The lab's new conference room will feature hand-carved wooden relief depicting running horses, acknowledging the services MDA provides to the state and regional livestock. Both artworks are expected to be completed later this summer.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT & UPCOMING EVENTS |
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Available to both independent artists and arts organizations, this grant helps support learning opportunities that help the artist or organization learn or develop an identified area of growth. Grants are available for up to $2,000. Further details and the full program guidelines can be found by clicking here.
As always, we offer free virtual professional development training each month! See below for a list of offerings in March:
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Are you having trouble finding a fit between your idea and MSAC's regular funding programs? If so, consider the Special Request grant, which supports one-time, pilot, or certain types of continuing arts activities in Maryland. Click here to read the grant guidelines thoroughly and reach out to relevant staff with questions. This grant has a rolling deadline.
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Questions? Contact the MSAC staff person for the program you’re interested in learning more about.
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The MSAC Online Resource Bulletin, maintained by Maryland Art Place, includes regional, national, and international exhibition opportunities, public art opportunities, grants, fellowships, residencies, artist registries, and information on available studio spaces in the area. The Resource Bulletin is updated throughout the month, so click here to see what new opportunities have been posted!
Do you have something to add? Email Caitlin Gill at caitlin@mdartplace.org.
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