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In sitting down to write this month’s note, I find myself in a spirit of gratitude. Last month, we held two listening sessions for a new Arts Capital Grant Program. Between the two sessions, around 125 arts administrators, artists, and Marylanders contributed to our effort to build a program that will best address the capital needs of small and midsize arts and culture organizations. Our team is immensely grateful for the time, experience, and expertise participants shared. If you weren’t able to attend, you can complete our survey or apply to be a program editor. Details below.
August was a reporting month, and following last year’s record number of grants awarded, grantees had a lot of reports to file! I’m grateful for each of MSAC’s grantees who thoughtfully prepared reports letting us know how state funding is impacting communities and artmakers across Maryland and giving us valuable feedback to improve our service. We look forward to applying the feedback and telling some of the stories of the great work going on in the state in our upcoming annual report and throughout the coming months.
And the last piece of gratitude I’ll share here is for an incredible team that moves our agency forward with a dedication to service and collaborative spirit that is unsurpassed. Thank you for making showing up for work a joy!
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We’re rich with art and arts experiences in our state. As fall begins and arts activities ramp up, I invite you to explore this richness in your community and maybe look for an organization, venue, or type of art experience new to you. I promise that there is value there. Click here to view MSAC’s Arts Calendar for ideas. And enjoy!
Steven Skerritt-Davis
Executive Director
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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 Program and will help staff and program editors better understand both the current and future needs of organizations navigating the process of planning and fundraising for capital projects. The survey also includes space for constituents to submit open-ended questions about the new program. Click here to complete the survey form no later than September 29. | | |
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Poetry Out Loud: 2023-24 Registration Now Open!
Poetry Out Loud (POL) is a national program co-presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation for students in grades 9-12 and implemented across all U.S. states and territories. The program starts with competitions held at the local level. Winners then advance to regional and state competitions, hosted in Maryland by MSAC in collaboration with DewMore Baltimore. Students not able to participate in a local level competition may register to participate directly in a regional competition. Click here for more information and to register your school, organization, or independent students.
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Poetry Out Loud Information Session
If you're interested in participating in the POL program but not sure on how to get started, consider attending the virtual Poetry Out Loud Information Session on Tuesday, September 26, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. to learn how to get involved! Click here to register.
Teaching Artist Office Hours
Teaching artists - join the Arts in Education program director and consultants in an informal, virtual setting to ask questions about the Arts in Education program, get support with the Teaching Artist Roster application, and/or exchange ideas and resources. The next Teaching Artist Office Hours session is scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, from 4-5 p.m. Click here to register.
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Charm City Junction, a Baltimore-based acoustic roots music quartet, performs at the 2022 National Folk Festival in Salisbury. Photo by Human Being Productions for MSAC. | |
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Maryland Folk Festival
The Maryland Folk Festival will take place Friday, September 22 through Sunday, September 24 in Salisbury. With a Maryland Traditions Folklife Area sponsored by MSAC, the festival features four stages, a marketplace, and family area as well. Performers and demonstrators include previous recipients of the Folklife Apprenticeship and Heritage Award and will feature bluegrass, Yiddish folk music, gospel, Thai, Brazilian, and other traditions from across the state. Admission is free! Click here for more information.
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Maryland Public Art Commission
Kathy O'Dell, Ph.D. (Baltimore County), has been named Chair of the Maryland Public Art Commission (MPAC). A commissioner since 2015, O'Dell brings many years of arts leadership experience to the role and will take the helm at a pivotal point as the Artwork Commissions Program launches a new artwork procurement method, the forthcoming Maryland Public Artist Roster.
Public Art Across Maryland Grants
Applications are being accepted for the Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) Program's New Artworks and Conservation Grants. Both grants share a single application deadline in FY24: Friday, January 26, 2024. Click here for grant guidelines. Interested applicants may attend “PAAM Grants: How to Apply Webinar,” a free, virtual session held Friday, September 8, from noon to 1 p.m. Click here to register.
Call for Panelists
Applications are being accepted for individuals interested in serving as review panelists for FY24 PAAM grant applications. The application deadline is Thursday, October 12. Click here and open the "Panelists" heading for information on how to apply.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT & UPCOMING EVENTS | | |
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Regional Office Hours - Southern Maryland
Join the MSAC team for Regional Office Hours at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center on September 7 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MSAC staff will host a group Q&A in the morning and be available for individual meetings throughout the day. Click here to learn more and register.
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Intent to Apply Form for FY25 Funding 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 organization is a new applicant or did not receive FY24 GFO funding, it is required to complete an Intent to Apply form no later than September 15 in order to be eligible to apply for FY25 GFO funding. If your organization is deemed eligible after review of its Intent to Apply form, it must then submit a full On-Year Application no later than November 15 to be considered for FY2025 GFO funding.
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Deputy Director Promotion Announced
We are happy to announce the promotion of Chad Buterbaugh to the position of Deputy Director! With a Ph.D. in folklore studies from Indiana University and a background in journalism, Chad came to MSAC in 2016 as State Folklorist overseeing the Maryland Traditions Program and has most recently served as Senior Program Director. As Deputy, Chad will provide oversight for grant programs and direct data collection efforts, including the development, preparation, and presentation of reports. He'll also direct the Special Request Grant Program and oversee all marketing collateral, communications, and professional development activities for both constituents and staff. Congrats, Chad!
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Call for Program Editors - Arts Capital
MSAC is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as paid program editors, who will help write and review the initial grant guidelines for the new Arts Capital Program. Those encouraged to apply include Maryland residents with backgrounds in architecture, spatial design, capital planning, or construction project management; those who have experience working with arts or cultural organizations; and representatives from organizations that participate in MSAC’s Grants for Organizations (GFO) or Community Arts Development (CAD) Programs. Click here to learn more and find out how to apply on the Ways to Get Involved page of our website, under the “Editors” heading. Applications are due by Wednesday, September 13 at 5 p.m.
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Maryland Serves Application Portal Now Open
MSAC is pleased to boost the news of the Maryland Serves application portal, a pathway to new service opportunities for eligible adults and organizations. Click here to see more and access the portal through the official press release. Reach out to the MSAC team to discuss ideas about service opportunities in the arts.
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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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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. | | | | |
