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MARCH

2023

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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 reviewing the submissions for eligibility, reading the astounding breadth of artistry alive in our state and the earnestness with which independent artists are pursuing their creative passions. Applicants will be notified later this month, and we’re looking forward to the final deadline for FY23 applications (or reapplications) on April 1, 2023. 


In addition to the noteworthy launch of our newest program, last month we saw spikes in applications for many of our monthly programs as well, including the Creativity Grant. Our program teams, panelists, grants office, and fiscal staff work diligently each month to process applications and payments. More applications than expected in the shortest month are delaying notifications by a few days, but rest assured they are coming!


Lastly, I want to thank the leaders and arts advocates who showed up on February 16th for Maryland Arts Day. As always the energy of Maryland’s arts sector and the support of public officials were on proud display during the virtual event. Thank you Maryland Citizens for the Arts for organizing one voice for Maryland’s arts sector. Congratulations to Sue Hess Award Winner Rina Thaler from the Art League of Ocean City. And deep gratitude to keynote speaker Maggie Villegas from Baltimore Creatives Acceleration Network for your inspiring words and to all who attended for your advocacy! 


Onward!


Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director

MSAC PROGRAM UPDATES

ARTS IN EDUCATION

It's been a busy month for students participating in the regional Poetry Out Loud (POL) competitions across our state, and we are excited to announce our 2023 POL State Finalists! The State Finalists are all invited to compete in the 2023 Maryland POL State Competition on March 18, 2023 from 1-4 p.m. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. If you are interested in attending and cheering on our finalists, please click here to RSVP.


2023 Maryland POL State Finalists:

  • Chloe Choi, Montgomery County
  • Madison Harris, Anne Arundel County
  • Fiona Guo, Worcester County
  • Treston Melvin, Worcester County
  • Imari Owens, Carroll County
  • Brennen Peroutka, Baltimore County
  • Abigail Rakow, Montgomery County
  • Yasmin Roach, Howard County
  • Renee Si-ting Wu, Howard County


Congratulations to our Poetry Out Loud State Finalists and we wish them luck at the State Competition!

CREATIVITY GRANTS

Reminder! The Arts Relief General Operating Support (ARGOS) for Creativity Grantees application is open through March 15!


To be eligible for ARGOS Creativity funding, your organization must be approved for FY23 Creativity General Operating Support by March 1, 2023. The additional ARGOS Creativity funding is available through a separate application, which is accepted on a rolling basis through March 15th. A second round of ARGOS Creativity funding will be announced shortly. For more information, visit the ARGOS page of the MSAC website or contact Program Directors, Laura Weiss at laura.weiss@maryland.gov and Emily Sollenberger at emily.sollenberger@maryland.gov for more information.

Creativity Grant awardee Valley Art Association at the City Park Annual Fall Fest.

EMERGENCY GRANTS

Emergency Grant applications for $2,000 for Independent Artists are being accepted through May 5, 2023! If you have experienced a loss of income due to an emergency occurring after January 1, 2022 that impacts your work as an independent artist, we encourage you to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through May 5 and awarded monthly. Learn more and apply now! Reach out to Grants Director, Cathy Teixeira at catherine.teixeira@maryland.gov for questions. Apply now!

GRANTS FOR ARTISTS


Grants for Artists applications are open now! Submit a simple application for $6,000 supporting working and living expenses for Maryland Artists by clicking here. Review the recording of a virtual info session at this link, and contact Senior Program Director Chad Buterbaugh with questions: chad.buterbaugh@maryland.gov; 443.469.8239.

MARYLAND TRADITIONS

Master artist Katherine Fahey (right) works with apprentice artist Azaria Joseph (left) during a 2022-2023 Folklife Apprenticeship on crankies, a folk puppetry tradition in which shadow puppets are manipulated against a scrolling backdrop.

Gather your ideas! Folklife Apprenticeship applications will be accepted March 20 - April 28 for traditional arts activities that run July 2023 through June 2024. Folklife Apprenticeships are $5,000 each and support traditional arts education through the teaching of skills from a master artist to an apprentice artist. Applicants will be notified of their application status in July; Maryland residents are eligible to apply. For more information, click here to view an Information Session recording, or contact Folklife Specialist Ryan Koons at ryan.koons@maryland.gov or 410.767.6568.

PUBLIC ART ACROSS MARYLAND

Public Art Across Maryland New Artworks & Conservation grants deadline: April 14, 2023!

The deadline to apply for the Public Art Across Maryland New Artworks and Conservation grants is Friday, April 14, 2023. Everyone planning to submit an application for the spring deadline is encouraged to contact Public Art Program staff directly to discuss their application prior to the deadline. See below for this month's Public Art information and feedback sessions!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT

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. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and reviewed and awarded monthly. Apply now!

SPECIAL REQUESTS GRANTS

After a hiatus, Special Request applications are again being accepted! This program supports pilot, one-time, or constituent-driven projects, as well as capacity building efforts.


Read more at this link, and contact Senior Program Director Chad Buterbaugh with questions at chad.buterbaugh@maryland.gov or 443.469.8239.

Baltimore Arts Realty Corporation (Motor House),

an FY22 Special Request grant recipient.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coffee with the Council


The Public Art Across Maryland staff will be leading two information and feedback sessions

Access all MSAC applications in SmartSimple. Questions?

Contact the MSAC staff person for the program you’re interested in learning more about. 

RESOURCE BULLETIN

The MSAC online Resource Bulletin is maintained by the 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.

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.

Connect with us at msac.org!