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This past month, while wrapping up an incredible year of investment in the arts sector, we’ve been preparing for the year ahead. At its June meeting - held during the Maryland Arts Summit - the Council approved our FY24 budget as well as updates to MSAC programs, including:
- New maximum grant amounts for Arts in Education, Public Art Across Maryland, and Special Request grants;
- Policies to clarify and streamline application processes; and
- Pausing of two programs - Network Organizational Development (NOD) and Emergency Grants for Independent Artists.
The FY24 pausing of NOD and Emergency Grants will give us an opportunity to assess the programs and how we can best meet the needs of artists and organizations within our agency’s budget and staffing capacity. Rather than apply for the NOD program, the County Arts Agencies, Arts & Entertainment Districts, and Regional Folklife Centers will be encouraged to apply to the Special Requests grant for capacity building projects. Special Requests has a higher maximum award and is open to all eligible organizations in Maryland. The Emergency Grants program developed very quickly at the beginning of the pandemic in response to Maryland’s COVID State of Emergency. That was in FY20, and we were able to continue the program for independent artists through FY23 with dedicated funding totaling just over $13 million. While the need for artists to have access to funding for emergency situations is clear, MSAC does not have the dedicated funding or staffing capacity to continue this program in FY24. The Council and staff are determined to investigate how our agency can best address artists’ emergency needs through funding, connection to resources, and collaborations during our upcoming strategic planning, which will kick off later this year. In the meantime, you can click here to see our compiled list of emergency resources for artists as well as emergency preparedness resources for organizations. I’ll also note that after an extensive program-building effort and successful pilot of Grants for Artists in FY23, that program will continue in FY24, and application details will be shared soon.
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This month’s newsletter shares details about several programs. Look for program-specific info sessions in the weeks to come, and join us on July 25th for Coffee with the Council where we will overview all that is new for FY24 and discuss our path forward. Click here for more information and to register!
Also, we're hiring! See details about our current openings for Marketing and Communications Manager and Public Art Project Manager below or click here to learn more.
Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director
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Arts in Education Grant & Teaching Artist Roster applications are now open!
We are excited to announce that the updated applications and guidelines for the Arts in Education (AiE) Grant and Teaching Artist Roster are now available! A months-long revision process resulted in the following outcomes for the AiE Grant:
- Increasing the maximum grant amount from $5,000 to $6,000
- Establishing a maximum grant award amount for independent artists and organizations
- Removing the technical application burdens on sites/schools
- Clarifying allowable and unallowable expenses
- And More!
In addition, the Teaching Artist Roster application process is now streamlined into a one-step, online application review.
To view the guidelines and application for the Arts in Education Grant, click here.
To view the guidelines and application for the Teaching Artist Roster, click here.
Upcoming Arts in Education Information Sessions
To learn more about the overall Arts in Education program, including recent updates, we will be hosting information sessions on the following dates:
- Tuesday, July 11 at 3pm
- Thursday, July 20 at 10am
- Thursday, August 3 at 4pm
One of the three information sessions will be recorded and posted on the website for future reference. Click here to register.
Contact AiE Program Director, Lizzie Morales, at [email protected], with any questions.
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Creativity Grant applications are now open for FY24 funding!
Independent Artists and nonprofit organizations - apply to MSAC for up to $4,000 in either project-specific support or general operating support (orgs only) through the Creativity Grant program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a monthly review process. Click here to review the program's guidelines and eligibility requirements before applying.
New for FY24!
Applications will be reviewed on a monthly schedule. Applications received in one month will be reviewed in the following month. For example, all applications received by July 31st will be reviewed in August.
Stay tuned for details on an upcoming "How to Apply" webinar later this summer!
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Regional folklife center, Common Ground on the Hill, hosts Roots Music and Arts Festival
This week is Traditions Week, the flagship event for Common Ground on the Hill, a regional folklife center in Carroll County. The program combines classes, concerts, jam sessions, and gallery talks across a rich range of traditional arts. The event will culminate in the day-long Roots Music and Arts Festival and 52nd Annual Deer Creek Fiddler’s Convention on Saturday, July 8 at McDaniel College campus in Westminster. Click here for more information and tickets.
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Walt Michael (left), founder and Executive Director of Common Ground on the Hill, performs on hammered dulcimer with guitarist Harry Orlove (right) at Art in the Park in Westminster. Photo by Human Being Productions for MSAC.
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Thank you Maryland Public Art Commissioners Rand Griffin and Catherine Leggett
The Department of Commerce and MSAC send a heartfelt message of recognition and gratitude for two of the founding members of the Maryland Public Art Commission (MPAC), Rand Griffin and Catherine Leggett, as they retire from their service. MPAC was established in 2005 as a Governor-appointed body to implement the state’s formal public artwork commission program, and enhance the cultural landscape of Maryland. During the administration of Governor Martin O’Malley, Leggett and Griffin were leaders in the creation of the state's first artwork commissioned by MPAC, the 9/11 Memorial of Maryland, designed by Ziger/Snead Architects and installed in September 2011 at Baltimore’s World Trade Center plaza. For over a decade following, Leggett and Griffin have dedicated themselves to the leadership of MPAC. Both have served as Chairs of the Commission and have been outspoken advocates for the value of public art to enhance the everyday lives of everyone living in and visiting our state. Though their formal appointment is ending, Leggett and Griffin will continue as Emeritus members of the Commission sharing institutional knowledge and mentoring new members.
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Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) grants for FY24:
Updated guidelines for the FY24 PAAM New Artworks and Conservation grants will be available online in August. Please be aware that in FY24 the program will offer one grant cycle, with an application deadline in late January 2024. Staff will host virtual information sessions for interested applicants after the guidelines are published.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRANT & UPCOMING EVENTS | |
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Professional Development Opportunity applications are now open for FY24 funding!
Independent Artists and nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $2,000 to support learning and growth opportunities through the Professional Development Opportunity Grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a monthly review process. Click here to review the program's guidelines and eligibility requirements before applying.
New for FY24!
Applications will be reviewed on a monthly schedule. Applications received in one month will be reviewed in the following month. For example, all applications received by July 31st will be reviewed in August.
Stay tuned for details on an upcoming "How to Apply" webinar later this summer!
Upcoming Events:
Have a question about your grant? Want to know more about MSAC grant programs? Connect with us in-person at Regional Office Hours at Garrett College Performing Arts Center.
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COUNTY ARTS AGENCIES OF MARYLAND | |
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Kent Cultural Alliance and Frederick Arts Council open new spaces!
In the past few months, two county arts agencies celebrated the openings of new spaces that further their missions of supporting the arts in their communities.
In March, the Kent Cultural Alliance (KCA) opened the Vincent and Leslie Prince Raimond Cultural Center, a four-and-half-year $2.3 million renovation of the 18th-century building, that now houses space for artist residencies, in addition to gallery, event, education, and office space. KCA Director and MSAC Vice Chair John Schratwieser points out that the building is part of the 48-year legacy of the Kent County Arts Council and its decades of multiple arts endeavors under the directorship of founders Vince and Leslie Raimond. Click here for more information.
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Crowd at the ribbon cutting of the Vincent and Leslie Prince Raimond Cultural Center | | |
Reception at the new FAC Artist Studios complex in downtown Frederick. | |
In May, the Frederick Arts Council (FAC) celebrated the opening of a new artist studios complex with gallery space in the heart of downtown Frederick. Located in the historic former BB&T Bank lobby and office buildings, at 1-11 North Market Street, the renovated area offers working space for 30 artists and a gallery with rotating art exhibits. “This is certainly one of the most enormously exciting projects we’ve undertaken,” said Louise Kennelly, FAC’s Executive Director. “We are particularly proud of the fact that this will locate a thriving arts complex directly on the Square Corner downtown. There can be no question that the arts are central to Frederick’s success, and our new studio and gallery spaces will underscore that for the community and for visitors alike.” Click here for more information. | | |
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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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During the 2023 legislative session, seven new councilors were appointed by Governor Wes Moore and confirmed to MSAC! Last month, we introduced three of our new members. The remaining four begin their service this month. Help us welcome Albita Rivera, Paige Hernandez, Ruby Lopez Harper and Gregory Tucker! Click here to see a full list of councilors. | | |
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MSAC Announces Arts Capital Program Coordinator
We are happy to announce that Ryan Patterson, who has served as MSAC's Public Art Program Manager since early 2020, has moved into the role of Arts Capital Program Coordinator as of last Wednesday. Ryan will lead the creation and pilot of the Arts Capital program, a new grant that will distribute $3 million per year to organizations with operating budgets under $3 million for capital projects. Look out for more information about the program, and congrats Ryan!
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Public Art Project Manager
MSAC seeks a Public Art Project Manager supporting the Public Art Program Director in the proliferation of public art statewide and management of public art programs and projects. Compensation is between $25.64 and $41.10 hourly, and applications are due no later than Wednesday, July 19.
Marketing and Communications Manager
MSAC seeks a Marketing and Communications Manager managing all aspects of MSAC’s branding, communications, marketing, and public relations activities, including planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic initiatives. Compensation is between $25.64 and $41.10 hourly, and applications are due no later than Wednesday, July 19.
Click here to read full position descriptions and find out how to apply to our current openings.
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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 [email protected].
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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 [email protected]. | | | | |
