One of my favorite annual activities on the Maryland Traditions calendar is calling people to let them know they’ve received a Heritage Award. Surprise, excitement, gratitude: their positive reactions always bring a smile to my face. 

This year was no exception. When this year's six honorees heard the good news, they were so pleased to be recognized for their contributions to Maryland's traditional cultural arts. It's my pleasure, also, to get to know these folks and their communities. Our state has such a rich cultural fabric, which is part of the reason Maryland Traditions was created almost 25 years ago. We love putting the spotlight on the traditional art forms that have always flourished here.

Next up, the application period for another Maryland Traditions program, the Folklife Apprenticeship, which supports traditional arts education. If you have an idea, click here to apply by the extended deadline of March 7!

--
Ryan Koons
Folklife Specialist

Now accepting applications

Live music in the Arts & Entertainment District in downtown Frederick.

Folklife Network panelists

Deadline: February 21

Click here to learn more.

Folklife Apprenticeship

Deadline: Extended to March 7

Click here to learn more.

A&E District Designation

Deadline: April 1 or October 1

Click here to learn more.

Creativity - General Operating Support

Deadline: Rolling

Click here to learn more.

Creativity - Projects

Deadline: Rolling

Click here to learn more.

Performing Artist Touring Roster

Deadline: Rolling

Click here to learn more.

Professional Development Opportunity

Deadline: Rolling

Click here to learn more.

Teaching Artist Roster

Deadline: Rolling

Click here to learn more.

Touring Grant (for rostered artists)

Deadline: Rolling

Click here to learn more.

News and updates

Congratulations Heritage winners!

Have you heard? We've named a new class of Heritage Award winners, recognized for long-term achievement in the traditional arts. Click here to learn more.

Supporting advocates in Annapolis

Councilors and staff joined arts advocates from across the state last week as they made the case for arts funding at Maryland Arts Day, hosted by Maryland Citizens for the Arts.

Welcome, Abby!

MSAC is pleased to welcome Abby Neyenhouse as its new Arts Capital Program Director. We're thrilled to have her on the team! Check our website soon for a full bio.

Poetry Out Loud State Competition 

Join us on March 1 at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center! This event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required, but registration is encouraged. Click here to RSVP.

In the field

Celebrating a new strategic direction for arts and culture in Howard County

Our Executive Director Steven Skerritt-Davis (front row, third from right) joined local leadership last month at the launch of the Howard County Arts & Culture Plan. Speaking at Howard Community College in Columbia, he emphasized the role of strategic arts investment in building vibrant communities. Photo courtesy of the Howard County Arts Council.

Accessibility statement

The Maryland State Arts Council is committed to making sure all Marylanders can access its programs and services. Please visit our Accessibility page for more information. If you have further questions or require accommodations, fill out the Accommodations Request Form or contact the MSAC Office Secretary at [email protected].