Welcome September! There is something about this month that feels simultaneously comforting and invigorating. I think it has something to do with routines. This time of year we turn to routines, whether they be school schedules, kids’ activities, performance season schedules, or the ubiquitous annual return of pumpkin spice. Some are familiar, some are new. They hold the power of stability and possibility. I’m leaning into both this month. 

At MSAC, many of our popular grant programs are accepting applications on a rolling basis, meaning that applicants have the opportunity to submit applications to be reviewed in the following month for Creativity, Arts in Education, Professional Development Opportunity, and Touring grants, as well as Teaching and Touring Artist rosters. All are returning programs, but many have new aspects this year, including Creativity, which can now support planning activities. All of the info you need to apply is on our website, and most programs have recorded "How to Apply" webinars on our YouTube channel. Click here for links to our programs. Click here for our YouTube.   

We welcomed two new staff members in August - Brad Bittner as Fiscal Officer, and Jess Porter as Senior Program Director. You can learn more about Brad and Jess below, or click here for our full staff listing. They are joining an incredible team, and I hope you get the chance to connect with them.

The last thing I’ll mention is our next quarterly council meeting on September 12, where we’ll welcome new councilors, review our new strategic plan, and discuss policies that will help us better serve all Marylanders. Some comfort, some possibility - all of it invigorating. Click here for information about observing MSAC meetings.

Steven Skerritt-Davis

Executive Director

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ARTS IN EDUCATION

Poetry Out Loud: 2024-25 Registration Now Open!

Registration is now open for Poetry Out Loud, a national recitation program co-presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and Poetry Foundation. The program starts with competitions held at the local level, typically at participating schools or organizations. 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.

GRANTS FOR ORGANIZATIONS

FY 2026 GFO Intent to Apply forms due September 15

Intent to Apply forms for the Grants for Organizations (GFO) program are due Sept. 15. If your organization is a new applicant or did not receive GFO funding in FY 2025, a completed Intent to Apply is necessary in order to be eligible to apply for FY 2026 GFO funding. Click here for more information about GFO. Click here to complete an Intent to Apply form.

MARYLAND TRADITIONS

Maryland Folk Festival this month

MSAC is proud to sponsor the Maryland Folk Festival in Salisbury, September 20-22! Click here to view this year's performance schedules and more information.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Upcoming professional development sessions

MSAC hosts regular virtual and in-person professional development opportunities almost every week. Click here to keep up to date with newly-scheduled sessions.

PUBLIC ART ACROSS MARYLAND

Applications open until December 19

Are you passionate about public art? Do you have a vision for a new public artwork, or perhaps a restoration project in your community? Great news! The Public Art Across Maryland program is now accepting applications from until December 19, with funding of up to $30,000 available! This is an exciting opportunity to turn your ideas into reality.

Want to learn more? Click here to watch a quick overview, or click here to read more about this opportunity on our website. Let's make public art all over Maryland!

Access all MSAC applications in SmartSimple. Questions?

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

MSAC NEWS

STAFFING UPDATES

Welcome, Brad and Jess!

Brad Bittner joined the team in August as Fiscal Officer, overseeing budget, payments, contracts, and facilities. With an MBA and extensive private sector experience, we're excited to welcome him to state service!

Jess Porter joined in August, too, as Senior Program Director, overseeing our work with independent artists, county arts agencies, Arts & Entertainment Districts, and the Arts Capital program. Jess brings experience working and supporting the arts throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region!

We're hiring!

MSAC is accepting applications for a special projects and grants assistant providing administrative support across grant programs and for special projects, including exhibitions. Click here to learn more and apply no later than September 23.

RESOURCE BULLETIN

Find arts opportunities monthly

The MSAC 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 [email protected].