In preparation for writing this note, I looked back at the one I wrote for last year's January newsletter. The theme remains true, of course–the only constant is change. However, I’m happy that this year, instead of giving thanks to departing team members, I can give appreciation for the contributions of new staff who have joined our incredible team in 2022. Lizzie Morales (Arts in Education Program Director), David D. Mitchell (A&E Districts and County Arts Development Program Director), Cathy Teixeira (Grants Director), and Kirk Snow (Grants Management Associate and Rosters Assistant) have each hit the ground running, and I get the privilege of watching them contribute their skills and expertise to advancing the arts throughout Maryland. Want to join our team? We’re looking to fill a new Arts Capital Program Coordinator/Public Art Project Manager position who will launch a new capital grants program later in 2023. See below and click here for more about the open position and other ways to get involved. 

In the last month or so, we’ve sent notifications for grants totaling about $21.5 million in operating support meant to stabilize and sustain Maryland arts organizations and arts programs. The gratitude we’ve received in response is overwhelming and underscores the need for this crucial support of a sector that’s weathered a lot and faces an uncertain future. We continue to distribute Arts Relief funding through our monthly programs, and will open a second round of general operating support grants later this spring. Click here to learn more about Arts Relief, and keep an eye out for announcements in our mailing list emails and via your program director. 

Wishing you a very happy new year!

Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director

MSAC PROGRAM UPDATES

ARTS IN EDUCATION

Arts in Education Grant

Between August to December, 153 grants totaling $916,000 have been awarded to teaching artists and artist organizations to implement arts education experiences for people of all ages across the state of Maryland. We are grateful for the work of our Maryland artists who bring quality and meaningful arts experiences into our schools and communities! Click here for more information on our MSAC Arts in Education Grant program.

Arts in Education Teaching Artist Roster

Since the beginning of our fiscal year in July, 12 teaching artists have been added to our MSAC Teaching Artist Roster. Join us in welcoming Liliane Blom, Marcia Daft, Caroline Ferrante, Tavish Forsyth, Melissa Foss, Ilyana Kadushin, Breai Mason-Campbell (Moving History), Natasha Mirny, Zawadi Noel, Sisi Reid, Laura Sturza, and Ramon Tasat to our network of teaching artists!

The next Teaching Artist Roster application deadline is April 1. For more information on our MSAC Teaching Artist Roster, click here.

CREATIVITY GRANTS

Creativity Grants are open to Independent Artists and Organizations on a rolling basis for up to $4,000!

Thanks to the Arts Relief funding, MSAC is able to award more funding to the Creativity Grant program. Independent Artists are encouraged to apply for project-based support, and small arts organizations and programs are encouraged to apply for general operating support this year.

Important!

Organizations awarded FY23 general operating support have the opportunity to apply for more Arts Relief funding this year. Reach out to Program Directors, Laura Weiss at [email protected] and Emily Sollenberger at [email protected] for more information. Apply now!

EMERGENCY GRANTS

Emergency Grant applications for up to $2,000 for Independent Artists are currently being accepted! 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. Reach out to Grants Director, Cathy Teixeira at [email protected], for more information. Applications accepted on a rolling basis and awarded monthly. Apply now!

MARYLAND TRADITIONS

Folklife Apprenticeship applications continue to be accepted until February 28, 2023! Folklife Apprenticeships are $5,000 each and support traditional arts education through the teaching of skills from a master artist to an apprentice artist. During this special Arts Relief-funded cycle, applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and applications will be reviewed and applicants will be notified on a monthly basis. Maryland residents are eligible to apply. For more information, view this Information Session recording or contact Folklife Specialist Ryan Koons at [email protected] or 410.767.8586.

PRESENTING AND TOURING

Is your venue planning its bookings for the new year? Consider applying for a Touring Grant!

The Touring Grant is available to nonprofit organizations across the state of Maryland to support the presentation of performing artists from the Maryland Touring Roster. The Touring Grant is available for up to $5,000 and can support multiple artists selected from the Touring Roster. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a monthly review process. Full details can be found on our website here. Questions? Contact Program Directors Laura Weiss at [email protected] and Emily Sollenberger at [email protected] for more information.

PUBLIC ART ACROSS MARYLAND

Over $1,000,000 in Public Art grants are awarded to Artists & Organizations across the state.

The Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) FY23 fall grant cycle awarded 52 New Artworks and 8 Conservation grants - check out each link for the awards lists. The next PAAM grant application deadline is March 24, 2023. Artists and organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review the grant guidelines and contact the public art program staff.

Maryland Public Art Commission approves Public Artist Roster for state Artwork Commissions.

The PAAM Artwork Commissions program is the state’s Percent-for-Art program, commissioning site-specific artwork for new and renovated state buildings. The Maryland Public Art Commission oversees the program. At their December ‘22 meeting, the Commission approved the establishment of a public artist roster as a new method for artist selection. The roster will accept applications from artists nationwide who want to be considered for a state Artwork Commission. Applications to be included on the roster will be posted here by late January. Virtual information sessions about the roster will be held on January 26, February 16, and March 14. Click here to register to attend.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coffee with the Council

• 1/10: Open Discussion & Who am I as an Artist

Info Sessions

• 1/26: Maryland Public Artist Roster Info Session

Access all MSAC applications in SmartSimple. Questions?

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

MSAC NEWS

WELCOME, KIRK!

Meet Kirk Snow, MSAC's new Grants Management Associate and Rosters Assistant!

Improving the lives of artists is the foundation for vibrant art. Kirk Amaral Snow has dedicated his career to advocating for artists and their creative practices. He has extensive experience building tools and supports within organizations that share this vision, helping numerous artists build sustainable lives.

Amaral Snow came to Baltimore in 2015 joining the Office of Research (OOR) at Maryland Institute College of Art. As part of the OOR team, he was tasked with developing support structures for faculty that allowed them to expand their research and projects. Prior to coming to Maryland he worked for Montserrat College of Art, serving as the director of Career Services.

A practicing artist, Amaral Snow holds BA's in Art History and Studio Art from the University of Rhode Island, and MFA from Tufts University/School of the Museum of Fine Arts.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Arts Capital Program Coordinator, Public Art Project Manager

Deadline to apply: January 13, 2023 at 4 p.m.

This position is primarily responsible for building the arts capital grant program outlined in Maryland SB323 (2021) and managing public art and projects for MSAC. Incumbent reports to the Executive Director of MSAC and works closely with the Public Art Program Director and with other staff in the management and administration of public art commissions through the Maryland Public Art Commission (MPAC). The focus will be on building an arts capital grant program that distributes $3 million annually to arts organizations and county arts agencies beginning in fiscal year 2024.

The duties for this position include: providing technical assistance, professional development and program evaluation, building the grant program to include researching existing programs in other state agencies and arts councils; facilitating constituent listening sessions; developing program rationale; establishing grant eligibility and criteria; building an application process, form, and rubric; developing applicant and grantee communication templates; establishing grantee reporting requirements; and developing program outcomes and a program evaluation framework. The position manages Commission projects of the Public Art Across Maryland program, assists in the artist selection process for artwork in new or renovated state buildings and public spaces throughout Maryland and works closely with state user agency partners and contracted artists.

For more information and to apply, click here.

SAVE THE DATE

Beyond Covid: A Shift Experience!
February 9 - February 11, 2023

A 3-day Shift Community Mitigation Workshop in the DMV focusing on emergency preparedness and mitigation through a creative lens.

The Maryland State Arts Council, The International Association of Blacks in Dance, in collaboration with the Air Collaborative, National Coalition of Arts Preparedness and Emergency Response (NCAPER), and Mellon Foundation, are excited to host a multi-day, hands-on Shift Workshop. This collaborative workshop will bring together the arts sector, emergency management, businesses, and the community to build a stronger, more resilient network around emergency preparedness. The final outcome is an actionable project to implement on increased emergency planning awareness.

More details and registration to come in January. If you have questions, please reach out to Emily Sollenberger at [email protected].

BUSINESS TELEWORK ASSISTANCE GRANT APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE

The Business Telework Assistance Grant Program assists businesses with retaining and creating jobs across the state. Funded with $1 million in Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget, the program will provide grants of up to $25,000 to help businesses expand telework capabilities for their employees. These grants will help applicants purchase the equipment necessary to develop and implement telework policies, including hardware, software, and technical services.

Round one applications are due January 6, 2023. Further details and application information can be found by clicking here.

Please note: this grant is not administered through MSAC. Please connect with the listed Commerce staff with any questions.

RESOURCE BULLETIN

The MSAC Online Resource Bulletin, maintained by Maryland Art Place, includes regional, national, and international exhibition opportunities, public art opportunities, grants, fellowships, residencies, artist registries, and information on available studio spaces in the area. The Resource Bulletin is updated throughout the month, so click here to see what new opportunities have been posted!

Do you have something to add? Email Caitlin Gill at [email protected].

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].

Connect with us at msac.org!

Click Here for more information.