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

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!

Click Here to View the More Information About Maryland State Arts Council News - March 2023