We’ve turned the page on the fiscal year and many programs are now accepting applications for FY 2025! See more details below and keep an eye out for information sessions (upcoming or recorded) to help you navigate the application process. 

On July 23, join us for a special Coffee with the Council where we’ll review our FY 2025 budget and changes to MSAC programs. Click here for more information. 

The change in the fiscal year also means a change in council appointments. At our June 6 meeting, we said thank you to Lily Bengfort (Queen Anne’s County), David Fakunle (Baltimore City), and John Schratwieser (Kent County), all of whom completed their second terms of service. Each has been a strong voice on the council representing different constituencies and advocating for equity and inclusion. We thank them greatly for the time and dedication to Maryland’s arts sector. This month we welcome three new council members - Yolanda Acree (Caroline County), Kathy Beachler (Garrett County), and Monique Walker (Charles County). Welcome!

This month we also say goodbye to Liesel Fenner, MSAC’s longtime Public Art Program Director. Liesel started with MSAC almost nine years ago, bringing her background in landscape architecture and public art project management to a very small grant program and a nascent Public Art Commission. Under her leadership, Maryland has grown its support for public art and now has one of the strongest percent-for-art programs in the country (having completed nine projects with many more on the way), and she built one of the largest and most comprehensive public art grant programs of any state arts agency. Though, as colleagues, our staff will miss Liesel’s vision, warmth, and compassionate leadership, she has given us a great foundation to keep public art strong in Maryland. Thank you, Liesel, and enjoy retirement!

Steven Skerritt-Davis

Executive Director

MSAC PROGRAM UPDATES

ARTS CAPITAL

FY 2025 application period approaching

The Arts Capital grant program re-opens for the FY 2025 funding cycle this month. If your organization is considering applying, please review program updates to prepare for the next cycle:

- View the information session by clicking here.
- Review grant guidelines, including application questions and the scoring rubric, by clicking here.
- Applications will open in SmartSimple on July 22, with a submission deadline of 11:59 pm on August 23.

After reading through the grant guidelines, organizations applying for funding are encouraged to meet with Arts Capital Program Coordinator Ryan Patterson to discuss their potential project. You can schedule a 30-minute call during “virtual office hours” by clicking here or by emailing Ryan ([email protected]).

ARTS IN EDUCATION

FY 2025 applications being accepted

The Arts in Education (AiE) Grant and Teaching Artist Roster applications are now open! Click here to visit the AiE program page and stay tuned for updated FY 2025 program guidelines, application deadlines, scoring rubrics, and more.

Upcoming information sessions

To learn more about the AiE Grant and the Teaching Artist Roster, including recent updates, consider attending our information sessions on Tuesday, July 23, at 10 a.m., and Thursday, August 8, at 3 p.m. One of the information sessions will be recorded and posted on the website for future reference. Click here to register and receive the virtual meeting link.

CREATIVITY

Exciting grant program updates

We're thrilled to share exciting updates to the Creativity Grant for the new fiscal year, including:

- New funding option: We are now offering a "Project - Planning" Grant option for independent artists or organizations who are in the early stages of research/development of a given project.

- New funding amounts: The Creativity Grant for General Operating Support (for organizations only) is now available for up to $5,000. The new Project - Planning Grant offers up to $2,000, and the Project - Implementation Grant provides up to $4,000.

Click here to check out the Creativity Grant program page, where you will find the program guidelines, details on application materials and scoring rubric, and helpful video recordings of our "How to Apply" webinars for each application type.

Still have questions? We're here to help! Reach out to Arts Services Program Directors Emily Sollenberger ([email protected]) and Laura Weiss ([email protected]) for assistance.

GRANTS FOR ARTISTS

Stay tuned for FY 2025 application period

This year, we're looking forward to offering another round of funding through the popular Grants for Artists (GFA) program, which supports artists' working and living expenses. Follow this newsletter and our social media for updates on application openings, and click here to learn more about the program.

MARYLAND TRADITIONS

Maryland Folk Festival this fall

MSAC and Maryland Traditions are excited to sponsor the Maryland Traditions Folklife Area and Stage at the Maryland Folk Festival, happening September 20 - 22 in Salisbury. Former Maryland Traditions grantees and Heritage Awardees are featured demonstrators and performers, including Shanye Huang, a master artist in Chinese painted paper cutting; Trisha Gupta, a master artist in Rajasthani woodblock printing; the Pocomoke Indian Nation; old-time banjo master artist Lydia Martin; and Yiddish folk master musician Noah Mitchel. Festival entry is free - click here for more information.

PRESENTING AND TOURING

FY 2025 applications being accepted

If you're a performing artist who is interested in bringing your performances to locations across the state, consider applying to join the Touring Roster with a brief application. If accepted onto the Roster, nonprofit organizations and venues can then apply for a Touring Grant to support your presentation at their location. It's a win-win! Click here to learn more information about the Presenting and Touring program. You can also find a helpful "How to Apply" webinar, hosted by Arts Services Program Directors Emily Sollenberger and Laura Weiss.

Have questions? Let us know! Feel free to be in touch with Emily ([email protected]) or Laura ([email protected]) for assistance as you prepare your application.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

FY 2025 applications being accepted

The Professional Development Opportunity (PDO) is perfect if you or your organization are participating in any learning opportunity to further your artistic skills. This might include participation in conferences, seminars, workshops, classes, trainings, and more! Grants are available for up to $2,000. Click here to check out the PDO grant page for further details, including a recording of our recent "How to Apply" webinar.

Have questions? Let us know! Feel free to be in touch with Arts Services Program Directors Emily Sollenberger ([email protected]) or Laura Weiss ([email protected]) for assistance as you prepare your application.

Summer sessions registration open

MSAC is offering regular virtual and in-person professional development opportunities through July and August. Click here to learn more and register for upcoming events.

PUBLIC ART ACROSS MARYLAND

A new year of public art

It's mural season in Maryland and Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) grantees are in full swing. We are thrilled to see new public artworks in progress across the state! Stay tuned as we share completed projects on our socials throughout the fiscal year and announce our FY 2025 PAAM grant in early fall. As you explore Maryland this summer, enjoy the state's incredible Public Art artworks like "Creating Community through the Shared History of Water" (pictured above), which honors the power, history, and beauty of the Severn River and incorporates ceramic thumbprints created and glazed by area residents, reflecting the community center's theme, "Many Hands."

Now open: Request for Qualifications

We are excited to announce a national open call to artists to apply to the Maryland Monument to Honor Black Patriots who served in the Revolutionary War. The application deadline to apply is August 9. Click here to learn more on how to apply for this project opportunity.

Access all MSAC applications in SmartSimple. Questions?

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

MSAC NEWS

COUNCIL UPDATES

Welcome new councilors!

As we step into another vibrant year, we extend our deepest gratitude to John Schratwieser, Lily Bengfort, and David Fakunle, whose terms as Councilors conclude on June 30. Their dedicated service and commitment have significantly contributed to the arts across Maryland, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

We are thrilled to welcome three new Councilors Yolanda Acree, Kathy Beachler, and Monique Walker, who will bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our ongoing efforts to support and promote the arts throughout our state!

Yolanda (pictured left, Caroline County) is a passionate artist and advocate for minimalism and intentional living, which has driven her work in community building and personal development. She is dedicated to exploring, documenting, and celebrating the rich heritage of Black communities across the Eastern Shore.

Kathy (pictured center, Garrett County) is the Executive Director of the Garrett County Arts Council and brings extensive experience from her previous roles at prestigious institutions such as the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and the Smithsonian Institution. Her leadership at the Arts Education Partnership and Arts Every Day has showcased her deep commitment to arts education and community engagement.

Monique (pictured right, Charles County) is a seasoned dance educator and choreographer who has traveled the world teaching and performing various dance styles, with a special focus on neo-traditional and contemporary African dance. Monique is dedicated to using the arts as a vehicle for cultural preservation and innovation.

STAFFING UPDATES

Welcome Leslie Gillard!

Leslie Gillard joined the MSAC team in June as our Executive Assistant and Council Liaison. A native Baltimorean, with a background rich in administrative prowess and a heart that beats for the arts, Leslie brings over 20 years of experience in office administration, project management, and financial stewardship to her role with MSAC. Prior to joining MSAC, Leslie served as an IT Resource Assistant at Smith, Currie, & Hancock, LLP in Atlanta, where she orchestrated the smooth functioning of the IT department while managing resources with finesse. Click here to learn more about Leslie.

RESOURCE BULLETIN

Find arts opportunities monthly!

The MSAC online 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].