Creative Resurgence: A Vision For the Future of the Arts in Maryland

Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, May 29

The Maryland Arts Summit is the first of its kind for the arts sector in Maryland, highlighting the work that is being done through our communities. Dialogue, learning and networking opportunities will focus on the growth of Maryland arts.

The Maryland Arts Summit will be presented by and for the Maryland arts sector, which includes, but is not limited to:

  • Arts Advocates
  • Arts Educators & Teaching Artists
  • Independent Artists
  • Arts Organizations
  • Youth
  • Community Stakeholders

See below for the list of sessions for the Maryland Arts Summit. Registration is Open for this FREE virtual event: www.mdarts.org/summit

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FY21 Arts in Education Grant and Teaching Artist Roster Applications are open! More information available here.

The Arts in Education Grant

The Arts in Education Grant is a granting program of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) that provides matching funds to eligible Maryland-based nonprofit organizations and government entities to support educational engagements led by Teaching Artists on MSAC’s Teaching Artist Roster. The Arts in Education Grant and the Teaching Artist Roster work together to accomplish the Arts in Education program’s mission.

Visit the MSAC website for application guidelines and requirements

Applications open May 15, 2020 for the FY21 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021) grant period. Funded activities must occur within the grant period. Teaching Artists should allow 90-days to receive payment upon application approval. Applications are reviewed on a monthly basis.

The Teaching Artist Roster

The Arts in Education program supports Teaching Artists and the elevation of their careers through the Teaching Artist Roster. MSAC believes Teaching Artists are integral to the arts education ecosystem in providing supplementary arts education experiences that deepen learning. 

Call for Panelists – Arts in Education Grant and Teaching Artist Roster

MSAC relies on a diverse array of experts from across the state of Maryland to do the important work of evaluating applications. MSAC selects Arts in Education panelists with a focus on diversity of experiences, diversity of location, and expertise in arts education and teaching artistry. Panelists must be Maryland residents. 

Selected Teaching Artist Roster panelists serve a one-year term, which may be renewed. Selected Arts in Education Grant panelists serve a six-month term, which may also be renewed. 

Panelists receive modest compensation for their service. The deadline to submit is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, June 15th.

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Visit the MSAC website for more information about the Arts in Education Grant, the Teaching Artist Roster and the Call for Panelists.

Maryland Film Festival – Virtual: June 12-21, 2020 www.mdfilmfest.com

The 2020 Maryland Film Festival is back in a brand new format on the pioneering Parkway Virtual Theatre.

The Maryland Film Festival is bringing you ten days of the best in emerging, independent cinema from across the world. The same great programming you’ve come to know and love from MdFF, all online.

Take part in the full Maryland Film Fest experience with:
– North American & World Premiere Films
– Exclusive Interactive Events with Filmmakers
– Hosted Virtual Events & Afterparties
– Signature Short Film Programs
– And More!

Save the date and check www.mdfilmfest.com for more info soon. The Maryland Film Festival is working to finalize all the details with the more than 140 filmmakers who will join for the virtual festival this year.

The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), an agency of the Maryland Department of Commerce, announced today that $290,000 has been awarded to 50 Maryland artists through the 2020 Independent Artist Awards (IAA). With awards this year focused on performing arts, 2020 awardees represent a diverse range of artistic talent from across the state – from puppeteers and choreographers to a set designer and a highland bagpiper. 

Awardees will be highlighted on MSAC’s social media (@mdartscouncil) beginning in July and will be honored during a ceremony to be planned once the COVID-19 State of Emergency is lifted. 

Read on for the full list of awardees.

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This Friday, Baltimore City Council President Brandon Scott will be live on Facebook with special guests, Lady Brion, national spoken word artist and the Executive Director of the Black Arts District, Maggie Villegas, the Executive Director of BCAN – Baltimore Creatives Acceleration Network, and Ernest Shaw, Baltimore muralist, painter and educator. They will be discussing the effects COVID-19 has on the arts and creative community, how artists are working through this pandemic, and initiatives that are taking place to help and protect the artist in Baltimore.

Visit Facebook to watch live, Friday, May 15 at 7:00 PM.

The term social distancing is a new and necessary part of our COVID-19 vocabulary. The concept keeps us safe but also keeps us apart. It has forced us to find new ways to engage with each other—to find ways to remain social but from a distance. The arts were made for this. Consider that while in a museum hopefully the art touches your heart, your soul, and your mind—you look but never physically touch. Music and performance art resonate physically though you only watch and listen. You may never share space with a poet or a writer, but you may share a deep and lasting connection with their words.

With the closure of places like art galleries, theaters, and even street theater in a time of social distancing—we still have opportunities to continue to share and be touched through cultural initiatives like BOPA’s #IAmBaltimoreArt featuring the work of Baltimore-based artists. As they share their work and words about their art, the initiative becomes a series of profound touches and a way to circumvent the confines of social distancing without risking our health. Learn more about #IAmBaltimoreArt and other cultural and community touches in this week’s BOPA newsletter.

Be well and stay safe and engaged—even from a distance.  

Donna Drew Sawyer

CEO, Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts