An Evening of Music, Dance, Literary, Theatrical, and Visual Arts to Commemorate Maryland State Arts Council 50 Years of Service to the Arts
Baltimore, MD (March 8, 2018) – The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) will host Celebration of the Arts to commemorate its 50th anniversary on Friday, April 20, 2018, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. The event will feature innovative work from artists and performers from around the state in celebration of MSAC’s commitment to empowering the arts, engaging communities, and creating artistic vibrancy in Maryland for 50 years and as a springboard to the future.
The evening’s festivities will include music, dance, poetry, theatrical performances, digital and visual art. Artists joining the celebration include the Barnstormers and RockCandy Cloggers, accompanied by the music of legendary folk artist Slim Harrison; performances by the Peace Mission Korean Dance Company, Sankofa Dance Theatre, and Flamenco Aparicio Dance Company with guitarist Ricardo Marlow. The creativity of Marylanders will shine through the talent of young Poetry Out Loud winners, the theatrical abilities of Imagination Stage, the music of Sombarkin’ and, the World Music of Jonathan Stone. The reception will also include traditional hands-on artist demonstrations and artworks by past individual artist award winners.
Celebration of the Arts is free and open to the public, however, registration is required as space is limited. Register at https://msac50.eventbrite.com. Thank you to our 50th anniversary sponsors, The Cordish Family Foundation Inc., Comcast Communications, Total Wine & More, The Abell Foundation, Story Farm, and MICA. For more information about the 50th anniversary celebration, you can also visit 50.msac.org or facebook facebook.com/mdartscouncil.
Prior to the evening’s event, MSAC is partnering with the alumni of Maryland School Art Programs, Maryland Department of Education and Arts Education in Maryland Schools Alliance, Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, and others to present the Best of Maryland Arts Education Festival starting at 11:00 a.m. throughout Baltimore City’s historic Mount Vernon district. The community will explode with creative energy when students, artists, educators, performers, administrators, faculty, and agency professionals gather to celebrate the impact of arts education in Maryland. First Lady Yumi Hogan, Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh and Maryland Department of Education Superintendent Dr. Karen Salmon will kick off the festival at the Washington Monument at 11:00 a.m. All events are free to the public. For a schedule and more information, you can visit bestofmdartsed.com.
MSAC Executive Director Ken Skrzesz commented on the Arts Council milestone and the first-time inter-agency collaboration, “As we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are excited to partner with the Fine Arts Office of the Maryland State Department of Education on this all-day event. Our goal is to gather in one of Baltimore's most beautiful and historical communities to showcase excellence in arts education. This inaugural collaboration is unique and allows student artists, arts educators and professional artists to highlight the great work that is occurring across the state.”
50th Anniversary of the Maryland State Arts Council:
Founded in 1967, the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is celebrating 50 years of service to the arts. As an agency of the State of Maryland Department of Commerce, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, it encourages and invests in the advancement of the arts for all Marylanders. Its grants and programs support artists and arts organizations in their pursuit of artistic excellence, ensure the accessibility of the arts to all citizens, and promote statewide awareness of arts resources and opportunities. MSAC awards grants to not-for-profit, tax-exempt organizations and individual artists, and provides technical and advisory assistance to individuals and groups. The agency is funded by an annual appropriation from the State of Maryland and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. MSAC may also receive contributions from private, non-governmental sources. For more information, go to 50.msac.org.
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