BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) today announced more than $24 million in operating grants to 364 nonprofit theaters, galleries, museums, community arts spaces, and other arts institutions in every region of the state. These grants provide support for regular operating costs at arts organizations that meet a high standard of community-responsive arts programming.
“The arts bolster economic vitality, unite people, encourage dialogue, and foster a sense of belonging in our communities,” said Governor Wes Moore. “Investment in arts organizations shows our commitment to sustaining a strong arts infrastructure, ensuring all Marylanders have access to arts experiences and can experience the highest quality of life.”
The funding was granted through MSAC’s Grants for Organizations, Arts and Entertainment Districts, County Arts Development, and Folklife Network programs, with the complete list of awardees available online.
MSAC is a unit of the Maryland Department of Commerce dedicated to advancing the arts in Maryland by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, and lifelong learning through the arts. In addition to generating a direct economic impact of almost $1 billion, MSAC grants contribute to a broader creative sector impact of $12.8 billion, according to a recent study.
“We are committed to making sure all our state’s arts organizations have the opportunity to succeed by providing substantial financial support through fair and transparent processes,” said MSAC Executive Director Steven Skerritt-Davis. “In such a dynamic arts sector filled with individuals who are truly passionate about their work, MSAC's longstanding, sustained commitment to providing our general operating support funding to organizations helps foster creativity and benefits everyone in our state.”
MSAC staff directed the granting process, with members of the public serving as expert panelists by reviewing applications and providing critical feedback. Organizations interested in learning more about MSAC’s available general operating support grants may visit msac.org for details.