December is one of my favorite months. One of my strongest childhood associations is the annual local production of The Nutcracker. I vividly remember the awe that I felt watching the tree magically rise out of the stage, with the snow falling, and the adult dancers performing feats, of which I could only aspire. Later, when I was an adult dancer, the Nutcracker sometimes felt more of a slog that we suffered through (as many as 45 times in a year!) than a wondrous experience. But no matter how sloggy it felt, I was somehow always able to tap into those childhood memories and feel the magic again, even if only for a moment. Recalling my own childhood wonder motivated me to continue creating that magic for others.  

Reflections like these help take us out of our daily grind and remind us why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve been reflecting on the past few months recently, and I’m in awe of the work of team MSAC. Since July, we’ve awarded close to $25 million in grants, and we expect to send notifications for $26 million in Arts Relief General Operating Support (ARGOS) grants this month. In addition, the first round of Public Art grants will be awarded in December, and the ARGOS application for FY23 Creativity grantees opens this month, giving the opportunity for mostly small-budget, community-based organizations to access additional MSAC general operating support this year. Making these investments in our arts sector will mean more arts activities in our communities in the coming months and more stable arts organizations in Maryland going forward, and that's a great thing!

Wishing you a very happy holiday season and hoping you take the time this month for your own reflections.

Steven Skerritt-Davis, Executive Director

MSAC PROGRAM UPDATES

ARTS IN EDUCATION

3rd Annual Arts Education Symposium on Anti-Racism presented by AEMS!

Arts Education in Maryland Schools (AEMS) 3rd Annual Arts Education Symposium on Anti-Racism returns with keynote speaker Ivory Toldson Ph.D., national director of Education Innovation and Research for the NAACP, professor of counseling psychology at Howard University and editor-in-chief of The Journal of Negro Education. Participate in healing and learning sessions in affinity spaces with expert facilitators, collaborate in anti-racism arts education breakouts for each arts discipline, and more. This is a virtual conference for arts educators and teaching artists. This event will take place virtually on Saturday, February 4 from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Early registration starting at $10 is open through December 31. Reserve your spot today by clicking here.

Click here to Read More Information About Maryland State Arts Council Update - December 2022