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With the passage of the RELIEF Act of 2021 by the Maryland General Assembly, the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) will distribute $5 million through its Emergency Grant Program. Created in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 State of Emergency, Emergency Grants provide funding to arts organizations and artists for losses sustained because of programming, operations, and events that have been modified or cancelled. This fourth round of MSAC Emergency Grant funding is available to independent artists, arts organizations, County Arts Agencies, and Arts & Entertainment District management entities. Per...

This week, celebrate Women's History Month by learning more about a distinctive woman of courage, get ready for St. Patrick's Day with the fighting Irish, or take some time to Lunch and Learn. Enjoy these events from our partners! Click on the event title for more information. Coffee with Ken: Folklife Date: Tuesday, March 9 Time: 9:00 am Location: Online Host Organization: Maryland State Arts Council Join MSAC’s Executive Director, Ken Skrzesz and your fellow colleagues across the state on Tuesday mornings with your favorite coffee drink (or tea, if you’re like Ken!) for...

Our friends at the Downtown Annapolis Partnership have been working hard to keep us busy this March, together with our own Maryland Day Weekend event and St. Patrick's Day, of course! Join in throughout the month for these events in downtown Annapolis, all great ways to support some of your favorite local businesses and organizations. Click on the event title for more information. Annapolis Oyster Fest Dates: March 1 to March 21 (Happening Now!) Featuring the Maryland Oyster, a Maryland seafood delicacy that goes perfectly with a craft beer. This culinary event features our...

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. On February 24, The Small Business Administration established a 14-day, exclusive PPP loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees. This exclusive window is intended to give lenders and community partners more time to work with the smallest businesses to submit their applications, while also ensuring that larger PPP-eligible businesses will still have plenty of time to apply for and receive support before the program expires on March 31,...

Do you own a business in downtown Annapolis? If so, you could qualify for an Annapolis Main Street Grant. Our friends at the Downtown Annapolis Partnership shared the following information about their new grant program: Governor Hogan announced $7 million in grant funding for the MD-SERI Main Street Grant which is part of the Governor’s Maryland Strong Economic Recovery Initiative. This program was funded out of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and will be divided among the state’s 33 designated Main Street Maryland communities and Baltimore City’s 8...

Enjoy an online lecture, wine tasting, or art tour this week. Our partners continue to do an outstanding job of bringing you new virtual experiences! Click on the event title for more information. Virtual Lecture - America's First Daughter: Patsy Jefferson Date: Tuesday, March 2 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Online Host Organization: Historic Annapolis Much of what we know about Thomas Jefferson is what his daughter Patsy Jefferson allowed us to know. Find out why that is when New York Times bestselling author Laura Kamoie discusses the history behind and writing of her...

The following was shared with us by the Maryland Transportation Authority and the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study. We encourage our partners and supporters to get involved by attending a public hearing and providing public comments on the project. Public comments are currently being accepted through May 10, 2021. Your input will have an impact on the future of mobility in one of the most important corridors of Anne Arundel County. The Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the...

We hope you enjoy these events from our partners. There's a lot to choose from this week to keep you busy through this last week of February! Click on the event title for more information. Equity and Justice in Employment Procedures Date: Tuesday, February 23 Time: 9:00 am Location: Online Host Organization: Maryland State Arts Council Join MSAC’s Executive Director, Ken Skrzesz and your fellow colleagues across the state on Tuesday mornings! Ken is joined by special guests Michael Ross, Executive Director and Stephanie Ybarra, Artistic Director of Baltimore Center Stage to share...

Are you a heritage organization trying to recover from the impact of COVID-19? Or a frequent visitor to local museums who can provide feedback on your experience? Help our partners by taking a survey to support their strategic planning efforts. COVID-19 Impacts on Maryland's Cultural, Historical and Natural Heritage Organizations The Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) and the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority (MHAA) want to hear from organizations doing historical, natural and cultural heritage-related work around the state. To date, how has your organization been impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting changes to...

The Shuttered Venue Operator Grant from SBA, providing emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by the COVID pandemic, is still not yet accepting applications. However, we believe the demand will be high once the application portal is open and would like our partners to be as prepared as possible to secure funding if eligible. In a past post, we provided you with Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Information, including eligibility requirements and links to an FAQ sheet and informational webinar. Here is a list of recommendations provided directly by Americans for the...