A new year, a fresh blanket of snow, and renewed energy to advocate for arts and culture. Here in Maryland, we are fortunate to have strong advocates for the arts, humanities, and arts education. This is particularly important as the Maryland General Assembly and Governor Wes Moore wrestle with an overwhelming budget deficit of over $3 billion.
Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is an IRS 501 (c)(4) arts advocacy organization committed to expanding the nonprofit arts sector through public investment and service, thereby enhancing lifelong learning, quality of life, and economic vitality for all Maryland citizens. MCA’s primary focus is on securing the funding that flows through the Maryland State Arts Council to arts organizations in every county in the state. Maryland is unique in that every member of the General Assembly has constituents (voters) who benefit from state arts funding, making the arts a truly bi-partisan concern. In addition to their work with legislators, MCA organizes MD Arts Day, which will take place again this year on Thursday, February 13. Together with the Arts Summit, these events are designed to mobilize the creative community. Sign up today for MCC advocacy alerts!
MCC’s Executive Director, Nicholas Cohen, MD Humanities Executive Director, Lindsey Baker, and I will be presenting next Monday at the MD Nonprofits Legislative Preview. If you are interested in learning more and/or attending follow this link.
Arts Education in MD Schools (AEMS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that all students in the state of Maryland have access to high-quality arts education by mobilizing power to communities through advocacy programs, professional and leadership programs, and resource building and sharing. Their work will be particularly important this year as legislators review the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. If you need a reminder about why arts education is important, AEMS points to the fact that “Students need the arts as part of a well-rounded education!Arts education develops creative problem-solving, critical thinking, language skills, and contributes to Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Students who participate in the arts have higher retention rates and perform higher academically.” And if you didn’t know it, arts education is required by law. Visit the AEMS website to learn more, view advocacy training videos, and find data that supports their efforts.
Arts and culture advocates need to be tuned in to what is happening as the Trump administration begins its second term. History shows that there will be calls to eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and more. Check out Americans for the Arts, a national advocacy organization that offers a wealth of resources, updates, webinars, and more.
A great resolution for the New Year? Learn as much as you can and get involved!
Make 2025 your year of engagement,
Jeannie
