Maryland State Arts Council Emergency Grant Applications Now Open

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 the legislation, MSAC will prioritize grants to organizations that have not received prior funding from MSAC or do not qualify for funding under other MSAC programs. Grant categories include:

• Emergency Grants for Arts Organizations provide funding to Maryland arts organizations, County Arts Agencies, and Arts & Entertainment Districts for losses sustained because of programming, operations, and events that have been modified or cancelled due to the COVID-19.
• Emergency Grants for Independent Artists provide funding to Maryland artists for losses sustained because of programming, operations, and events that have been modified or cancelled due to the COVID-19.
• Special Request Grants support needs of arts organizations and programs that fall outside of the eligibility of MSAC’s established grant programs.

All applicants must complete an application through SmartSimple to request funding. Applications open March 5, 2021 and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on April 1, 2021 to be considered for funding.

An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, March 10th, at 2 p.m. to provide an overview of the grant, its process, and how to apply.