Artwork Commissions
Supports the creation and conservation of new, permanent public artworks in Maryland state-owned spaces through commissions and grants for artists and organizations.
Funder: Maryland State Arts Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2026 (Maryland Public Artist Roster) | December 2026 (Public Art Across Maryland: New Artworks & Conservation) | December 2026 (Request for Public Art staff feedback)
Funding Amounts: Commissions typically range from $50,000 to $1,500,000 per project; New Artworks/Conservation grants: up to $10,000 (Planning) or $30,000 (Project).
Summary: Supports the commissioning of new, permanent public artworks for Maryland state-owned buildings and provides grants for public art planning, creation, and conservation.
Key Information: Application to the Public Artist Roster is required for commission consideration.
Description
The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) Artwork Commissions program is the state's Percent-for-Art initiative, designed to integrate public art into new or renovated state-owned facilities. Through this program, artists from the Maryland Public Artist Roster are contracted to create new, site-responsive, and permanent artworks that enhance public spaces and foster community engagement. In addition to direct commissions, MSAC offers grant opportunities for the planning, creation, and conservation of public artworks through the Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) program.
The program aims to support both individual artists and organizations in bringing high-quality, accessible public art to communities across Maryland. The Public Artist Roster serves as the primary pool from which artists are selected for state-funded commissions.
