[Maryland State Arts Council](https://www.msac.org)

December 2026 (Full application) | December 2026 (Request staff feedback)

Up to $10,000 (planning grants) and up to $30,000 (project grants) per award; typically 1-year duration.

Supports Maryland organizations in conserving and preserving existing local public artworks for ongoing public benefit.

Only Maryland-based organizations (not individuals) are eligible to apply for Conservation Grants.

--- ## Description This grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) provides funding to organizations for the conservation and preservation of existing public artworks located in Maryland communities. The goal is to maintain and sustain local public art, ensuring its continued accessibility and cultural value for the public. Eligible projects include both planning (such as assessments and conservation strategies) and direct conservation work (such as restoration, maintenance, and site improvements) for a wide variety of public art forms. --- ## Due Dates - December 2026: Full application deadline for Conservation Grant (anticipated/projected) - December 2026: Deadline to request Public Art staff feedback on your application (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Planning Grants: Up to $10,000 - Project Grants: Up to $30,000 - Typically, awards are for a 1-year project period. - It is not required to receive a Planning Grant before applying for a Project Grant. - Only one Public Art Across Maryland (PAAM) grant application may be submitted per fiscal year. - Organizations that received a Project Grant (New Artworks or Conservation) in the prior fiscal year are not eligible to apply in the subsequent year. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** - Maryland-based nonprofit organizations (IRS-designated 501(c)(3)) - Nonprofit, Maryland-based fiscal sponsor organizations applying on behalf of Maryland-based groups, projects, or artists (with a Model A fiscal sponsorship agreement) - Units of government (town, city, county, state) - Colleges, universities, and K–12 schools in Maryland - **Ineligible Applicants:** - Individuals/artists applying independently (only organizations may apply for Conservation Grants) - Organizations not based in Maryland - **Artwork Eligibility:** - The artwork must be considered public art as defined by MSAC (physically present, accessible to the public, and located in Maryland) - May include sculpture, murals, mosaics, mixed media, photography, digital works, and functional amenities (e.g., benches, bike racks) - Artwork must comply with local regulations and permitting requirements - For artworks on private property, the site must be significant to the community and publicly accessible --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [SmartSimple grants portal](https://marylandarts.smartsimple.com). - Applicants may request feedback from Public Art staff prior to the application deadline. - Required materials typically include: - Project description and goals - Conservation plan or project schedule - Budget - Team roster and qualifications (for conservation work) - Maps, photos, and letters of permission (for project grants) - The grant review process involves a panel of public art professionals who score applications based on published criteria. Final awards are determined by MSAC staff. --- ## Additional Information - Grant funds can be used for: - Planning: Consultant/conservator fees, administrative/project management, community engagement, collection management, and technology - Projects: Conservation/restoration work, relocation (within Maryland), site improvements, signage, lighting, and project management (up to 10% of request) - Grantees are notified of award status typically in March, with funding disbursed approximately 8 weeks after signing the grant agreement. - Technical assistance and professional development resources are available through MSAC. - For detailed guidelines, allowable activities, and application instructions, see the [Conservation Grant program page](https://www.msac.org/programs/public-art/conservation-grant). --- ## External Links - [Conservation Grant Program Overview](https://www.msac.org/programs/public-art/conservation-grant) - [MSAC Public Art Program](https://www.msac.org/programs/public-art) - [Public Art Resources & Webinars](https://www.msac.org/public-art-resources) - [SmartSimple Grant Portal (Apply)](https://marylandarts.smartsimple.com) - [MSAC Glossary of Public Art Terms](https://msac.org/resources/msac-glossary) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------|---------------| | General MSAC Inquiries | [msac.commerce@maryland.gov](mailto:msac.commerce@maryland.gov) | 410-767-6555 | | Public Art Project Manager (Nora Howell) | [nora.howell@maryland.gov](mailto:nora.howell@maryland.gov) | 410-938-1695 | | Public Art Program Director (C. Ryan Patterson) | [ryan.patterson1@maryland.gov](mailto:ryan.patterson1@maryland.gov) | 443-721-3085 |

Conservation Grant

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