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

January 2027 | March 2027

$2,500 per award; annual, one-time payment; funds must be spent or obligated by reporting deadline.

Supports Maryland independent artists’ working or living expenses through holistic, non-project-based grants to strengthen the creative workforce.

Selection is randomized among eligible applicants; not all eligible applicants are funded.

--- ## Description This annual program, administered by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), provides $2,500 grants to independent artists residing in Maryland. The grants are intended to support artists’ working or living expenses and are not tied to specific projects or artistic products. The program’s goal is to enhance the sustainability of artists’ livelihoods and strengthen Maryland’s creative workforce, which is viewed as a vital part of the state’s economy and culture. All artistic disciplines supported by MSAC are eligible, including dance, music, visual art, public art, folk and traditional arts, media arts, literary arts, and theatre. --- ## Due Dates - January 2027 (anticipated/projected) - March 2027 (anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $2,500, paid in a single disbursement. - Funds must be spent or legally obligated by the reporting deadline (typically August of the award year). - The number of awards depends on available funding; not all eligible applicants will receive funding. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be independent artists (not affiliated with an institution or organization). - Be currently engaged in a sustained artistic practice in a discipline supported by MSAC. - Be Maryland residents (owning or renting residential property in Maryland for at least six months prior to application and throughout the grant period). - Be 18 years of age or older. - Be in good standing with MSAC (all previous reporting and obligations fulfilled). Applicants may **not**: - Be enrolled in any matriculated high school, undergraduate, or graduate degree program at the time of application and throughout the funded activities. - Have received a GFA award in the most recent cycle (must skip a year before reapplying). - Apply as a collaborative group (members may apply individually if eligible). - Apply on behalf of an organization, LLC, institution, or government agency. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the [SmartSimple grants management system](https://marylandarts.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp). - The application collects eligibility information, artist details, two recent work samples, a spending plan, and a signed W-9 form. - No detailed project description or budget is required; funding is not tied to a specific project. - Applications are reviewed for eligibility by MSAC staff (not scored for artistic merit). - Eligible applications are grouped by county/jurisdiction, and awards are allocated proportionally by geographic distribution. - Grantees are selected at random from among eligible applicants in each jurisdiction. - Notification typically occurs within 1–2 months after the deadline. - Award recipients must submit a final report by the specified deadline (typically August of the award year). --- ## Additional Information - **Use of Funds:** Grants may be used for a wide range of working or living expenses, including administrative costs, equipment, studio or workspace, materials, marketing, childcare, housing, insurance, medical costs, utilities, and more. See the [program guidelines](https://www.msac.org/programs/grants-artists) for details. - **Ineligible Uses:** Funds may not support activities tied to regular employment, political contributions, lobbying, activities already completed, or expenses already funded by another MSAC grant. - **Work Samples:** Two recent samples are required; social media links are not accepted. If AI tools are used in the creation of work samples, applicants must disclose and describe their use. - **Accessibility:** MSAC offers accessibility and language support for applicants; contact staff for assistance. - **Selection:** Due to funding limitations, not all eligible applicants will be funded; selection is randomized after eligibility review. --- ## External Links - [Program Page – Grants for Artists (MSAC)](https://www.msac.org/programs/grants-artists) - [How to Apply Webinar Recording](https://youtu.be/1O71ISWRbxs) - [FY 2026 Guidelines (PDF)](https://msac.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/FY%202026%20Grants%20for%20Artist%20Guidelines%20(1).pdf) - [SmartSimple Application Portal](https://marylandarts.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp) - [Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)](https://www.msac.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/GFA%20FAQ%20%28Updated%202026%29%20%281%29.pdf) - [Work Sample Guidance (PDF)](https://www.msac.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/GFA%20Work%20Sample%20Guidance_0.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Jess Porter | Senior Program Director | [jess.porter@maryland.gov](mailto:jess.porter@maryland.gov) | (667) 355-7983 | | Catherine Teixeira | Grants Director | [catherine.teixeira@maryland.gov](mailto:catherine.teixeira@maryland.gov) | (443) 799-7256 | | Tammy Oppel | Grants Management Associate | [tammy.oppel@maryland.gov](mailto:tammy.oppel@maryland.gov) | (410) 326-5555 | | Kirk Amaral Snow | Grants Management Associate | [kirk.amaralsnow@maryland.gov](mailto:kirk.amaralsnow@maryland.gov) | (410) 767-8865 | | General Inquiries | MSAC Main Office | [msac.commerce@maryland.gov](mailto:msac.commerce@maryland.gov) | (410) 767-6555 | For additional support, visit the [MSAC contact page](https://www.msac.org/contact).

Grants for Artists

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