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

March 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

$2,500 per award; annual program; funds may be used for living or working expenses.

Provides $2,500 grants to eligible independent artists in Maryland to support their artistic practice and sustainability.

Highly competitive; selection is randomized among eligible applicants within each Maryland county/jurisdiction.

--- ## Description This program offers annual, flexible funding to independent artists in Maryland, supporting both living and working expenses. The goal is to strengthen the creative workforce by providing direct, holistic support to artists, rather than funding specific projects or products. The application process is designed to be accessible, with eligibility as the primary criterion, and awards are distributed via a randomized selection process that ensures fair geographic representation across Maryland. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Each award is $2,500. - Funds can be used for a wide range of living and working expenses, including but not limited to: - Administrative costs, consultant fees, equipment, exhibition costs, studio or workspace expenses, materials, marketing, technical support, travel, and website development. - Living expenses such as housing, utilities, food, childcare, insurance, medical costs, and student loans. - No match required. - Grants are considered taxable income; recipients will receive a 1099 form if awarded over $600. --- ## Eligibility **Eligible Applicants:** - Independent artists (not applying on behalf of an organization, LLC, collective, or institution). - Maryland residents (must have owned or rented residential property in Maryland for at least six months prior to application and throughout the grant period). - 18 years of age or older. - Actively engaged in a sustained artistic practice in a discipline supported by MSAC (e.g., dance, music, visual art, public art, folk/traditional arts, media arts, literary arts, theatre). - In good standing with MSAC (all prior grant requirements fulfilled). **Ineligible Applicants:** - Enrolled in any matriculated high school, undergraduate, or graduate degree program at the time of application and through June 30 of the award year. - FY 2025 GFA award recipients (must skip one year before reapplying). - Collaborative groups or organizations. - LLCs and other business entities (must apply as individuals). - Those applying for activities affiliated with or on behalf of an entity. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [SmartSimple grants management system](https://www.msac.org/programs/grants-artists). - Required materials: - Completed online application form. - Two work samples (original works reflecting current, sustained practice; must be in accepted formats and created within the last five years). - Social media links are not accepted. - If generative AI was used, disclosure and explanation are required; work must reflect primary creative control by the applicant. - Brief narrative describing artistic practice and use of funds. - Current, signed W-9 form (address must match application). - No detailed project budget or merit review required; eligibility and compliance are the primary criteria. - Selection is randomized within each county/jurisdiction among eligible applicants to ensure geographic equity. - Grantees must spend or obligate all funds by August 15 of the award year and file a brief final report. --- ## Additional Information - The program is highly competitive; in recent years, the funding rate has been approximately 13%. - Applicants who are declined are encouraged to apply again in subsequent cycles. - Technical and application assistance is available from MSAC staff. - Accessibility and language accommodations are available upon request. - The program is subject to change; always review the current guidelines on the MSAC website before applying. --- ## External Links - [Program Page: Grants for Artists (MSAC)](https://www.msac.org/programs/grants-artists) - [MSAC Opportunities for Artists](https://msac.org/opportunities/opportunities-artists) - [FY 2026 Guidelines (PDF)](https://msac.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/FY%202026%20Grants%20for%20Artist%20Guidelines%20(1).pdf) - [How to Apply: Grants for Artists (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O71ISWRbxs) - [Contact MSAC](https://www.msac.org/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Topic | Contact Person/Email | Phone | |-------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Program/Application Assistance | Jess Porter, Senior Program Director
[jess.porter@maryland.gov](mailto:jess.porter@maryland.gov) | (667) 355-7983 | | Grants Logistics/Tech Support | Catherine Teixeira, Grants Director
[catherine.teixeira@maryland.gov](mailto:catherine.teixeira@maryland.gov)
Tammy Oppel, Grants Management Associate
[tammy.oppel@maryland.gov](mailto:tammy.oppel@maryland.gov)
Kirk Amaral Snow, Grants Management Associate
[kirk.amaralsnow@maryland.gov](mailto:kirk.amaralsnow@maryland.gov) | (443) 799-7256
(410) 326-5555
(410) 767-8865 | | General Inquiries | [msac.commerce@maryland.gov](mailto:msac.commerce@maryland.gov) | (410) 767-6555 |

Independent Artist Awards

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