HoCo Arts is inviting artists, creatives, and community members to get involved through a series of engaging events this October. These gatherings are designed to foster meaningful discussion, identify challenges, and explore opportunities within the local arts scene. Your input is vital in ensuring the Arts & Culture Plan reflects the real needs of Howard County’s creative community.
State of the Howard County Creative Community
Date: Wednesday, October 8
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Merriweather Post Pavillion
This session is a convening open to the wider creative community. Stations will be organized around the space and small group conversations will occur in those zones with a drop box for your ideas and thoughts. We will explore together across these topics:
- What cultural traditions and practices do we need to uplift and protect?
- What challenges do we need to overcome together to make creativity more accessible to all?
- If you had one bold wish for the creative future of Howard County, what would it be?
- What role should artists and cultural workers play in shaping the broader community?
Prosperity & the Arts: Tourism, Creative Industries, and Vitality
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: 9-10:30 am
Location: Cured 18 | 21 Restaurant
Join us for a private breakfast and conversation on how arts and culture fuel economic growth, attract tourism, and enrich community life. This session will include:
- A brief presentation on the Arts & Culture Plan’s goals and progress
- Small group discussions on the intersection of arts, business, and local vitality
- An array of breakfast items to suit all dietary requirements will be on offer, alongside tea, coffee and soft drinks will be provided.
This is a space for creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to connect and collaborate.
Whether you’re a visual artist, performer, writer, maker, or someone who supports the arts—your perspective is essential. The Arts & Culture Plan will set the stage for how Howard County supports and invests in creativity for years to come.
More than 500 community members have already shared their voice to help shape the Howard County Arts & Culture Plan—have you?
Take the survey and learn more about the Howard County Arts & Culture Plan here: hocoarts.org/support/arts-culture-plan