Maryland has stood as a beacon of arts and cultural support for decades. It is recognized nationally for its robust investment in the arts, consistently coming in the top five in the country. This distinction is not accidental but deeply rooted in the Arts Stabilization Act of 1994. This legislation has ensured that the Maryland State Arts Council’s (MSAC) funding grows in tandem with the state’s General Fund, creating a stable foundation upon which the arts sector has flourished. The potential removal of this act threatens to undermine this legacy, impacting not only arts organizations but the fabric of our communities across Maryland. Any cuts in MSAC’s funding would disproportionately impact smaller organizations, those in rural areas, and those who serve underserved populations, ultimately leading to a less diverse and accessible arts landscape.
For more information about how important the Arts Stabilization Act is, see the Maryland Citizen’s op-ed piece here.
And join the Howard County Arts Council at Maryland Arts Day hosted by Maryland Citizens for the Arts in Annapolis on February 13 to advocate for arts funding by registering here.
Howard County Flag Redesign – Cast Your Vote Today!
Deadline: January 12
The redesign of the Howard County flag is entering its final stage—and we need YOUR input! This is your opportunity to help shape the future of our flag by ranking the final ten designs on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being your favorite and 10 being your least preferred.
The Howard County Flag Commission began accepting submissions in Spring 2024. After reviewing all entries, 184 designs were selected for public comment and consideration. After a public hearing and thorough deliberation, the Commission narrowed it down to 10 finalists. Now, it’s your turn to make your voice heard.
Don’t miss this exciting chance to be part of history! To view the final 10 designs and cast your vote, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/flag. Voting ends January 12!
Summer Art Camp Counselors & Volunteers Needed
Application deadline: February 28 (for Camp Counselors) March 31 (for Camp Volunteers)
Looking for a fun summer job or community service hours? Apply now to be a Counselor or Volunteer for our summer art camp program!
Visual and performing arts camps are offered to children grades K-7 grades in one-week sessions from June 23 – August 22. Camp counselors and volunteers serve as classroom aides and help ensure that campers have a positive and safe camp experience during week-long arts camps.
Camp Counselors:
- Must be age 18 by June 15, 2025
- Must be able to commit to at least one full camp session, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
- Position is seasonal and is paid at the rate of $15/hr.
Camp Volunteers:
- Must be age 15 by September 1, 2025.
- Must be able to commit to at least one entire week ½ day camp session, Monday-Friday, 8:45am-12:00pm or 12:30pm-3:45pm.
- Position is seasonal and unpaid; however, community service hours may be earned.
For more information and to apply, follow the appropriate link below:
Shape the Future of Arts and Culture in Howard County: Arts & Cultural Plan Launch
Join us at the official kick-off and press announcement of the Howard County Arts & Culture Plan on Thursday, January 23 from 11-11:30am in Monteabaro Hall at the Horowitz Center, Howard Community College.
Howard County’s previous comprehensive arts and cultural plan was last updated in 2003 and over the past 20 years, the county has grown substantially and experienced significant shifts in population and demographics, changing the demands for arts and culture experiences along with the needs of artists and arts organizations. Over the next two years, the Arts Council will work with a 31-person steering committee made up of local community leaders and Designing Local, a firm that specializes in arts and culture planning to capture a shared vision for the future role of arts and culture in our community.
The new Howard County Arts & Culture Plan aims to inventory existing arts and culture assets in the county, identify strategies to grow and engage creative resources, guide future investments in the sector, and address the changing needs of the diverse local arts and culture communities. The plan also seeks to ensure the sustainability of the creative sector and promote economic and community development through the arts.
The HoCo Arts & Culture Plan Kick-Off & Press Announcement will take place at 11am, with a performance beginning at 10:45am to welcome community members into the space. The event will include remarks from local public officials, project leadership, and a project introduction by the consultant team.
We are excited to build on the strong foundation that has been built in Howard County as we bring a community vision for arts and culture to life. Please join us to learn more about the planning process and how you can make your voice heard.
More here: 1/7/25 Press Release
Courthouse Renovation Update
Demolition is complete and renovations have begun at the former Circuit Courthouse in Old Ellicott City! Staff recently had the opportunity to do a hard-hat tour with David Mitchell who serves as Program Director for the Maryland State Arts Council, which awarded us $300k for this capital project. We are happy to report that the former courtrooms are well on their way to being transformed into a black box theatre, dance studio, and galleries. And the judge’s chambers and offices have been gutted to make way for studios and spaces for our resident arts organizations. Throughout the facility, walls and ceilings have come down, opening the space to create a more welcoming and engaging experience for all and we are looking forward to seeing more transformations as the county works to ready our new home for the arts.
The former Circuit Courthouse in historic Ellicott City will be transformed into an 80,000-square-foot center dedicated to arts, culture, and history. The new facility will house the Howard County Arts Council, the long awaited Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Cultural Center, the County’s award-winning Roving Radish program, and a Shared Commercial Kitchen space. Stay tuned here for updates!
HCAC’s Arts Chat
December 18 at 1pm
HCAC’s ARTS CHAT is a monthly virtual meeting aimed at bringing together Howard County’s arts organizations and presenters. Join us and discuss our successes and challenges. Registration is required. To participate, click the link to register. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting.
HCAC’s Arts Chat
December 18 at 1pm
HCAC’s ARTS CHAT is a monthly virtual meeting aimed at bringing together Howard County’s arts organizations and presenters. Join us and discuss our successes and challenges. Registration is required. To participate, click the link to register. Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting.
Be An Early Bird – Join Today for a Discount Tomorrow!
Camp Registration Opens in January
Get ready for camp registration by joining the Arts Council as a $50 Family member. As a member, you have access to 10% off each registered camp session for each child in your household. Plus, access to other great benefits! Visit www.hocoarts.org/membership to get started!
Howard County Flag Design – Cast Your Vote Today!
Deadline: January 12
The Howard County flag redesign is entering its final round—and we need YOUR input! This is your chance to help shape the future of Howard County’s flag by ranking 10 of the final designs. Rank each design on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being your favorite and 10 being the least preferred. The Howard County Flag Commission opened submissions for a new flag design in Spring 2024. After reviewing all entries, 184 designs were selected and posted for public comment and consideration. Following a public hearing and careful deliberation, the Commission narrowed the designs down to 10 finalists, and now it’s time for you to make your voice heard.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of history! To view the final 10 flag designs and to vote, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/flag. Your vote and feedback are due by January 12th!
CONGRATULATIONS ANGELINA LIM!
27th ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS
The 2024 Celebration of the Arts was a resounding success! Guests savored food and drinks from local restaurants, participated in the Art Auction by bidding on stunning works by talented local artists, and were captivated by the remarkable performances at the Rising Star Performing Arts Competition.
As the performances wrapped up in the Smith Theatre, the audience cast their votes and selected flautist Angelina Lim as the 2024 Rising Star for her performance of “Caprice No. 24” in A minor by Niccoló Paganini.
Other highlights of the evening included guest performances by Howard County Poet Laureate Truth Thomas, the American Jow Ga Lion Dance Team, Fidgety Feet, Columbia Jazz Band, Bruce Casteel and the presentation of the Howie Awards, honoring individuals whose contributions help make our community such a wonderful place for the arts. This year’s Howie honorees were Fahimeh Vahdat, Outstanding Artist; Rebecca Clark, Outstanding Arts Educator; and Holly Gudelsky Stone, Outstanding Community Supporter of the Arts. A special Legacy in the Arts Award was presented to Deborah White-Bondhus.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to our Celebration Committee and volunteers—this event wouldn’t have been possible without your incredible efforts! We also extend our special gratitude to our generous sponsors and culinary and beverage sponsors. Your support means the world to us—THANK YOU!