$300K Arts Capital Grant
The Arts Council is thrilled to announce that we were recently awarded a $300k Arts Capital grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) to support renovations at the Historic Circuit Courthouse in Ellicott City where we will be relocating to in 2025.
This funding will support the renovation and repurposing of two courtrooms into a flexible community black box theatre that will be available to local arts groups and presenters to rent through our facility rental program. This new location offers expanded parking, access to public transportation, and proximity to the thriving business community of Old Ellicott City.
MSAC’s Arts Capital grant program was made through legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021 allocating $3,000,000 per year for five years (FY24-FY29) to be distributed as grants to eligible arts organizations. These funds, distributed through the Arts Capital grant, provide eligible organizations with state capital funding for projects that improve or produce a complete, usable, and accessible arts facility.
New Resident Studio Artist Jillian Roper
Jillian Roper is a printmaker and an art educator. She received her BFA and MAT from the Maryland Institute College of Art and is currently pursuing an MFA in Printmaking at Towson University. With a career spanning 24 years as an art educator in Howard County, she has influenced countless students, fostering creativity and a love for the arts in her community. Her intricate, nature-inspired block prints have been showcased in galleries and businesses both in the U.S. and abroad. She is the sole owner and operator of Jump Jack Studio, a small business showcasing her art. You can find out more about Jillian and her work by visiting www.jumpjackstudio.com. Welcome to the Center, Jillian!
Youth Poet Laureate Announcement
September 23, 4:30-6pm
Busboys and Poets, Columbia
Howard County Executive Ball, the Howard County Arts Council, and the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society (HoCoPoLitSo) invite you to attend the announcement and appointment of Howard County’s inaugural Youth Poet Laureate.
The Youth Poet Laureate, an honorary one-year position formally appointed by the County Executive, will act as an ambassador for literacy, arts, and youth expression. The Youth Poet Laureate will demonstrate a passion for poetry and its power to connect our communities through local public readings and participation in civic events.
This event is free and open to the public; however, registration is required to attend the event. Click here to register for tickets.
Howard County Launches Arts for All Public Art Program
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball has unveiled the county’s inaugural permanent public art program, Arts for All. Developed in collaboration with the Arts Council, Arts for All aims to transform community spaces and county facilities with vibrant, permanent art installations.
The Arts for All initiative marks a significant milestone for the county, emphasizing the pivotal role of public art in placemaking. “We believe that public art is not just about beautifying spaces but also about creating meaningful connections within our community,” said County Executive Calvin Ball. “Arts for All will showcase the incredible talent of our local artists and provide residents with unique opportunities for engagement and reflection.”
To ensure that the Arts for All program resonates with the community, we developed a survey to collect input from county residents about what themes, types of art, and potential installation sites they would like included in the program. Open throughout the summer of 2024, the survey aims to gather diverse perspectives and insights from residents of all backgrounds. Residents are encouraged to take part in the three-minute survey to contribute their ideas and preferences.
For those interested in learning more about Arts for All or participating in the survey, further details can be found here.