Dear Maryland Arts Advocates,
As the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session officially ended on Monday, Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA) extends our heartfelt thanks to the thousands of artists, administrators, and advocates who showed up—again and again—to fight for the arts.
This year, we faced one of the most challenging legislative environments in decades. With a projected $3 billion budget deficit and increased scrutiny on state spending, the future of our long-standing arts funding structures was at serious risk. Yet, thanks to your advocacy—your emails, your calls, your testimonies, and your presence—we emerged with our core funding intact and even a small victory to celebrate. Here’s what we achieved together:
- Preserved the Arts Stabilization Act and its 30-year funding formula, protecting the foundational legislation that sustains Maryland’s arts ecosystem.
- Secured $31.25 million in operating funds for the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), a modest increase over FY25 despite a challenging fiscal climate.
- Maintained $3 million in capital funds for the Arts & Culture Capital Grant Program, funding the 3rd year of this incredibly successful and national model for capital investment in the arts!
These outcomes are nothing short of remarkable—and a direct result of your collective effort to demonstrate the value of the arts to every Marylander.
We also thank Governor Moore, the General Assembly, and especially our legislative arts champions for recognizing that the arts are not a luxury—they are essential to our state’s identity, and economic vitality.
As we look ahead, we understand that more challenging budget cycles may be on the horizon. Maryland remains one of the few states with a budget closely tied to federal outputs. This makes our collective voice—and MCA’s work—more critical than ever. Please don’t forget to thank your lawmakers—you can click here to do so!
To our board, partners, and the thousands of grassroots advocates who took action, thank you. Let’s carry this momentum forward. The work doesn’t stop here!
Finally, Consider making a contribution to sustain MCA’s advocacy and ensure the arts remain a top priority in Maryland’s future.
ONWARD!
Nicholas Cohen
Executive Director
Maryland Citizens for the Arts
Message to lawmakers:
Thank you for your support of the arts during the 2025 legislative session. By preserving the Arts Stabilization Act and maintaining strong funding for the Maryland State Arts Council, you’ve helped ensure that the arts continue to thrive in every corner of our state. Your leadership affirms the essential role creativity plays in Maryland’s economy, education, and community well-being.
Thank you!