County Arts Development Grant 2026

The County Arts Development (CAD) Grant, administered by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), provides critical support to county arts agencies throughout Maryland. These grants aim to strengthen connections between local arts organizations, artists, and audiences while promoting a vibrant and diverse cultural landscape. By fostering arts activities across all disciplines, the CAD program ensures equitable access to arts funding through transparent and inclusive processes accessible to all constituents. Eligible applicants include local agencies or nonprofit organizations officially designated by their jurisdiction’s government as the county arts agency or council. These entities act as essential links between MSAC and their communities, encouraging artistic engagement and supporting initiatives that reflect the diversity of Maryland’s population. The grant program operates on an alternating schedule, with application deadlines for the Off Year on January 6, 2025, and for the On Year on January 31, 2025. Applications must be submitted through MSAC’s online portal, where detailed guidelines and instructions are provided to ensure applicants can navigate the process effectively. The CAD Grant program prioritizes goals such as promoting local arts activities, supporting artists and organizations at the community level, and ensuring funding is distributed equitably across the state. The program underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity and transparency in arts funding, enabling diverse communities to access and benefit from Maryland’s cultural resources. For further assistance, applicants can contact David D. Mitchell, Program Director, at david.mitchell1@maryland.gov or (443) 934-0544, or Jess Porter, Senior Program Director, at jess.porter@maryland.gov or (667) 355-7983. The CAD Grant program is instrumental in advancing the arts in Maryland, ensuring that local communities have the resources to cultivate creativity and enrich the cultural fabric of the state.