Maryland has stood as a beacon of arts and cultural support for decades. It is recognized nationally for its robust investment in the arts. We are deeply proud of our state!
Maryland’s nation-leading commitment to the arts is rooted in the Arts Stabilization Act of 1994, signed into law by then-Governor William Donald Schaefer. 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. Yet Governor Wes Moore has recommended ending the Arts Stabilization Act in his 2026 Budget Reconciliation and Financing Bill. This threatens to undermine Maryland’s legacy, impacting not only arts organizations but the fabric of our communities.

The Cecil County Arts Council
The 1994 Act provides a predictable, dependable funding stream to MSAC, which in turn uses that money to support artists and arts organizations, including the Cecil County Arts Council. Knowing how much funding we can anticipate makes it possible to engage in long-term planning, which is vital for effective public service. It allows us to develop innovative educational programs, present diverse artistic voices, and create accessible experiences for Marylanders of all backgrounds – and support our partner organizations as they do the same. Removing the act would not immediately cause a reduction in funding, but rather remove the protections that allow us to count on a certain amount of money each year. Without it, arts funding – always a vulnerable target in budget negotiations – would become a political volleyball, in constant need of lobbying and perpetually at risk of getting slashed. In other words, Gov. Moore’s recommendation would introduce volatility and insecurity, forcing organizations to focus on mere survival rather than artistic growth and community engagement.

The Arts Council collaborated with the Cecil County Public Library system to decorate the library with literary murals.
And while we firmly believe in the value of art as an aesthetic and intellectual matter, it’s also just good business to fund the arts. Our sector has always punched above its weight in county and state economies. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that in 2022 the arts and culture sector contributed $12.9 billion to Maryland’s economy and accounted for more than 80,000 jobs. And Maryland’s non-profit arts organizations alone have been generating more than $1 billion in economic impact for years. Meanwhile, the funding at issue with Gov. Moore’s proposal to end the Arts Stabilization Act is $34 million. That’s 0.05% of Maryland’s $67 billion budget. The annual arts investment for each Maryland resident is $5.30, less than the cost of a fast-food snack.
The Arts Stabilization Act is particularly essential to protect smaller organizations, those in rural areas, and those who serve underserved populations, like the Cecil County Arts Council, because we rely more heavily on support from the state to keep our doors open. And we do a lot with the funding we receive to keep the arts in our county vibrant. Last year alone, on top of our monthly, free-to-the-public gallery shows exhibiting work by local artists, the Arts Council awarded $75,000 in grants to support arts educators in public and private schools; art therapy programs; community theater and dance troupes; historical preservation and education; and other cultural enrichment.
Nurturing a close-knit network of artists, educators and arts organizations has proven to benefit the county’s economy as much as its culture. A study completed by Americans for the Arts in 2023 revealed that the Cecil County arts sector generated $34.7 million in economic activity during 2022, including $16 million in spending by arts and culture organizations and an additional $18.7 million in event-related expenditures by audiences. That economic activity supported 564 jobs, provided $17.6 million in personal income to residents, and generated $5.2 million in tax revenue to local, state, and federal governments.
Ultimately, Maryland’s high ranking among US states in per capita funding for the arts is not merely a statistic. It represents the state’s deep commitment to the arts and their essential societal role. This commitment has resulted in a thriving ecosystem of arts organizations, from the most prominent symphonies to small community theaters. This cultural richness enhances the quality of life in our communities, offering opportunities for education, inspiration, and connection.
Please consider showing your support for the Arts Council and the Arts Stabilization Act by accompanying us to Maryland Arts Day, February 13, 2025, at St. John’s College in Annapolis, where we can all advocate for the arts with state delegates and senators. We will be providing a comfy bus, free of charge. Click here to register.