June 26, 2008
IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

Governor launches plan to energize cultural community

Gov. Martin O’Malley has invited public participation in a new cultural planning initiative – Imagine Maryland: 2008-2013 – that will identify opportunities to enhance the arts landscape in Maryland.

Coordinated by the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), Imagine Maryland is intended to stimulate economic development, boost Maryland’s quality of life, attract visitors, and support artists and arts organizations. The Arts Council is part of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, an agency of Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development.

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“Maryland has one of the strongest state-supported arts programs in the country because we value access and diversity by all citizens – to all types of arts experiences,” Gov. O’Malley said. “We know by the number of people participating in the arts – and the growing number of locally based arts programs – that our steadfast commitment has nurtured a growing creative economy.”

The governor invited Marylanders to attend regional town hall meetings or issue-based forums, and to complete an on-line survey. The Arts Council will host six regional meetings and more than 10 issue forums around the state during the next few months. Regional meetings are set for Cumberland, Bethesda, Easton, Dorchester, Baltimore and Prince Frederick.

During 2007, nonprofit arts organizations and arts programs that received operating support from the Arts Council contributed more than $1.2 billion to Maryland’s economy and provided 15,000 jobs to Maryland residents.