July 9, 2008
IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

Imagine Maryland meetings lined up for July

Regional and issue-forum meetings regarding Maryland’s new cultural planning initiative – Imagine Maryland: 2008-2013 – are scheduled this month throughout the state. Launched by Gov. Martin O'Malley and 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.

“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,” said Gov. O’Malley. “Imagine Maryland will guide us as this growth continues and be an important tool to help us better serve our citizens’ artistic endeavors.”

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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. 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.