IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

DBED's Byways Guide named "Best in Class" by NEDA
The Northeastern Economic Developers Association 2007 Awards for Excellence in Literature and Promotions named DBED's Byways guide "Best in Class" for tourism promotion, with a "superior" rating. DBED, which received a number of superior and excellent ratings, also received the prestigious "Best of Show" Award, the top honor in a field of more than 100 entries. DBED salutes the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, which received an excellent rating for their Visitors Guide.

"Bumper" wraps filming in Baltimore County
The MGM feature film “Bumper” began filming on September 17 and wrapped its 25-day schedule on October 26, shooting most of its locations in Baltimore County. A psychological thriller revolving around a hit-and-run accident, the film was directed by Enda McCallion, a renowned commercial and music video director in Europe.

Slots bills legislation introduced at special session
A number of slots bills were introduced this week at the General Assembly's Special Session. One bill, the Maryland Gaming Act of 2008 (House Bill 26), would provide one percent of racing profits to go toward a special fund to be used specifically to pay for the marketing and tourism development initiatives administered by the Maryland Office of Tourism Development. We appreciate the many members of the tourism industry who are monitoring the Special Session to ensure that the structural deficit is fixed without sacrificing the efforts of the cultural and tourism communities. On the Net: Maryland Senate Bills Synopsis; House Bills Synopsis; Special Session Update

U.S. House passes increased funding for Heritage Areas
The U.S. House of Representatives on October 24 passed a bill (HR 1483) that could lead to increased funding for cultural heritage zones. It would designate six new national heritage areas and increase funding for nine existing areas. The bill would authorize up to $15 million over 15 years for each area, up from $10 million for existing areas. The bill would designate a "Journey Through Hallowed Ground Act" area, which would include portions of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Help Maryland cities to be named Top Arts Destinations!
Baltimore, Annapolis and Cumberland are all in the running to be named in AmericanStyle magazine’s 2008 Top Arts Destination readers’ poll. The annual readers’ poll showcases the nation’s hottest spots for arts and cultural tourism. Voters can visit www.AmericanStyle.com to select their favorite arts destinations in three categories, based on city size. Voting in this year’s poll ends January 31. Let's put Maryland at the top of the list with our votes!

Prince George's County lands USA Softball Women's National Team exhibition game
The 2008 USA Softball Women’s National Team will play an exhibition game in Prince George’s County on May 10, 2008 against The Washington Glory, winner of the 2007 National Pro Fastpitch Championship. The USA team's visit to Prince George’s County is part of a 42-city “Bound 4 Beijing” tour leading up to the 2008 Olympics in China. Aside from a game in Pittsburgh, this is their only Mid-Atlantic stop before heading to Beijing as they chase a fourth consecutive gold medal. Tickets can be purchased through www.baysox.com.

IN THE NEWS

Now Is the Perfect Time To Turn Over a Fall Leaf
Mid-October is the perfect time of year to check out fall foliage. And with daylight saving time not ending until the first Sunday of November, we have a few more weeks to enjoy the longer days. Several local organizations are sponsoring hikes over the next few weeks that will get you into the woods.

Artists benefit from renovations
The first "floating studios" for artists in vacant downtown buildings are ready for occupancy "at price points of $100 or less," said Kyra Kristof, Arts & Entertainment District Coordinator for Cambridge Main Street.

In Ocean City, the Thrills Won't Be Gone
Trimper's Rides, the iconic amusement park in Ocean City that was on the verge of closing this year after 117 summers in operation, will open next summer.

Free backstage passes to Baltimore artists' studios
School 33 blows open the doors of more than 190 studios for the annual Open Studio Tour. “You never know who’s going to walk in,” said sculptor Breon Gilleran about the two-day event.

Gift, exhibition confirm the BMA as Matisse center
Home to the world's most comprehensive collection of work by Henri Matisse, the Baltimore Museum of Art is raising its international profile as an authority and a leading exhibitor of the French Modernist master.

Extended-stay hotel, Element, set for BWI
The Baltimore area will get its first Element hotel, a new extended-stay brand created by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. The new hotel will open in 2009 at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, a hub of new hotel construction.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Register now for the Maryland Governor's Tourism Industry Conference!
Registration is filling up fast for the Maryland Governor's Tourism Industry Conference on November 14 - 16 at the Holiday Inn Select in Solomons Island. The conference facilitates the education of the tourism community, provides networking opportunities, teaches about the role of the Maryland Office of Tourism and creates a strong industry to encourage elected leaders to increase funding. For more details and a quick and easy registration, click here. Registration deadline is November 6.

November ARTvantage Grants workshops
The Maryland State Arts Council, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Program, is pleased to offer the ARTvantage Grant Program. Grant applications must be submitted via eGRANT by January 10, 2008. Two ARTvantage informational workshops are available from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 8 or Tuesday, November 13 for artists who have questions about the application or the application process. On the Net: Maryland State Arts Council


Events on the horizon

Evolution: Five Decades of Printmaking, College Park, Through March 14, 2008
Waterfowl Festival; Easton; Nov. 9-11
Maryland Mountain Artists Studio Tour; Allegany County; Nov. 3 - 4, Nov. 10 - 11
Maryland Governor's Tourism Industry Conference, Solomons Island, Nov. 14 -16