Continued …

More than 500 people have already participated in many public regional, issue or advisory forums held around the state during the summer to gather public perspectives about Maryland’s cultural landscape.

Strategic planning is a required “best practice” for arts agencies by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Arts Council was established 40 years ago “to create a nurturing climate for the arts in the state.”

“As we near the end of our 40th anniversary year, we recognize our obligation to be relevant and realistic as we continue to create that climate,” said Theresa M. Colvin, executive director of the Arts Council.