Advocacy, Belonging, and the Power of Creative Voices

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Dear Colleagues, 

Earlier this month, AHCMC joined hundreds of arts and humanities practitioners, advocates, and champions from across the state at Maryland Arts Day in Annapolis. Together, we made our case directly to legislators: Maryland and Montgomery County’s creative sectors need your support. 

Montgomery County Advocacy Groups at Maryland Arts Day

This year, Governor Moore’s FY27 budget recommended $31.8M for the Maryland State Arts Council, which represents a 2% increase over FY26. This was incredible news! It bolstered our spirits and gave us serious momentum heading into our meetings with legislators. State investment is vital to sustaining our creative ecosystems amidst the ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal support. Without it, we’re unable to safeguard artistic expression, economic impact, and arts education. We risk limiting public access to arts and culture experiences and silencing the creative and cultural voices that make our communities whole. State support is critical for our sector to continue signaling ‘you belong’ to all who call our state and county home.

So, what exactly did we ask for? We urged legislators to please:

  • Fully fund the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) at the mandated level of $31.8M
  • Fully fund the Arts and Culture Capital Grant Program at $3M 
  • Vote YES to strengthen Public Artist rights on Senate Bill 41 and House Bill 387 
  • Vote YES to extend arts education anti-poverty grants on Senate Bill 289 and House Bill 352 

        This matters because our sector delivers. In 2025, Montgomery County’s cultural sector generated a $251 million return on the state and county’s $27.9 million investment. The arts and humanities mean business, and that economic impact flows throughout our communities. It supports small businesses, creates jobs, sustains families, and advances equity. Every investment in our creative economy strengthens Montgomery County’s future. 

        Strength of the Creative Economy in Montgomery County, MD

        The Maryland General Assembly will vote on the budget in late March/early April. If you were unable to join us in Annapolis, you can still make your voice heard! Contact your state legislators and ask them to support full funding for MSAC and the Arts and Culture Capital Grant Program, and to vote YES on SB 41/HB 387 and SB 289/HB 352. Choose any method—call, email, letter, or social media—and let them know why arts and culture matter to you and your community. When you reach out, share your personal story. Our stories are the most powerful advocacy tool in our toolbox.  

        And finally, advocacy season is starting to gear up locally as well! The public comment phase for the Montgomery County Cultural Plan is approaching, and we need to hear from you. This plan, developed in partnership with Metris Arts Consulting and rooted in Montgomery County’s Thrive Montgomery 2050 vision reflects the needs and desires of our residents and cultural sector; it will shape how our county supports artists and scholars, creative and cultural organizations, and our diverse mosaic of local communities for years to come. More details will be released soon. In the meantime, learn more and stay up to date at creativemoco.com/cultural-plan. 

        Advocacy is a sustained commitment to champion our values. Your continued dedication keeps our cultural community vibrant and strong. Let’s keep pushing forward together. Your voice and actions make a difference. Your fortitude garners results.  

        Onward! 

        Suzan