Talbot Arts, the county arts council, will accept online applications for FY 2027 Community Arts Development grants from April 5 to April 30. Eligible applicants include non-profit and government organizations that provide arts activities for Talbot County residents and visitors. Grants support specific projects, not general operations. To learn more, please attend the informational session at 6 pm on April 1, either in person at the Eastern Shore Conservancy Center, 114 S. Washington Street, Easton, or via Zoom. To receive the Zoom link, register by emailing talbotartsevents@gmail.com.
In line with the Maryland State Arts Council’s priorities, Talbot Arts will prioritize organizations and programs that increase arts accessibility in Talbot County, especially those offering free or low-cost activities. We hope more organizations will take part in this effort.
Talbot Arts is committed to making sure every part of the grant process, from marketing to awarding funds, supports diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We want everyone in the community to have opportunities to engage in the arts.
The grant criteria are the same as last year and are specified on the website https://talbotarts.org-cad. A new feature includes an ever-evolving questions-and-answers section that reflects the issues and challenges faced by past applicants. We are putting more emphasis on the quality of applications. For example, applicants should clearly explain how their programs meet the arts needs in Talbot County and how they plan to address those needs. The application now includes questions about local arts partnerships and the scholarship opportunities the organization provides to school-aged children.
The funding for these grants comes from the Maryland State Arts Council. The Talbot Arts Board reviews each grant based on the funds available for the year and the organization’s community involvement. This helps Talbot Arts use state and local funds to make the arts accessible to everyone in the county. Last year, the Council awarded $135,000 in Community Arts Development grants, ranging from $650 to $20,000, to 21 local programs and organizations.
If you need guidance or have questions about the application process, please contact Joan Levy at jlevy@talbotarts.org or 410-245-5195.
