About
Maryland Citizens for the Arts is a statewide arts advocacy and education organization. Founded over 40 years ago to provide “One Voice for all the Arts in Maryland,” MCA works to highlight the role the arts play in economic vitality of the state and the increased quality of life they provide for all Marylanders.
Our Mission
Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA) is an arts advocacy organization committed to expanding the nonprofit arts sector through public investment and service, thereby enhancing lifelong learning, quality of life, and economic vitality for all Maryland citizens.
Our Vision
MCA will enhance the cultural and civic benefits of the transformative power of the arts, celebrating the myriad of ways a strong arts sector supports vibrant communities, a full quality education, and a thriving economy. MCA will be a leader among its peers through innovative approaches to arts advocacy for the 21st century.
About Our Work
MCA’s advocacy services fall within two categories: educating state lawmakers about the importance of public funding for the arts and supporting the organizational needs of the arts sector, including artists, organizations, administrators and volunteers.
Learn MoreOur History
A generation ago, arts funding in Maryland barely topped $475,000. Many parts of the state relied solely on local support. Others simply went without. Driven by the possibility of increased arts funding and broadened arts participation, the late Judge Francis Murnaghan, Jr., founded MCA (Maryland Citizens for the Arts) in 1977.
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April Nyman
Chair Arts Council of Anne Arundel County
Terri Allen
Coalition of African Americans in the Performing Arts
April Nyman was born in Pensacola, FL. She graduated from the University of West Florida with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marketing. After graduation, she worked as an Event Planner and Marketing Director in both the Hotel and Mall industries. While working in these corporate positions, she also served in numerous volunteer capacities in the Arts. Ms. Nymanl led a 5-year development campaign to support an emerging Cultural Arts Center. As a result of this positive experience, she moved from a corporate career to one in the non-profits. She has served as Executive Director for the Fiesta of Five Flags Celebration, Navy League, and for the CFC United Way Campaign.
April is a 2009 Executive Leadership Series graduate for Leadership Anne Arundel and chairs the Cultural Arts Day for the Flagship class annually. She was named as one of five Anne Arundel “Women of the Year” in 2010 by the Capital Gazette. Ms. Nyman is also a grants panelist for the Maryland State Arts Council; is a member of the Annapolis Rotary Club and the 21st Century Club; and serves on the Boards of Anne Arundel County Visitors Center, 4 Rivers Heritage of Anne Arundel County, and Main Street Annapolis Partners. She is the current President of the Community Arts Agencies of Maryland (CAAM).
Ms. Nyman and her family moved to Annapolis 8 years ago. She assumed the position with the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County in fall 2007. She has three children; Logan, 20; Abby, 18; and Lizzie 15. All three children are active in the arts.
Hometown
Pensacola, FL
Cultural Pursuits
Support and attend, as many artists and performances as possible!
Hidden Skill
Cooking
Secretly wants to be a…
Chef
Terri Allen
Coalition of African Americans in the Performing ArtsTerri Allen currently serves as the Executive Director of the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) a 501c3 non-profit arts organization dedicated to help “Bring Color to the Classics” by supporting and helping to promote Black Classical musicians and others in the performing arts. Under her leadership, she has helped broaden CAAPA’s reach to include national and international exposure, partnerships, and programs including: music scholarships, a year-round performance series, the Opera for Fun Youth Outreach Program, REACH International, and a national MasterClass Series, where she partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s) music departments throughout the U.S.A.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does MCA do?
To meet the opportunities of this century, the arts must be positioned politically, financially, and organizationally. To do that means enlarging the circle of people involved in the arts and building a financial base for the arts. From our advocacy campaigns and training, to our education and recognition programs, the work of MCA ensures a bright future for the arts in Maryland. Our work includes:
- Advocacy efforts which have secured landmark increases in state funding for the Maryland State Arts Council.
- Helping to create and promote arts-related legislation such as the ‘Arts Stabilization Act’ of 1994 and the ‘Smart Growth – Arts and Entertainment Districts’ bill of 2001.
- The MCA website, which provides direct access to elected officials and the media through its Action Center. Online advocacy tools, guides and reports, and action alerts are all available. Our statewide action email list actively engages constituent participation in the legislative process.
- Making advocacy a part of each gubernatorial election, informing voters where candidates stand on arts issues.
- Providing opportunities for constituents to meet with elected officials and educate policy makers on the value of the arts. At the annual Maryland Arts Day event, hundreds of individuals representing arts organizations, community leaders, and educators convene in Annapolis to raise their voices in support of state funding for the Maryland State Arts Council. MCA also participates in National Arts Advocacy Day and has sponsored several opportunities for the Maryland Congressional Delegation in support of federal funding of the arts, humanities and arts education.
- Hosting educational events such as ArtsLAB, for the arts sector to connect, discuss important issues, and exchange ideas. This annual conference brings together the resources of the arts community to explore the role of arts in communities. Topics have included community engagement, economic development, the citizen artist, funding, and more.
What is the difference between MCA and MSAC?
While MCA (Maryland Citizens for the Arts) and the MSAC (Maryland State Arts Council) both work to advance the arts in Maryland, they are very distinct organizations.
MSAC is an agency of the Maryland state government, created by legislation in 1967. The agency awards grants to nonprofit organizations for ongoing arts programs and projects. They also award grants to individual artists and provide technical assistance to individuals and groups.
MCA is an independent nonprofit advocacy organization. We do not grant funds to any individual or organization, nor are we affiliated with any state or local government. We are tasked with advocating for the arts at all levels across the state.